Habs Daily: Bad Blood, Xhekaj Brothers, Demidov

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

Montreal Canadiens News

Head coach Martin St-Louis opted to sit his first line as he prepared to face the Ottawa Senators in Quebec City. Netminder Jakub Dobes was given the start, while Lane Hutson was paired with Arber Xhekaj. [Canadiens Preview: More New Lines And Pairings Versus Senators]

Ivan Demidov looked great versus the Senators, participating in the team’s first three goals in a one-sided 5-0 win. On top of dominating the Senators on the scoreboard, the Habs also took the physical battles, with the Xhekaj brothers leading the charge. There were half a dozen fights, not to mention a few dirty plays by each team. [Canadiens Highlights: Demidov Shines On Xhekaj Fight Night]

Demidov was forced to leave the game in the third period when Nick Cousins slashed him in a classic dirtbag play. There was no immediate update from St-Louis following the game, as Demidov was still being evaluated.  

Habs coach Marty St. Louis when asked if he was worried about Ivan Demidov:

“Not right now. He’s still being evaluated, so not right now.” pic.twitter.com/gUyXu6tL53

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 1, 2025

Jayden Struble’s punch was one of the heaviest I’ve seen in a very long time. He could have felled a water buffalo with that punch. An absolute knee-buckler at its best.

Xhekaj quickly drops MacEwen, Struble lands a HUGE punch on Jenik, who goes down hard. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/kxGNXDcXyV

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 1, 2025

Kirby Dach was not impressed when Donovan Sebrango decided to jump him toward the end of the game.

Kirby Dach on being jump by Donovan Sebrango : « it’s not a hockey play. If you do that on the street you’ll be in a lot of trouble. » @CanadiensMTL @Senators

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) October 1, 2025

National Hockey Now Network

The Boston Bruins knew they couldn’t risk losing goalie Michael DiPietro for nothing. After all, that’s why they signed him to a two-year contract extension this summer. But that still could end up being the case, anyway. [Boston Bruins]

In 2019, the Pittsburgh Penguins decided to keep their first-round pick. Deciding that the future rebuild would one day arrive, former general manager Jim Rutherford hung onto the team’s first-round pick for the first time since 2014 and selected Sam Poulin 21st overall. Poulin, 24, was a big body from the QMJHL and was seen as a potential power forward or middle-six center. For those who advocate keeping draft picks, Poulin’s progression has been anything but a classic case study. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Tuesday afternoon, the Philadelphia Flyers announced another wave of cuts, bringing the team to their final roster battles. [Philadelphia Flyers]