Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Thursday.
montreal canadiens news
Sniper Cole Caufield was the latest athlete to pour his heart out to the Players' Tribune, in a brilliant piece that can only be described as heartfelt and honest. "To me, hockey is the best game because you can't really do it alone. Scoring 50 this year was amazing, but it was a team accomplishment. And really, it's about the whole environment you're in. The Bell Center has been incredible all season, and scoring No. 50 in front of all you guys and with my dad in the building... it was a great wave to go into these playoffs." [Players’ Tribune]
Caufield also discussed the upcoming game at the Bell Center and the impact Canadiens fans have on the team's motivation.
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
The top four have struggled when it comes to shutting down the Lightning, however, the third pairing of Jaden Struble and Arbor Zekaj has stood out. Take a look at how the Canadiens' defensemen have performed so far in the playoffs. [Canadiens Need Better Results From Top Four]
With the series tied at 1-1, we also take a look at which forward lines have performed well, and which trios need to up their game against the Bolts. [Which Canadiens Lines Are Performing Best In Playoffs]
Zekaj doesn't seem particularly concerned about Tampa's continued slickness. He's got a point, because the Habs have created a lot more high-danger scoring chances than the Bolts, but getting to the line is always a tough proposition, especially when you're dealing with habitual line steppers.
Arbor Zekaj referred to himself as a "villain" vs. the Habs on the Tampa Bay Lightning today:
"If they want to think that way, fine. We're here. We're ready for whatever they offer us." pic.twitter.com/1cktWPcG71
- /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026
Head coach Martin St-Louis joins Zekaj when it comes to not losing any sleep over Tampa's strategy.
Habs coach Marty St. Louis on the Lightning's intimidation tactics today:
"We've talked about it. Did we look scared? I don't think so. If they want to play that game, we're able to play that game. We're equipped to do it." pic.twitter.com/wdH47yGu2X
- /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 23 April 2026
Sportsknot Network
This may be the most important offseason in New Jersey Devils franchise history. Sunny Mehta has an extensive list of tasks this summer to get the Devils back on track as playoff and Stanley Cup contenders. [New Jersey Devils]
Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas has a bright future. Aliaksi's younger brother was named AHL Rookie of the Year for his performance with the Hershey Bears. [Washginton Capitals]
The Dallas Stars were looking at a 2–1 series hole until their star-studded special teams took over.
Despite being outshot and outscored at 5-on-5, the Stars' power play scored three times in their 4–3, double-OT win over the Minnesota Wild in game three. [Dallas Stars]
