The Canadiens have turned pressure into confidence

Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty ImagesThere’s a quote from Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle that goes, “No pressure, no diamonds.” It feels apt as the Montreal Canadiens prepare to play in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in almost three decades.

The team stared down the barrel of elimination for three straight games against the Toronto Maple Leafs, somehow stunning their forever rival to win in Game 7. There was tremendous pressure in that series, not only on the players but the coaches and front office. The Canadiens spent to the cap ceiling, brought over their prized defensive prospect from Russia, signed their top prospect late in the season, and even added some Stanley…