Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Friday.
montreal canadiens news
With Game One of the first-round series between the Habs and Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, we continue our in-depth series previews, including a comparison of their respective special teams. [Playoff Preview: Canadiens Vs. Lightning Special Teams]
We also evaluated some X-factors coming into the series, including the importance of finding open space for Nick Suzuki and the rest of the first line. The Canadiens score a lot of goals, but if Tampa Bay's shutdown line finds its rhythm, things will quickly turn sour for Montreal. [Playoff Preview: Canadiens Vs. Lightning Top X Factors]
ICYMI: There is no doubt, the Tampa Bay Lightning have been the better team at 5v5 this season. However, when the numbers between Montreal and the Lightning are evaluated against each other in their four games, the discrepancy is less noticeable, with the Canadiens managing to control more shots than the Bolts. [Playoff Preview: Canadiens Vs. Lightning Head-To-Head]
Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki is now officially a father! The 26-year-old player did not practice on Thursday in support of his wife Caitlin. They welcomed a daughter, Maya, into the world.
Prospect Alexis Cournoyer will be playing for one of the best NCAA teams next year. The 20-year-old netminder has utilized the transfer portal, and will be attending games for the Wisconsin Badgers, the team that lost to the Denver Pioneers in the national championship.
Cornell freshman Alexis Cournoyer (MTL 5th Round), the ECAC's Ken Dryden Goaltender of the Year, has signed with Wisconsin.
- Brad Elliot Schlosman (@SchlosmanGF) 17 April 2026
I promise you that anything written by Michael Farber will be worth your time.
There is no team-town connection in Canada like Les Canadiens and Montreal, especially during the playoffs.
"It smells like a cup."
This is fans' favorite expression when playoff time comes @michaelfarber3 Explains how there's something in the air: https://t.co/kYUYJTGCPc pic.twitter.com/bDNBOKAVgj
- TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) 17 April 2026
NHL 26 ran a simulation ahead of the 2026 NHL playoffs and the Montreal Canadiens came out on top. To be honest, it means very little historically. For the most part, the teams selected by EA Sports struggle in the playoffs.
Sim has spoken 🔮
Yours #NHL26 Playoff Simulation Stanley Cup Champions:
- EA Sports NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) 17 April 2026
@CanadiensMTL 🏆 pic.twitter.com/riaefS08hQ
Sportsknot Network
New Jersey Devils win general manager free agent frenzy. Sunny Mehta was named Devils GM on Thursday evening. Mehta, an analytical guru, will bring a fresh perspective to the position left by former GM Tom Fitzgerald. Said approach begins immediately. The Devils have a long list of things to address ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft and free agent frenzy. So, where does he start? [New Jersey Devils]
San Jose Sharks phenom Maclin Celebrini recently concluded a season where he broke the franchise's single-season points record and reached milestones that were only achieved by the all-time greats. With this, he can break some new records with his next contract. [San Jose Sharks]
As the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators face each other on Saturday to open the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they will do so after battling similar adversity in the regular season. [Carolina Hurricanes]
