Canadiens Daily: Game 1 Playoff Positives, Arber Xhekaj Impact

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

Montreal Canadiens News

The Canadiens may have lost Game 1, but there are several positives the team can build on as they head into Game 2. Most notably, the team’s top line, led by captain Nick Suzuki, had a fantastic game from an offensive standpoint. [Montreal Canadiens Playoff Positives To Build On Vs. Washington]

Even though the Canadiens did well to find their rhythm in Game 1, the early dominance from Washington in physical battles was cause for concern. Arber Xhekaj would certainly improve the team’s physicality, but more importantly, he has a healthy track record alongside Jayden Struble. David Savard, on the other hand, struggled in the regular season, but his play in the first game of the series was far from a problem. [Montreal Canadiens Roster Talk: The Arber Xhekaj Debate]

Reporter: “What do you like about the composition of your defense in general? The pairings, what gives you confidence that you can continue to roll them as you go along in the series?”

MSL: “That’s a deep question. I know what you guys are just trying to get me to answer. I… pic.twitter.com/SC6zeIC7rj

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 22, 2025

It’s hard not to appreciate Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery, especially since he’s done nothing but compliment the Canadiens in the last week.

Reporter: “What do you like about the composition of your defense in general? The pairings, what gives you confidence that you can continue to roll them as you go along in the series?”

MSL: “That’s a deep question. I know what you guys are just trying to get me to answer. I… pic.twitter.com/SC6zeIC7rj

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 22, 2025

Tuesday Playoff Watch

The Toronto Maple Leafs took a 2-0 series lead over the Ottawa Senators thanks to former Hab Max Domi’s first goal of the playoffs.

THE HOMETOWN KID!!!@Rogers | #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/nlN2THGWPb

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) April 23, 2025

The Carolina Hurricanes also jumped to a 2-0 series lead, beating the New Jersey Devils 3-1 via a second-period resurgence that featured goals by Shayne Gostisbehere, and Jordan Martinook.

MARTY. PLAYOFF. MAGIC. pic.twitter.com/52BF1Umb0B

— x – Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) April 22, 2025

The Minnesota Wild were up 3-0 versus the Vegas Golden Knights after 20 minutes of play. Also, 11 pm ET starts are unreasonable.

everyone say it with us…MOOOOOOOSE pic.twitter.com/R3TWqsTKfN

— x – Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) April 23, 2025

National Hockey Now Network

Assessing why the Detroit Red Wings are again watching other teams skating in the NHL playoffs, some reasons aren’t all that difficult to unearth. A dismal start to the season that led to the dismissal of coach Derek Lalonde after Christmas. A 4-10 slate during the month of March. Sending the NHL’s worst penalty kill over the boards. [Detroit Red Wings]

Can a group of players who are not complacent create a complacent atmosphere? [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Moments before the final buzzer blared, the New Jersey Devils could be seen with a look of defeat on their bench despite a valiant effort. [New Jersey Devils]