Montreal – It feels like there’s more Montreal Canadiens news every hour, and we’re all bound to miss a story or two. On Sundays, we always recap relevant NHL news you may have missed, to help you stay in the Canadiens loop.
Given that the Habs played on Sunday, this edition of The Wrap is scheduled for Monday morning.
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Montreal Canadiens News and Notes
Three of Juraj Slafkowski’s goals came on the power play, but it was really Montreal’s work at 5v5 that should be considered the most encouraging aspect of the Game 1 win. The Habs swept the Tampa Bay Lightning, and by a wide margin. [Canadiens Playoff Analysis: The Key Statistic From Game One Win]
Slafkowski praised head coach Martin St-Louis for his wise use of timeouts against the Lightning. Rather than wait for another opportunity, or lose it on the time clock, St.-Louis decided to call a timeout at the beginning of overtime, which immediately led to Slafkowski’s game-winning goal.
Juraj “The Wolf” Slafkowski…OT Hero and TNT Postgame Interview 🔥🐺 pic.twitter.com/hfn2XCWV0l
– NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) 20 April 2026
He also noted that Canadiens work as a pack, with each player leading the hunt in the same direction.
Juraj Slafkowski on the Wolf cap after the Habs’ win:
“Wolves attack together as a big pack and we try to be like that.” pic.twitter.com/d0bJQnJf0I
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 20 April 2026
Speaking of Slafkovsky, despite excellent work on the powerplay, he was clearly the team’s best player at 5v5. He had more individual high-danger scoring chances at 5v5 (three) than the entire Tampa Bay Lightning lineup (one).
NHL Game Score Impact Card for Montreal Canadiens on 2026-04-19: pic.twitter.com/7Quxe29znP
– hockeystatcards (@hockeystatcards) 20 April 2026
The excitement in practice following the 4-3 overtime win against the Bolts was impeccable.
Above all, don’t change Juraj! 😆 pic.twitter.com/8HAt7kCgjR
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) 20 April 2026
The Canadiens did not produce a terrible effort against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game two, however, as some costly mistakes cost the Bolts a 3–2 overtime victory, including a terrible pass attempt by Juraj Slafkowski. That being said, Slafkowski was far from the only player who made a mistake on Tuesday night. [Canadiens Highlights: Exciting Overtime Loss]
The Habs players were quite composed after the disappointing loss. As Mike Matheson explained, they always knew they were going to face a talented team in the Lightning.
Listen to the media availability after tonight’s Game 2 vs. Tampa Bay
Tune in now for live postgame media ops after tonight’s Game 2 against the Lightning#GoHabsGo https://t.co/lWZWqmkEMP
– X – Canadiens Montreal (@CanadiensMTL) 22 April 2026
It remains to be seen if head coach Martin Saint-Louis will make any lineup changes before Game Three on Friday, but there are some good options if he decides to change things up.
I think we might see Joe Velano or Brendan Gallagher #hubs Lineup for Game 3, replacing Kirby Dach.
– Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) 22 April 2026
While the Canadiens generated more high-danger opportunities than the Lightning at 5v5, the momentum shifted strongly to Tampa Bay’s corner about midway through the game. [NST]

With all due respect to Arbor Zekaj, I was expecting him to write “I want it this way” in the first few notes.
Playoff Arbor Zekaj pic.twitter.com/RKvuVRcCGS
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 21 April 2026
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
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.
Tampa Bay’s strategy of rushing players, harassing goaltenders and punching opponents in every scrimmage is backfiring spectacularly. In fact, in addition to the series lead, the Canadiens have actually had more hits than their opponents through three games. [Tampa Bay’s Strategy Is Backfiring In Series Versus Canadiens]
The discrepancy in high-danger shots in the series is hard to ignore. In fact, after three games, the Canadiens have accounted for 75% of high-danger scoring opportunities at 5v5, the highest mark of all teams in the NHL playoffs.
For fun, here are the HDCF% of the various teams in the playoffs after three games. It reflects the share of high-danger scoring chances a team generates.
#GoHabsGo Leading the league by a huge margin with 75%. https://t.co/vtaVVh8y3G pic.twitter.com/1XZdiqMTul
– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 25 April 2026
Apart from the physical battle, which the Habs are winning, there are several other reasons why the Canadiens have managed to take the lead in the series, including the excellent play of the third pair of Arbor Czekaj and Jayden Struble. [Top 3 Reasons The Canadiens Have A Series Lead]
Believe it or not, Shekaz leads the entire NHL in expected goal share with an impressive 83.8%. [NST]
Kirby Dach discusses support from head coach Martin Saint-Louis as he overcomes an endless list of injuries in recent seasons.
Kirby Dach on receiving a vote of confidence from Habs coach Marty St. Louis yesterday:
“I think as a competitor, you want a chance to respond. You want to be able to go out there and prove your worth. This game is tough, there are a lot of mistakes, it’s not… pic.twitter.com/uYFCvEuOqz
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 25 April 2026
This is clearly trolling, but comparatively speaking, it is quality trolling. Additionally, given that Brady Tkachuk appears to be one of the worst leaders in the league, perhaps it is time to examine his position in the Senators organization. Or maybe he is a great leader who never seems to have luck when it comes to leadership. Difficult to say.
Arbor Zekaj has more points than Brady Tkachuk in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/t1j569ZKzS
– Alex (@ivandemigoal) 25 April 2026
The clip embedded below has nothing to do with the Habs, but when a dirtbag like Ridley Gregg starts punching a player who’s being pinned down, it’s hard not to roll your eyes. That is pure cowardice.
Will this despicable act by Ridley Gregg be sanctioned by the NHL?🤔 pic.twitter.com/drSzZb6KrY
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) 25 April 2026
The Canadiens actually managed to establish their first two-goal lead in the series on Sunday night, but it was not enough, as a late-game surge by the Lightning resulted in a 3–2 loss, tying the series at two games apiece in the process. [Canadiens Highlights: Late-Game Collapse Costs Habs]
#Playoff #Coverage #Hutson #Heroics #Anderson #Impact
