Canadiens Daily
Habs Daily: Canadiens Surge Into 2025, Caufield 100th, Kovalchuk
As we turn the corner into 2025, I would like to extend my deep gratitude to our fantastic community of Montreal Canadiens fans. Reading, sharing, and boosting our articles on social media is always appreciated, but more than anything, I’m proud of the balance we’ve achieved in the comments. Healthy debate is the lifeblood of our website, yet another reason why we’re lucky to have passionate, yet respectful conversations about all things Habs.
Of course, we can always improve upon what we’ve built, and if you have any suggestions as to how you’d like to see the site grow, please do not hesitate to leave us a note.
Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Tuesday.
Montreal Canadiens News
The Habs closed out 2024 in style, mounting their first multi-goal comeback of the season to beat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-2. Samuel Montembeault was great, Emil Heineman scored again, Kirby Dach earned the GWG, and Cole Caufield scored the 100th goal of his NHL career. [Habs Highlights: Dach Is Back, Montembeault Holds Fort]
Speaking of Caufield, here he is with the puck used to reach 100 NHL goals.
100 #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/0CSNy1tUrJ
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 31, 2024
Martin St-Louis was rather pumped after Tuesday’s big win. It’s good to see him smiling, and not only because being a head coach in Montreal can be stressful. He’s the ultimate competitor, and if he’s smiling, it means the Canadiens are playing well.
Coach Marty St. Louis’ reaction after the Habs win vs Vegas.
He is HYPE 😤 pic.twitter.com/Zf700QUQEL
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) December 31, 2024
Former Hab Ilya Kovalchuk had some very nice things to say about his time in Montreal. As per usual, it was the fans who made the lasting impact. Kovalchuk went as far as saying his time in Montreal was among his career highlights, even if he only played 22 games for Les Glorieux at the tail-end of his time in the NHL.
«Montreal was one of the brightest periods in my career » – Ilya Kovalchuk about the times in Montreal pic.twitter.com/NTZmGNFEw8
— Милена (@D1VDsAGUJsk2iPk) January 1, 2025
Patrik Laine, noted good guy. Though I’d suggest buying tickets for a Leafs game is a little cruel, but the intention was great. Jokes aside, Laine is quickly becoming a fan favourite in Montreal, and we’re seeing a surge of good will and compliments from various NHL circles, which is fantastic. Sorry, Mr. Werenski.
Meet the Tappara Finland U15 AAA team, which will attend today’s Isles-Leafs game after winning the Wayne Gretzky International.
The best part? Patrik Laine covered the cost of tickets for the kids from his hometown who wouldn’t otherwise have had the budget to see an NHL game. pic.twitter.com/vHzowWQxub
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 31, 2024
Prospect Tyler Thorpe, picked 130th overall in 2024, had another big game for the Vancouver Giants. He scored a goal and an assist versus the Victoria Royals, pushing his season totals to 14 goals and 17 assists in 34 games.
Oliver Kapanen quickly found his timing in the SHL, and continues to maintain close to a point-per-game pace. The decision to loan him to Timra is paying off.
Oliver Kapanen scores his fifth goal for the SHL season. His 12th point in 13 games. #Habs #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/rUUjZfFgui
— Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) December 30, 2024
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Tyler Thorpe is the second leading goal scorer on his team with 14 goals.17 year old Cameron Schmidt leads the team in goals with 26 goals. Cameron Schmidt might be the best 5 foot 7 inches prospect since Cole Caufield.
Schmidt has been climbing the draft rankings since the initial lists came out, dynamic offensive player. Apparently, one if the big reasons Hughes passed on Michkov was because he didn’t want two small top 6 forwards so I doubt he is in play for us.
Thorpe has a lot of the desired elements in his game for a bottom 6 forward. I’m interested in seeing video clips like the one Marc attached to measure his skating development. I’m convinced it’s the main area that needs to be improved to be effective at the next level. However I think he’s a bit quicker than he was last year and even earlier this season.
Forward Kale Dach has also been getting some attention. Although he has the same last name as Kirby and comes from the same home town as Kirby, he is not related to Kirby.
Looked him up, he’s small and still playing junior A so not likely to be drafted or a late rounder, despite having a strong campaign. Weird that they are from fort Saskatchewan and unrelated.
Thank you Marc for al the articles and info – always enjoy reading.
The differences I see in Montreal play from 2-3 weeks ago. First, the defensive sone coverage even when player on looks much improved. There are still times when a player is chasing one opponent with the puck for 20+ seconds but coverage is not breaking down. Best example, Hutson had to stay with a much larger Vegas F yesterday. It went on for a good 20 sec with start, stops, Savardian spins – lucky it was Hutson covering. Hutson was gassing out but as play went into corner Dach stepped in and stole the puck. Shortly after Montreal scored their 3rd goal.
Second. Laine sniping on PP. Just lifts everyones confidence. And credit to Laine for his effort on D. He is working at it. And that helps all players.
Third. Carrier and Gulhe can manage top lines. Carrier is not big and physical but he can play D and moves the puck really well. Also allows Gulhe to play LD. Hopeful they can keep up their standard of play and improve.
And while all players have been nice to watch on this run, I continue to be impressed by Heineman. Takes the body, makes small plays that matter and seems to bring it every shift. Which of course leads to Gallagher. Still brings the hard work every shift, seems a bit smarter with his net play.
A great finish to 2024. Hopeful that many good things continue in 2025 and 2026.
Excellent analysis, I didn’t see the game but that is the type of stuff I enjoy watching for. Yeah, Heineman has gone from mostly incognito to very visible and highly functional the past couple of months. I think he helps provide us with a competitive advantage over most fourth lines in the league. He matches all the criteria Hughes and Gorton prefer. Strong, fast, hard to play against and want to be a difference maker. Plus that shot….oooh baby as Bob Cole would say.