Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens Qualify For Playoffs, Opponent Set
It’s official, the Montreal Canadiens have captured the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, confirming their presence in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.
They booked their ticket to the springtime dance by beating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 in the final game of the season.
Their first-round opponent will be the high-flying Washington Capitals, as the current playoff setup dictates that the division winner with the best record in each conference will be matched up with the second wild-card team.
ON TOPIC: Canadiens Clinch Playoff Berth In Exciting Final Game Of The Season
It won’t be an easy series by any means, but there’s definitely a discrepancy in expectations when discussing both teams. The Capitals have everything to lose, whereas the Habs are essentially playing with house money. Of course, beating Alex Ovechkin and company will necessitate a few players catching lightning in a bottle, just as Mike Cammalleri and Jaroslav Halak did back in 2010.
The Canadiens were also the 8th seed that season, but they shook the playoff landscape by beating the Capitals in seven games. They proceeded to eliminate Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the semifinals, before finally bowing to the Philadelphia Flyers in the conference finals.
Montreal Canadiens Future
Few expected the Canadiens to make the playoff in the first place, and though it’s fair to say the Eastern Conference teams chasing them failed miserably, there’s no denying the Habs are well ahead of schedule when it comes to their long-term rebuild plans.
It also speaks to the fantastic work done by Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki.
He was challenged by general manager Kent Hughes to lead his team to the playoffs, and you’d be hard-pressed to argue Suzuki did not overdeliver. The decision to keep a few veterans in place rather than trading them for mediocre draft picks at the trade deadline has clearly paid off.
ON TOPIC: The Montreal Canadiens Walk The Trade Dead-Line, Hughes Discusses Strategy
At the risk of sounding arrogant, despite Montreal’s presence in the playoffs coming as somewhat of a surprise, the NHL will be much better off for it.
And it’s not just a matter of having the most storied franchise in league history in the mix.
For the first time in a very long time, the Canadiens, Senators, and Maple Leafs will be taking part in the playoffs, which could set up some very interesting matchups. After all, rivalries may be born in the regular season, but they’re pushed to the next level in the playoffs.
Hats off to Armia for a great game. He won’t get much recognition, but I think he was just as valuable as Suzuki and Montembeault were tonight.
Thank you Marc for all the coverage this season. I am in and out of Quebec – so you are my lifeline to the Habs.
And after watching this group in November I am stunned they get a try at the Cup. So hats off to the players and the organization.
And when you get a chance at the dance – you go like crazy.
Looking forward to watching.
My only team comment is i believe #72 needs to play as I am sure #48 will be targeted for heavy and late hits. I know his hockey IQ and skating is elite but late hits seem to be acceptable in the run for the Cup. Teams need an answer. Like Struble but he is not a fighter, think Anderson is capable but likely hurting and not thinking Pezzeta is going to see much ice.
Much obliged!
And I tend to agree, Xhekaj needs to play.
However, I’m not going to count on it, because it seems like St-Louis does not agree with our views on Xhekaj.
I LOVED watching the 4th line work last night. They were so strong in the third period, hemming the Canes in their own zone, high energy. nice to see them back to that.