Canadiens Preview and Lines: Dobes Starts, Demidov Skates

The Montreal Canadiens (39-31-9) are set to play the Toronto Maple Leafs (48-26-4), with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET.

Montreal failed to clinch a playoff berth on Friday, losing a one-sided battle to the Ottawa Senators that certainly did not inspire fans. That being said, the team will have another opportunity to ensure they get invited to the springtime dance, less than 24 hours later.

If the Habs manage to beat the Maple Leafs in regulation, they will officially qualify for the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. If they beat the Maple Leafs in overtime, their odds will jump to 99.9 percent, while an OT loss would bring their playoff odds to 99.5 percent.

However, if they lose in regulation, their odds will drop to 96.5 percent.

Playoff Implications (Via Money Puck)

Top prospect Ivan Demidov has joined the team in Toronto, but he’s not expected to face the Maple Leafs. Fans are surely excited to see him in action, but we also have to allow for a grace period, given that he’s yet to actually practice with the entire team, and he still has to learn the playbook.

Nifty move by Ivan Demidov at practice 😯@sdpnsports pic.twitter.com/S31iWHBgKx

— Jesse Blake (@JesseBlake) April 12, 2025

The only change expected prior to puck drop is goaltender Jakub Dobes replacing Samuel Montembeault. It will be Dobes’ second start of the month, and he’ll look to build on the 37-save performance that secured a win against the Nashville Predators on April 6.

With that in mind, the Canadiens can make life easier on their netminders if they stop allowing opposing teams to set the tone. Come-from-behind wins are fun, and exciting, but they’re also huge energy saps, which is far from ideal when you consider the Habs have already had to work harder than most teams to put themselves in the driver’s seat for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Leafs clinched a playoff berth long ago, but they always tend to put up a good fight versus Montreal, which means Martin St-Louis’ troops cannot afford yet another false start. Due to injuries, the Leafs are going to play with just five defenceman, a situation Canadiens forwards must exploit, via constant pressure and a heavy forecheck.

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup

Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lineup

Knies – Matthews – Marner

Jarnkrok – Tavares – Nylander

McMann – Domi – Robertson

Holmberg – Laughton – Lorentz

Rielly – Carlo

Benoit – Tanev

Myers –

Stolarz

How to Watch the Montreal Canadiens vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saturday, April 12, 2025

Game 80 of the regular season will be aired on TVA Sports and Sportsnet. Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now.

Montreal Canadiens playoff odds via Money Puck.