Montreal Canadiens Dealt Brutal News Before Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

The Montreal Canadiens were dealt some brutal news over the weekend as forward Joel Armia has entered the league's COVID protocol list and is unable to play in both Game 1 and 2 in Tampa Bay.

Armia missed practice on Sunday and the speculation started brewing with what was going on and sure enough the announcement was made by the NHL. Armia did test positive for COVID back in March, which resulted in the postponement of several games for the Canadiens.

With Armia out, the Canadiens will need to do some juggling and it appears Jake Evans is slated to return to their lineup and will line up at left-wing with Eric Staal and Corey Perry. Evans hasn't played since being absolutely smashed by Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele in Game 1 of Round 2.

Considering Canadiens' head coach Dominique Ducharme is going to be away from the team for their first two games in Tampa Bay, along now with Armia, there's no doubt COVID could have a huge impact on the outcome of the Cup Final.

HUGE UPDATE:

Luke Richardson says Joel Armia is en route to TB in a private jet, out of COVID protocol and a game-time decision for tonight.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 28, 2021