Canadiens Postgame
Habs Highlights: Canadiens Fail to Clinch, Great Dobes Performance Gets Point
The Montreal Canadiens were in Toronto on Saturday night, facing the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second leg of back-to-back games that included travel.
Fortunately, the Habs did not have to travel far, as they were already in Ontario, having failed to clinch a playoff berth on Friday night versus the Ottawa Senators.
Top prospect Ivan Demidov was with the team, and participated in the optional practice, but his debut with the Canadiens is likely to take place on Monday, at the Bell Centre.
Neither team managed to score in regulation, which meant the Canadiens banked a precious point in the Eastern Conference Wild Card playoff race. Mitch Marner ended up scoring the only goal of the game, therefore the Habs will have to wait another day before officially clinching a playoff spot.
With the overtime loss, the Canadiens’ playoff odds are now 99.5 percent. It’s coming folks, we just need to be patient.
Let’s dive into the highlights!
A Flaw In The Matrix
Believe it or not, the Habs did not allow the Leafs to score a first-period goal.
That’s it. That’s the whole segment.
Oh, and it’s also worth noting the Habs haven’t held a first-period lead into the intermission since March 15, versus the Florida Panthers, but that shouldn’t be a problem if they make the playoffs.
Right?
Right?
Bueller?
Guhle Smash
Not every Canadiens player was ready to play, but Kaiden Guhle was clearly raring to go. The 21-year-old bowled over both Jared McCann and John Tavares, adding a much-needed dose of energy to the equation for the Canadiens.
Kaiden Guhle’s big hits on McMann and Tavares. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/WAl3e7G5ar
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 13, 2025
This drew a response from former Hab, Max Domi, and while some may scoff at the idea of fighting after clean hits, the Habs were knocking the Leafs down like bowling pins at that point in the game, and I’d argue that warrants some sort of response, especially on home ice.
It was far from the best fight in league history, but at least it was the first time Domi was noticeable on the ice.
Kaiden Guhle and Max Domi dance. Not the most technical fight in NHL history. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/MmRZqABH6n
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 13, 2025
Maybe We Don’t Consult Dr. Shot Next Time
The Leafs had an advantage in momentum, but only slightly. I’d argue the Habs created as many good chances, if not more at 5v5, but they were let down by their accuracy, which was reminiscent of a drunken octopus trying to play the piano. Toronto did take over for a few stretches, including a good start to the third period.
Jakub Dobes shuts down John Tavares multiple times in a row: pic.twitter.com/y1sl5edRHi
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 13, 2025
The good news is that Jakub Dobes held the fort when needed, which isn’t easy to do against a high-powered team such as the Leafs, especially when you don’t get many starts as a rookie netminder. Dobes’ excellent play in the third period was crucial, as it essentially secured at least one point, with the game needing extra time.
More solid saves from Dobes tonight: pic.twitter.com/hKGtcpigeS
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 13, 2025
The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Monday. They will host the Chicago Blackhawks at the Bell Centre, with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET. All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick. Playoff odds via Money Puck.
I really don’t understand how their odds are 99.5 percent. With the remaining schedule, it’s very plausible that they lose their next two and the Jackets win all 3 of theirs. Feels like there’s at least a 10% chance of that happening.
The Habs have both tiebreakers over Columbus, regulation wins (RW) and regulation + overtime wins (ROW).
But if we lose our next 2 and Columbus win their next 3, they beat us in points, no tiebreakers needed. I agree with Samuel, that hardly seems like only a 0.5% probability. We HAVE to win against Chicago to get the 90th point. If we only get a loser point, Columbus wins the tiebreaker with 30 RW to our 29 (assuming the Jackets win their 3 games and we lose our 2).
And it’s all over tonight if caps beat Columbus.
Yep. IF… 🤞
Well, that was disappointing.
Habs need to crush it tonight.
I agree. If we don’t get a point vs Chicago, it’s time to sweat. It’s one of those trap games and everyone will be focused on Demidov’s debut. Considering how horrible our starts have been of late, a loss isn’t such an implausible scenario. Carolina always has our number, so we HAVE to get results from the Chicago game.
Carolina may put a b lineup with nothing to gain and them stuck in their spot. Habs will beat Chicago and we might not even need to of capitals win. Caps are welcome to lose 4 in a row in round 1 after a win today though.
I don’t understand the chronic slow starts. I don’t understand why Xhekaj sits and Savard plays especially on back to back nights. It will be fun to see a return to the playoffs but given the first round opponent it will likely be a short run. The best we can hope for is that a young team gains valuable experience for the future.
I don’t think the Caps want to play us. I’m sure we are eager to play them. Caps are much worse than the team Halak defeated and this habs team is much better than that habs team.
Bobby McMann not Jared McCann.
The probability that Columbus will win 3 straight games is about 12.5%. and the probability that Montreal will lose their last 2 games in regulation is about 20 %. So I feel that the Canadiens have a 97.5 % chance to make the playoffs. I am assuming that every game Columbus and Montreal have a 50 % chance of winning which may not be an accurate assumption.