Marc Dumont
Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Monday.
Montreal Canadiens News
The NHL decided to fine Arber Xhekaj for… skating during the warm-up, and possibly saying some mean words toward the Capitals. All things considered, Xhekaj’s presence in the lineup has clearly been a positive for the Montreal Canadiens. As for the fine, it’s good to know the NHL has its priorities straight, because bad words can really hurt someone’s feeling before they attempt to give their opponent a brain injury via a hit. [Canadiens Defenceman Arber Xhekaj Returns To Lineup]
Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj has been fined $3,385.42, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for unsportsmanlike conduct during last night’s pre-game warm-up against Washington.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) April 28, 2025
Dylan McIlrath was also fined, and once again, I’m not sure anyone knows what he actually did. Perhaps he also spoke some mean words during warmups.
Washington’s Dylan McIlrath has been fined $2,018.23, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for unsportsmanlike conduct during last night’s pre-game warm-up against Montreal.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) April 28, 2025
The Habs had the day off on Monday, however, head coach Martin St-Louis briefly met with the media. He wants the Habs to win in Washington on Wednesday so that the Bell Centre faithful will have another chance to cheer-on their team.
Habs coach Marty St. Louis today:
“Our fans deserve another (game at home at the Bell Centre). I think we deserve another one too. The guys are working. We’re all in the same boat. That includes the fans.” pic.twitter.com/otdQcOjGBN
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 28, 2025
We now know when the Laval Rocket will play their first game of the playoffs, and their opponent has been revealed as well! The top team in the AHL during the regular season will face the Cleveland Monsters, with the first game of the series taking place in Cleveland on Wednesday. As a reminder, the Rocket received a bye into the second round, while Cleveland had to beat the Toronto Marlies in a best-of-three series. [The Laval Rocket Are Building Something Special In The AHL]
Ça commence officiellement mercredi!
It officially starts on Wednesday! pic.twitter.com/JVX6hCU5pK— xyz – Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) April 29, 2025
The Montreal Victoire needed overtime to beat the Boston Fleet. Laura Stacey scored her 11th of the year to secure the win. The Victoire now have an 11-7-3-8 record, and have clinched a playoff spot, but it remains to be seen if they’ll finish as the top team in the league.
Prolongation ? Aucun problème. Stacey s’en charge
Overtime? No problem. Stacey handles it. pic.twitter.com/BJHvFKj0lr
— x – Victoire de Montréal (@PWHL_Montreal) April 29, 2025
