Canadiens Daily
Habs Daily: Playoff Hopes Renewed, Ivan Demidov, Laval Rocket
Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on the weekend.
Montreal Canadiens News
The Canadiens lost 4-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, which left little enthusiasm as to their playoff odds. But the Eastern Conference is sloppy as hell, which meant a win on Sunday would immediately breathe life into an exhausted team’s chances to nab the final Wild Card spot. Despite dropping a pair of one-goal leads versus the Florida Panthers, the Habs managed to rally in the third period to secure a crucial 4-2 win. It was their third consecutive win against the defending Stanley Cup champions, and as per usual, Nick Suzuki and Lane Hutson did a lot of the heavy lifting. [Habs Highlights: Suzuki And Hutson Hungry For Playoff Hockey]
The numbers definitely back the idea that Suzuki and Hutson continue to lead the charge for the Habs.
NHL GameScore Impact Card for Montreal Canadiens on 2025-03-30: pic.twitter.com/Y6wGKT6oEe
— HockeyStatCards (@hockeystatcards) March 30, 2025
Unsurprisingly, Hutson continues to have his eyes on the prize.
Lane Hutson on the Habs win today:
“You do a little bit of reflecting as a group, realize we’re still in the fight & we gotta answer the bell. I think we did a pretty good job but we’re not finished…” pic.twitter.com/kOQj8t7bVv
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 30, 2025
We tend to take Hutson’s play for granted, but the assist that set up Nick Suzuki’s game-winning goal was flat-out incredible. Just when you think he’s finally running out of room, Hutson springs the trap.
What a PRIMARY ASSIST by Lane Hutson on the Nick Suzuki goal 🔥
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 30, 2025
The Carolina Hurricanes helped the Habs out by beating the New York Islanders 6-4. The Islanders are now tied with the Detroit Red Wings, three points back of the Canadiens for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Everybody’s hands go UP pic.twitter.com/4XpiQdEvF6
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) March 30, 2025
Ivan Demidov has taken his ridiculous KHL usage in stride, but the top Canadiens prospect went out of his way to demonstrate his frustration prior to SKA Saint-Petersburg’s playoff game. By not saying much, the talented forward said everything we need to know about his situation. The good news is Demidov will be in Montreal next season, and we won’t have to worry about his KHL usage anymore. By next year, we’ll be worrying about his NHL usage instead! [Ivan Demidov Shows Frustration In Pre-Game Interview]
The Laval Rocket clinched a playoff berth by beating their rivals, the Toronto Marlies. If Laval manages to hold onto the top spot in the North Division, they’ll automatically qualify for the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs, giving them a significant advantage from an injury-recovery standpoint. Not only is Laval currently the top team in the AHL, head coach Pascal Vincent is using drafted prospects in key roles, rather than depending on hired mercenaries, as the Rocket did in previous seasons. The playoff race in the NHL is entertaining, but it’s the potential playoff run in the AHL that will really hold everyone’s attention this spring. [The Laval Rocket Are Building Something Special In The AHL]
National Hockey Now Network
When it comes to entertainment, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are unrivalled. Four teams have been eliminated thus far, and three have clinched a playoff berth. If all goes well, the Vegas Golden Knights could be the next team to officially clinch a playoff berth. [Vegas Golden Knights]
When the Detroit Red Wings made Marco Kasper the eighth overall selection of the 2022 NHL entry draft, there was immediate concern among hockey people. [Detroit Red Wings]
The Habs continue to give the Florida Panthers problems. The Panthers dropped their third straight game to the pesky Montreal Canadiens. [Florida Panthers]
