Habs Daily: Playoff X-Factors, Demidov and Hutson, Savard

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Friday.

Montreal Canadiens News

Part Two of our Washington Capitals first-round series preview is available, including the X-Factors that could end up benefiting the Montreal Canadiens as they face one of the best teams in the league. One of those X-Factors happens to be the late-season addition of talented prospect Ivan Demidov to the lineup. [Canadiens – Capitals Series Preview: Top-5 X-Factors, Storylines]

ICYMI: Part One of our Capitals first-round series preview covered a lot of ground, including the schedule, each team’s key stats, a quick history lesson, and more. [Canadiens – Capitals Series Preview: Schedule, Key Stats, History]

Defenceman David Savard announced this will be his final season in the NHL. The 34-year-old blueliner carved out a very impressive career when you consider his draft position. The affable Savard will continue to provide a veteran presence until the youngest team in the playoffs faces elimination. [Montreal Canadiens Defenceman Set To Retire After Playoffs]

« C’est un peu comme le papa de l’équipe. Il a été très, très important pour moi! »

-Kaiden Guhle, sur David Savard pic.twitter.com/bJI9LgwlkF

— RDS (@RDSca) April 18, 2025

It’s not surprising to see players take part in optional practices, especially young ones, but it’s always encouraging to see two of the youngest players in the lineup practice important scenarios, such as scoring on the powerplay. On that note, here’s Demidov and Lane Hutson building on their powerplay chemistry. [TSN 690]

Hutson and Demidov stayed out alone, putting in extra work on their craft.

We can clearly see what they’re working on 👀

PP loading…#Gohabsgo pic.twitter.com/MyPQorUmkB

— Habs Fanatics (@habsfanaticss) April 18, 2025

National Hockey Now Network

In the moments we don’t see, after the arena lights and the reporters’ camera lights go out, Sidney Crosby has time to reflect after games. Too many times this season, there were regrets. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Twenty-five NHL defencemen scored 10 or more goals this season and none did it wearing a Detroit Red Wings jersey. [Detroit Red Wings]

The NHL suspended Florida Panthers forward Jesse Puljujarvi two games for his hit to the head on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Mitchell Chaffee. [Florida Panthers]