Habs Daily: Demidov’s Frustration, Jared Davidson, Playoff Race

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

Montreal Canadiens News

Ivan Demidov’s usage in the KHL has been questionable to say the least. But despite the archaic approach in Saint Petersburg, the top Montreal Canadiens prospect is dealing with the unreasonable adversity with maturity beyond his years. [The Silver Lining To Ivan Demidov And His Ridiculous KHL Usage]

Believe it or not, the Habs scored the opening goal of the game on Friday, versus the Carolina Hurricanes. Unfortunately, the team once again ran out of gas, a byproduct of having to work three times harder than most to overcome a bevy of early-game deficits during previous games in the season. The loss, combined with a Columbus Blue Jackets win over the Vancouver Canucks means the Canadiens no longer hold the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Kaiden Guhle also returned to play on Friday, though it wasn’t enough to save the exhausted Habs. [Habs Highlights: Canadiens Run Out Of Gas In Carolina]

On the bright side, the Laval Rocket’s race to the playoff is over, at least from a qualification standpoint. The Rocket beat the Toronto Marlies 4-1 to clinch a playoff berth, while also maintaining their grip on the top spot in the AHL standings. We’ll discuss their exciting situation a little later today, but in the meantime please enjoy yet another entertaining Jared Davidson clip.

This time around it’s a fight, but when it comes to Davidson, every shift is exciting. He delivers big hits, takes endless one-timers, and plays with the mentality of a 1980s NHLer, but with a modern skill set.

JARED 🥊 pic.twitter.com/ZBHJsXaxOI

— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) March 29, 2025

In one of the most shocking developments of the season, Lane Hutson did not register a point on Friday. Sure, that may seem normal for most, but this is Lane Hutson we’re talking about, so it’s actually noteworthy. Jokes aside, I don’t have a tweet to embed, so please enjoy this already outdated Hutson analysis video in its stead. As per usual, David St-Louis’ words were prophetic.

National Hockey Now Network

Flyers defenceman Cam York was benched for the second-straight game on Thursday, with interim head coach Brad Shaw citing disciplinary reasons.  [Philadelphia Flyers]

Every team in the chase for the second Wild Card in the NHL’s Eastern Conference appears to be doing their utmost to keep the Detroit Red Wings in the race.  [Detroit Red Wings]

As expected, Brad Marchand was finally in the starting lineup alongside former foe Sam Bennett and rookie winger Mackie Samoskevich. He got a nice ovation from the crowd when he was introduced prior to the game. [Florida Panthers]