Habs Daily: Playoff Bound, Potential Series Start Date, Suzuki

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on a very busy Wednesday.

Montreal Canadiens News

Regardless of Wednesday night’s result, 2024-25 represents a significant step forward for a team that’s not quite done with their rebuild.  [Canadiens Rebuild: Putting The Team’s Growth Into Context]

It took 82 games, but it’s official, the Montreal Canadiens will participate in the 2025 NHL Playoffs, and the league is better off for it. [Montreal Canadiens Qualify For Playoffs, Opponent Set]

Defenceman Kaiden Guhle scored twice in the 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, while captain Nick Suzuki scored his 30th goal of the year. Veteran netminder Samuel Montembeault held the fort by stopping 27 of the 29 shots sent his way.  [Highlights: Canadiens Clinch Playoff Berth In Exciting Final Game]

Speaking of goalies, Jakub Dobes is always the happiest guy on the bench (wait for it).

This is what Nick Suzuki does. Big goals, big moments.

A key goal to give the Habs a big lead. Great work by Slafkovsky to keep the play alive. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Tefdt6y6fG

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 17, 2025

Guhle may have leaked the series start date between the Canadiens and the Washington Capitals. According to Guhle, Game One between the Canadiens and the Washington Capitals will take place on Monday. [Guhle May Have Spoiled Canadiens – Capitals Series Start Date]

It’s always fun to watch the Habs on the bench, because they’re a bunch of happy kids that happen to be very good at playing hockey.

Ta réaction quand ton équipe participera aux séries de la LNH ! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/TXyEtTRyYw

— RDS (@RDSca) April 17, 2025

Suzuki was quick to thank Habs fans for their support throughout the regular season.

National Hockey Now Network

Here’s a bombshell, at least if you don’t know Kris Letang. The Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman was at the team’s UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex practice facility Wednesday, a day after he had a heart procedure. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

In the Avalanche’s first full-team practice in preparation for the playoffs, 15 forwards, eight defenseman, and two goalies participated in the skate. [Colorado Avalanche]

Matthew Tkachuk has yet to go through a full practice with the Florida Panthers since he was hurt in February, but he has been making the rounds saying he is gearing up for Game 1 of the playoffs. [Florida Panthers]