Marc Dumont
Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Thursday.
Montreal Canadiens News
Sniper Cole Caufield was the latest athlete to pour his heart out for the Players’ Tribune, in a fantastic piece that can only be described as heartfelt and honest. “To me, hockey is the best sport because you really can’t do it alone. Scoring 50 this year was awesome, but it was such a team accomplishment. And really, it’s about the whole atmosphere that you’re in. The Bell Centre has been incredible all season, and to score number 50 there in front of all you guys, and with my dad in the building … that was such a great wave to ride into these playoffs.” [Players’ Tribune]
Caufield also discussed the upcoming game at the Bell Centre, and the impact the Canadiens fans will have on the team’s motivation.
Cole Caufield on the Habs playoff home game tomorrow:
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 23, 2026
“We saw Game 3 at the Bell Centre on a Friday night, everybody was just grinning ear to ear, like….
‘Fuck me. This is gonna be insane.’
“We know that it’s going to be absolutely rocking tomorrow night.” pic.twitter.com/HUGRjxoKqj
The top four has struggled when it comes to shutting down the Lightning, however, the third pairing of Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj has been elite. Take a look at how the Canadiens defencemen have performed so far in the playoffs. [Canadiens Need Better Results From Top Four]
With the series tied at 1-1, we also took a look at which forward lines have performed well, and which trio needs to improve their play versus the Bolts. [Which Canadiens Lines Are Performing Best In Playoffs]
Xhekaj doesn’t seem particularly worried about Tampa’s consistent greasiness. He’s got a point, since the Habs have generated a lot more high-danger scoring chances than the Bolts, but walking the line is always a difficult proposal, especially when you’re dealing with habitual line steppers.
Arber Xhekaj today on the Tampa Bay Lightning referring to themselves as the “villains” vs the Habs:
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 23, 2026
“If they wanna think that, that’s okay. We’re here. We’re ready for whatever they have to offer to us.” pic.twitter.com/1cktWPcG71
Head coach Martin St-Louis joins Xhekaj when it comes to not losing any sleep over Tampa’s tactics.
Habs coach Marty St. Louis today on the Lightning’s intimidation tactics:
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 23, 2026
“We’ve talked about that. Did we seem intimidated? I don’t think so. If they wanna play that game, we’re capable of playing that game. We’re equipped for that.” pic.twitter.com/wdH47yGu2X
Sportsnaut Network
This could be the most crucial offseason in New Jersey Devils franchise history. Sunny Mehta has a laundry list of tasks this summer to get the Devils back on track as a playoff and Stanley Cup contender. [New Jersey Devils]
The future is bright for Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas. Aliaksei’s younger brother was just named AHL rookie of the year for his performance with the Hershey Bears. [Washginton Capitals]
The Dallas Stars were staring down the barrel of a 2-1 series hole until their star-studded special teams took over.
Despite being outshot and outscored at 5-on-5, the Stars’ power play scored three times in their 4-3, double-OT win over the Minnesota Wild in Game Three. [Dallas Stars]
