Playoff Preview, Top X-Factor, Suzuki’s Have Child

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.

I promise you that anything written by Michael Farber will be worth your time.

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.

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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]

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Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont


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Habs Daily: Caufield’s 50th, Slafkowski’s 30th, Suzuki’s 70th

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Thursday.

montreal canadiens news

Cole Caufield has officially reached the 50-goal mark after scoring early against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. [Caufield’s 50 Goals By The Numbers]

Now that the word isn’t used much on a daily basis, it seems like the perfect time to describe Montreal’s latest win as ‘epic’. Caufield scored his 50th goal, Juraj Slafkowski made 30 saves, and captain Nick Suzuki assisted in both scoring games, reaching the 70-assist mark in the process. The Habs also responded well to Tampa Bay’s flashy style of play in the physical department. [Canadiens Highlights: Caufield Hits 50 In Violent Playoff Preview]

The Bell Center faithful rewarded Caufield with a classic ovation after he was announced as the game’s first star.

Suzuki is Montreal’s nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice.

It should be noted that Suzuki predicted both of his teammates would reach new career highs in goals on the same night.

The Habs were given a day off after a thrilling win over the Bolts.

Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford is one of six finalists for the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy, awarded to the WHL’s Player of the Year. Playing as a defenceman, Pickford scored an impressive 45 goals in 55 regular season games this year.

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The New Jersey Devils have announced that defenseman Luke Hughes will be shut down for the remainder of the season so he can undergo the process to begin his offseason rehabilitation early. The 22-year-old blueliner has appeared in 68 games this season, recording six goals and 35 points. [New Jersey Devils]

Make it three wins in a row for the Ottawa Senators. They took advantage of an injury-plagued Florida Panthers team and controlled play for most of the game en route to an impressive 5–1 victory. [Ottawa Senators]

Here’s a look at the latest projected Stanley Cup playoff brackets as of April 8, as well as updated division standings and the wild card race across the NHL. [NHL]


#Habs #Daily #Caufields #50th #Slafkowskis #30th #Suzukis #70th