Habs Daily: Florida State Dominance, Primeau Clears Waivers

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Sunday.

Montreal Canadiens News

The Montreal Canadiens had an impressive performance against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Not only did they control the play at 5v5 for the majority of the game, the 5-2 win featured yet another Jake Evans goal. His 10th goal of the season placed him in a tie with Brendan Gallagher for the third most in the lineup. [Habs Highlights: Jake Evans Steals The Spotlight Again]

ICYMI: Even though the Canadiens won 4-0 versus the Florida Panthers on Saturday, Jakub Dobes still had to do his part, especially in the third period, when the Panthers took over from a momentum standpoint. Saturday’s game was also Kirby Dach’s best outing of the season thanks to a two-goal effort. As per tradition, Jake Evans scored a dramatic goal, and Juraj Slafkovsky looked good while playing on the first line. [Habs Highlights: Dream NHL Start For Dobes, Dach Finds Rhythm]

As an added benefit to the strong efforts in Florida, the Habs are heading to Las Vegas for New Year’s Eve with immaculate locker-room vibes. And unlike most of us who go to Nevada on December 31, they may actually remember the trip. The Habs are now just a few points out of a playoff spot thanks to the usual cast of Eastern Conference teams failing to meet expectations.

Las Vegas, nous voilà ✨

Vegas, here we come#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/PpFBizRubp

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 30, 2024

Unsurprisingly, goaltender Cayden Primeau was not claimed on waivers. He will now report to the Laval Rocket, where he’ll split starts with veteran netminder Connor Hughes. Primeau’s time with the Habs is likely to come to an end once his contract expires this summer, but a strong showing in the AHL to close out the season could renew his NHL aspirations. [Montreal Canadiens Place Primeau On NHL Waivers]