Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Friday.
montreal canadiens news
It was another even game, at least on the scoreboard. Thanks to an overtime goal from Len Hutson, the Habs emerged with a 2–1 win and a 2–1 series lead. All things considered, the scoreline was a little favorable towards the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that generated a fair amount of high-danger scoring chances at 5v5. [Canadiens Highlights: Hutson Plays The Hero In Big Win]
Hutson's game-winning goal was so good it's worth watching twice.
lane hutson is yours @Energizer Overtime Hero! 🔵⚪️🔴 #Stanley Cup pic.twitter.com/nJCmLD0jod
- NHL (@NHL) 25 April 2026
It should also be noted that Hutson somehow managed to achieve his goal. This may seem arrogant to some, but we all know that's not Hutson's style. He is confident in his game and has the results to back it up.
Lane Hutson joked to his teammates before OT that he felt like he had the game-winner tonight.
According to Jaden Struble, Lane just let out a "I think I got it tonight" and went out and scored GWG.
#48 to 6/5 Competitiveness pic.twitter.com/4o2NV82KlW
- Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) 25 April 2026
Captain Nick Suzuki's dry humor was at play after the thrilling win.
#hubs Nick Suzuki on Lane Hutson's bomb from the overtime point: "I didn't think he could hit it that hard..." the captain said with a smile.
- Priyantha Amrith (@HabsInHighHeels) 25 April 2026
While the first line struggles to generate much offense at even strength, Kirby Dach has done a great job in leading the Canadiens to wins, including a two-point effort on Friday night. It was one of his best games in a Habs uniform since joining the team in 2022.
Cole Caufield at tomorrow's Habs playoff home game:
"We watched Game 3 at the Bell Center on Friday night, everyone was just smiling from ear to ear, like...
'Fuck me. That would be madness.'
“We know tomorrow night is going to be an absolute blast.” pic.twitter.com/HUGRjxoKqj
- /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026
It's very easy to dismiss the play of Arbor Czekaj and Jaden Struble on the third pairing, but it would be intellectually dishonest to ignore the fact that they lead all NHL defensemen in expected goal share. Yes, it is easy to play on the third pair, but it is never easy to control more than 80% of the expected goals. [Canadiens Need Better Results From Top Four]
Xhekaj and Struble currently rank first and second in xGF%.
Yes, the use is easier on the third pair, but it is also true that they have been excellent.
If those numbers were that easy to produce, they wouldn't be several times ahead of the entire NHL.
This is a very good pair. pic.twitter.com/tCqzFUlQ0x
- Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 25 April 2026
Ivan Demidov sat down with Elliotte Friedman to discuss his rookie season with the Habs, and how they quickly became part of their family.
Sportsknot Network
There was no chance that the New Jersey Devils were going to let Sunny Mehta slip through their fingers. Sunny Mehta is eight days into his Devils tenure and has already endeared himself to the New Jersey organization and fans in his introductory press conference. Yet, just nine days ago, there was real interest and possibility that Mehta could be the next man in charge of the Toronto Maple Leafs. [New Jersey Devils]
A little number 86 flying around the ice playing with the puck on his stick? That must be Jack Hughes, right? Actually, it's Buffalo Sabers rookie, Noah Ostlund. When the Sabers learned they were losing Josh Norris to injury in Game 3, it caused a bit of panic. [Buffalo Sabres]
There's no love lost between the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators during the Round One matchup in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and after the events of Game 3, it's safe to say that the general feeling of dislike has grown even deeper after Jake Sanderson left the game following a check to the head of Taylor Hall. [Ottawa Senators]
