April 9, 2025
The Montreal Canadiens are on the cusp on clinching a play-off spot
Who would have thought, at the start of this season, that the rebuilding Montreal Canadiens would be on the cusp of securing a play-off spot and playing meaningful hockey games in April.
The Habs began their campaign a deflated bunch, following the pre-season injury to newly acquired star Patrik Laine, who was feared lost for the whole season, and in many ways have been living the Cinderella dream ever since.
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Not only did Laine return and breath life into a stagnant powerplay, but he also brought an air of hope and possibility with him as well. With his return, the Montreal Canadiens began to turn their season around – and it began with Laine’s ability to launch missiles from the half-boards on the power play.
As the season has worn on, the Montreal Canadiens have gained as a team, lead by team captain Nick Suzuki who has had a career year and will finish the regular season as a point per game player, the first in almost thirty years for the Habs – and by rookie Calder trophy shoo-in Lane Hutson, who is just two points back of equally Larry Murphy’s NHL record for most assists for a rookie defenseman, as well as passing Chris Chelios for most points by a Montreal Canadiens rookie defenseman in the clubs history. A history that spans over a century.
Goaltender Samuel Montembeault too cemented his name in the Habs history books last night, become just the third Canadiens goalie to earn thirty wins in a season in the past twenty-five years. Carey Price did it five times, Jose Theodore twice – and now Montembeault has joined them.
Yesterday – the news that top prospect Ivan Demidov has been release by his KHL team, Ska, has signed a three-year entry level deal and is headed to Montreal to finish off the NHL season, literally has the city buzzing with excitement. As did the signings of other key prospects Tyler Thorpe and goaltender Jacob Fowler – both of whom will join the AHL’s Laval Rocket for the end of their season and play-offs.
The biggest story of the Canadiens year so far, though, is that the team is now on the cusp of securing the second wild card spot and a play-off spot, following its win over the Detroit Red Wings last night.
To do so, the Montreal Canadiens need to earn just three more points in their remaining four games. The Habs now hold an eight-point lead over the only four teams that can pass them for the spot, while each of the New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Long Island Islanders and Detroit Red Wings have a game in hand, and would need to win all five of their remaining games to stand a chance. Three points for the Habs would make that all for nothing.
Read More:
>> Jacob Fowler signs an entry-level deal with the Canadiens
>> Jake Evans signs a new deal with the Canadiens
>> Lane Hutson continues to impress, leads all rookies in points
Thus, in April, the rebuilding trope of general manager Kent Hughes is on the cusp of bring play-off hockey back to the leagues most storied team. The Montreal Canadiens! And they could potentially have their next superstar with them for that final push as well – Ivan Demidov.
The excitement around Montreal today, is going to be electric to say the least.
