I think there is a fine line between strategy and unethical play. Obviously, you can't lose on purpose, but if winning isn't a priority, and losing isn't a bad thing, then you focus on other things. Maybe a rest for your star players. A bit more ice time to break somebody out of a slump. Penalty kill practice for those 5th and 6th defensemen. If the Habs employ this strategy against Ottawa, or in any of their remaining three games, that's fine.
Obviously the teams on the playoff bubble won't be pleased with this, but tough luck. That's what happens when you put your playoff fate in the hands of other teams.
As for the Pittsburgh / Rangers game, I watched the third period last night and I think an accusation of 'cheating' is a bit of a stretch. Playing for overtime implies a conservative game in the last two minutes of the game. If the offensive chance is there, you'll take it, but not at the expense of a possible counter-attack. NYR was definitely playing this way, as expected: every point is desperate for them at this stage. Pittsburgh, though, definitely wasn't. They were forechecking VERY aggressively in the last two minutes, looking for a turnover. They put on Crosby, Malkin and Hossa with under 1:30 to go, none of whom will ever be considered a 'defense-first' player. Then they call a timeout, and design a play for Ryan Malone to crash the net, which could also have led to an odd-man rush the other way. Were the Rangers trying to play for OT? Definitely. The Pens? They were going for the kill.
I'm all for strategic efforts in the last few games in order to start the playoffs in a good position, but I'm not sure how you can simultaneously let up and maybe even try to lose while also trying to finish the season feeling confident with your play and pumped for post season.
Im with Topham on not wanting to play Ottawa in the first round, and I'd really like to start against Boston, cause they're the only team that doesn't stand a chance against the habs. But I'm also with Darren on resting some players, and giving other guys playing time, however definitely not losing intentionally against Ottawa or any teams. I highly doubt that Carbo would ever propose this, but I would expect him to rest a few skaters.
In the end, we want to win the cup so we can't be afraid of any opponent, no matter what round.
I agree that the goal is a cup and that we should be able to beat anyone Jeff. But, I will remind you that in 1993 we were spared a third round match-up with the Pens thanks to 7th game heroics from the underdog Islanders. Winning a cup isn't necessarily about being the best team in the playoffs it is about getting 4 match-ups that suit your team. A match-up with Ottawa in any round is one I would (and I guarantee so would the Habs) fear.
Not many people were very pleased when Sweden tanked the Slovakia game in 2006 to try and get Switzerland instead of the Czechs.
I think if you can realistically work out which scenarios will happen if you win or if you lose and the losing one favours your team in the quest for the ultimate goal, your team would be foolhardy to ignore this type of strategy.
Let's see, but as I said, Ottawa might not be playing to get themselves out of that Montreal match-up, so complications abound.
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