The Montreal Canadiens faced the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night, the final game of the regular season for both clubs.
The Habs opted to rest several players, with Phillip Danault, Josh Anderson and Mike Matheson watching the game from the press box. As a result, Zachary Bolduc, Joe Veleno and rookie David Rickenbacker were placed in the lineup, the latter paired with phenom Lane Hutson.
The Canadiens outshot the Flyers, but failed to offer 60 minutes of effort, falling a 4–2 decision in a low-energy matchup.
Let’s look at the highlights!
lean Startup
The intensity was low from the start of the game, with both teams trying to avoid injuries before the playoffs began. A logical, if not somewhat disappointing style of play at this point in the season.
However, the Flyers showed a little more life than the Habs, with Matvey Michkov leading the way. The 21-year-old winger scored two goals and added an assist, reaching the 20-goal mark in the process.
The children are absolutely fine. 😮💨#MTLvsPHI | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/xz7jRjhCAO
– X – Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) 14 April 2026
experience in sports
Veteran Brendan Gallagher finally answered for the Habs, finding the net for the seventh time this season and limiting the Flyers’ lead to just one goal.
Caden Guhle and Alexandre Texier both provided great assists, the latter delivering a perfect pass despite the high difficulty.
Say what you want about Gallagher’s patience at this stage of his career, but you’re guaranteed to get an honest effort from him regardless of the situation, which is always a good lesson for younger players in the lineup.
Brendan Gallagher’s 7th goal of the year with assists from Guhle and Texier.
Texier’s pass in particular was very good. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/RD0A9XR7ar
– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 15 April 2026
veteran effect
The Flyers immediately jumped out to a two-goal lead, despite the fact that the Habs held a 6–3 advantage in high-danger opportunities during the second period.
The pressure finally paid off, when Jake Evans pounced on a loose puck in the final seconds of the frame to score his 12th goal of the year. You’ll notice that Gallagher once again played a key role in the game, not only with his well-timed predictions, but also by creating chaos in front of Samuel Ershon.
It’s also worth pointing out that Arbor Zekaj has a great shot from the point, although he rarely gets the opportunity to use it.
This is the epitome of a heavy shot. If the goaltender manages to stop it, it almost always leads to a rebound.
super jake#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/aJECASJJdP
– X – Canadiens Montreal (@CanadiensMTL) 15 April 2026
rookie truculence
David Reinbacher was not particularly noteworthy, which is a compliment when discussing a rookie playing in his first few NHL games, especially since most of his teammates and opponents had a full season.
He showed a good amount of sandpaper in the third period, when he decided to attack fellow first-year player Porter Martone. Reinbacher was lucky to escape a penalty, but it was a good sign for a player who is not always eager to show his aggressive side.
Reinbacker pops Martone. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/SiSvbvYikO
– Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) 15 April 2026
All Montreal Canadiens stats are 5v5, via Natural Stat Trick, unless otherwise noted.
#regular #season #coming
