Canadiens Aim to Extend Streak, Flyers Seek Spark in Rebuild Battle
Tonight’s matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers has more at stake than it might appear at first glance. Puck drops at 7 p.m. ET, and while the Flyers may be out of playoff contention, they’re not just rolling over — and Montreal can’t afford to take this game lightly. With a wild-card spot still within reach, the Canadiens are laser-focused on keeping their momentum alive.
Montreal enters the game riding a confident three-game win streak. They’ve dressed the same lineup for four straight games, and that consistency is paying off. Led by Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and standout rookie Juraj Slafkovsky, this Canadiens team is beginning to gel when it matters most. The addition of Patrik Laine on the second line has added a serious scoring punch, and young defenseman Lane Hutson continues to be a revelation. His recent back-to-back three-point games solidified his spot at the top of the rookie scoring race — even with Matvei Michkov heating up in Philly.
Ah yes, Michkov. The Flyers’ teenage star is turning heads in what’s become a late-season surge. Since head coach John Tortorella was dismissed, Michkov has tallied four goals and three assists in just a few games. His multi-point performance in that 6-4 win over Montreal earlier this season was the turning point that sparked Philadelphia’s current three-game winning streak. And now, he’s doing everything he can to lift a team caught between tanking for draft picks and riding their young talent to unexpected wins.
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Speaking of young talent, Karsen Dorwart will make his NHL debut tonight for the Flyers. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State, he’s got something to prove — and what better stage than Bell Centre? Flyers fans are torn: they love seeing promise in guys like Michkov and Dorwart, but every win inches them further from the high-end draft pick they could really use.
This is the paradox the Flyers are facing. With seven picks in the first two rounds of the 2025 NHL Draft, they’re poised for a big summer. But each win now complicates their draft lottery odds. They currently sit 14th in the East, but without that recent win streak, they’d be at the bottom of the standings. Daniel Brière’s decision to fire Tortorella after tensions boiled over — particularly following a dust-up with defenseman Cam York — was clearly meant to shift the tone for the team’s core group, even if it sacrifices their lottery chances.
Montreal, on the other hand, is done looking to the future — at least for now. This team wants the postseason, and they’re right in the mix. With just seven games left, every point counts. Beat the Flyers tonight, then take care of business against the underwhelming Predators, and suddenly that final wild-card spot looks a lot more secure.
They’ll need the same dominance they showed in the second period against Boston — a frame where they held the Bruins to just three shots while scoring twice. That kind of firepower and puck control is what it’ll take. The Red Wings and Islanders both picked up regulation wins on Friday, tightening the playoff race. That leaves no room for missteps.
This game might not seem like a heavyweight clash, but don’t be fooled. It’s a proving ground for the Canadiens, a pride game for the Flyers, and a stage for future stars to shine. Buckle up.
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