Canadiens Clinch Playoff Spot in Thrilling Finale Against Hurricanes
What a night in Montreal! The energy at the Bell Centre was absolutely electric as the Canadiens punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2021. With a thrilling 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, the Habs not only ended a long playoff drought but also sealed the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Kaiden Guhle was the star of the night, scoring twice and stepping up big when it mattered most. The first goal set the tone early, a beauty from the right circle after a slick pass from Slafkovsky. His second came later in the second period and gave Montreal some breathing room, and you could just feel the crowd swell with anticipation. Nick Suzuki also had a huge night — 30 goals on the season now, back-to-back years — and added an assist to help drive this team across the finish line. Oh, and let’s not forget Sam Montembeault, who came up clutch with 27 saves. This guy was dialed in.
It wasn’t easy getting here. The Canadiens had lost three straight chances to clinch a playoff berth. But on the final night of the regular season, they made it count. They went 10-0-2 in their last 12 home games — an incredible run that shows just how dangerous this team can be when they find their rhythm.
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There’s something special about this group. You hear it in Brendan Gallagher’s voice when he says, “This goes back three, four years of grinding together.” It’s a team that’s rebuilt with patience, developed young talent, and stuck together through some tough seasons. Now, they get their shot.
Their first-round matchup? The Washington Capitals — the top seed in the Metro and one of the best teams in the league this year. It's a tall order, no doubt. But if you ask Suzuki, there’s no fear in that locker room. “We’re not just going to roll over,” he said. That’s the mindset you want.
Rookie Lane Hutson also made history by tying the NHL record for most assists in a season by a rookie defenseman. That’s a big-time accomplishment, and you can tell the team is rallying around these moments. From Jake Evans sealing the deal with an empty-netter to the ovation that shook the rafters after the final buzzer, it was just one of those nights where everything clicked.
This is the kind of story that gives you chills if you’re a Habs fan. They weren’t supposed to be here — not yet. But here they are, ready to take on the big dogs. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are all about momentum, heart, and belief. Montreal’s got all three.
Bring on the Caps. Let’s dance.
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