Habs Daily: Canadiens Playoff Chances, Top Line Shines, Kapanen

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

Montreal Canadiens News

There were two lineup changes prior to Tuesday’s game versus the Canucks. The first saw Joshua Roy replace Owen Beck on the second line, while the second featured Samuel Montembeault taking over netminding duties from Jakub Dobes. You’d be hard-pressed to blame either Dobes or Beck for the 1-0 loss against the Calgary Flames.

The loss was mostly due to Dustin Wolf’s great play, but at this point in the season, the results matter more than the process, since the Canadiens can’t afford to leave any points on the table. In that vein, switching Beck for Roy was understandable, because the team desperately needs offence if they’re to maintain their dwindling playoff chances. [Canadiens Playoff Hopes: Honest Analysis Of Montreal’s Chances]

The Habs may only be receiving offence from their first line, but it’s better than nothing, especially when all three members of the top trio are contributing on a regular basis.

Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, and Nick Suzuki did most of the heavy lifting against the Canucks, which was enough to secure a 4-2 win. Of course, the team needs other lines to start following suit, but for now, we can’t look a gift horse in the mouth. [Habs Highlights: Slafkovsky, Caufield, Suzuki Want Playoff Hockey]

Prospect Oliver Kapanen continues to enjoy a great season in the SHL. The 21-year-old Finn had a three-point game against Växjö, to the tune of a goal and two assists. It was the final game of the regular season, which means Kapanen ends the campaign with 15 goals and 20 assists in 36 games. Remember, Kapanen was playing in Liiga last season, which means his increase in production in the SHL is notable, as it’s a stronger league.

#Habs Oliver Kapanen with a three point night so far, two secondary assists, and here he grabs his own rebound to score. 36 (15+21) points in 37 games. Very good from the young Finn. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/T1DPqLIRlc

— Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) March 11, 2025

ICYMI: There was a confirmed case of measles at the Bell Centre. The measles exposure took place on March 3, as the Canadiens faced the Buffalo Sabres. Anyone present at the Bell Centre should monitor themselves for symptoms, especially those who were located in the red sections 111-117.

The symptoms usually take 10–14 days to appear following exposure, and include a dry cough, a fever, and rashes. Also, please get vaccinated if you have not had the chance to do so. This is a dangerous disease, and we know how to prevent it, but it takes a small dose of civic responsibility from everyone. [City News]

National Hockey Now Network

Tuesday, the Penguins were badly outshot, 38-17, but the last one counted. Crosby was on top of the play. Goaltender Tristan Jarry continued his comeback with a second-straight stellar performance. And, Erik Karlsson couldn’t find anyone to open for a pass in overtime, so he netted the game-winner. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Things have not been going great for the Boston Bruins this season — but beating the Florida Panthers on Tuesday must have felt good. [Florida Panthers]

In retrospect, it would’ve done the Red Wings a world of good had the club been the one opting to make a move for goaltender Linus Ullmark last summer. [Detroit Red Wings]