Habs Daily: Laval Rocket On Top, Suzuki’s Effort, Primeau

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

Montreal Canadiens News

I have to apologize for the lack of a recap following Saturday’s 1-0 loss by the Habs to the Calgary Flames. My power supply decided it was time to call it a day, and despite Amazon Prime being able to pull off miracles in some instances, I could only get a replacement late on Sunday night.

A few belated notes, if I may.

Dustin Wolf is a hell of a goalie, and should probably be included in the Calder Trophy conversation, ahead of Matvei Michkov. Essentially, I don’t think it’s a two-way race between Lane Hutson and Macklin Celebrini anymore.

With that in mind, it’s curious how quickly Montreal’s offensive firepower goes quiet whenever Hutson or Nick Suzuki fail to create something out of nothing. The Canadiens didn’t play particularly poorly on Saturday, but it would be nice to see a few different players take the lead as the team hopes to squeak into the playoffs.

It would also be nice to see a little more support whenever Dobes takes to the net. As much as Wolf’s .916 save percentage is impressive, we can’t forget Dobes, a fellow rookie, is currently rocking a .913 save percentage. It would be a shame if his above average results end up being all for naught.

Still early, but Jakub Dobes has his work cut out for him tonight, apparently. pic.twitter.com/yYIJ2sq7tC

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) March 9, 2025

I know not everyone was happy with the lack of activity from the Habs at the NHL Trade Deadline, but there is value in keeping the hardest-working players in the lineup happy. Or rather, not betraying their trust.

That being said, even though Kent Hughes was right to reward Suzuki for dragging his team to respectability, the Canadiens must quickly find their rhythm, or the flood of criticism will lead to a very frustrating end of the season, both from the players and the fans. [Canadiens Walk The Trade Dead-Line, Hughes Discusses Strategy]

“I’m very happy that no one was traded. I love all the guys in that room. We believe in what we’re building…It’s nice to have that faith from the management that we can stay together & try to make the playoffs. It was a good conversation with Kent obviously.”

– Habs captain… pic.twitter.com/GZxMihEv2G

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 8, 2025

The Laval Rocket aren’t just having a good year, they’re the top team in the AHL, and there’s very little doubt as to their validity of their place in the standings.

Not only did they beat the Rochester Americans on Friday, the team that formerly occupied the first-place position, they repeated their exploit on Saturday, beating the Americans 2–1 thanks to goals from Riley Kidney (3) and Joshua Roy (20). With the game-winning goal, Roy beats Jared Davidson to become the first Rocket player to reach the 20-goal mark.

Cayden Primeau was excellent, a continuation of his dominant play since being assigned to the AHL. He saved 23 of the 24 shots sent his way, which means he now sports a 14-2-0-1 record, as well as a .911 save percentage. For reference, Dobes’ had a .910 save percentage at the time of his call-up to the NHL.

I’m not trying to say Primeau is the better goaltender, but you’d have to be a cold-hearted bastard not to recognize he’s done everything possible to help the Rocket reach the top of the league.

🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 https://t.co/osRqcVXYem pic.twitter.com/rkRNzsatuI

— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) March 8, 2025

Prospect Michael Hage maintained his point-per-game pace by earning his 34th point of the season during the University of Michigan’s 5-2 loss to Penn State. Unfortunately, the loss means Hage’s freshman campaign in the NCAA is over. All things considered, the rookie impressed, and not just because he scored 13 goals and 21 assists in 33 games. His ability to execute high-quality plays at top speed makes him incredibly entertaining, as well as the type of prospect that tends to excel once they make it to the NHL.

All Jacob Fowler does is win. Okay, that’s not entirely accurate, but his last loss dates back to February 14. The top Montreal Canadiens goaltending prospect made 27 saves, recording his seventh shutout of the season as the Boston College Eagles downed Merrimack 6-0.

Jacob Fowler gets his SEVENTH SHUTOUT in 32 games with BC this season 🔥

He is HIM 😤 pic.twitter.com/dPw5MfWPed

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 8, 2025

National Hockey Now Network

Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan isn’t revealing his starting goalie for Monday’s game against the Ottawa Senators. But there is plenty of logic attached to the idea of starting newly-acquired Petr Mrazek. [Detroit Red Wings]

Nearly two months since Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry last started an NHL game, he was a blown penalty call away from a shutout win. On the other side of the ice, Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was playing his final game against the team which drafted him, developed him, for whom he won three Stanley Cups, and his original hockey home. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Brad Marchand wanted to stay with the Boston Bruins. The Boston Bruins wanted to keep Brad Marchand. And yet, Marchand is no longer a member of the Bruins. [Boston Bruins]