Marc Dumont
The Montreal Canadiens were in Toronto on Saturday night, facing the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second leg of back-to-back games that included travel.
Fortunately, the Habs did not have to travel far, as they were already in Ontario, having failed to clinch a playoff berth on Friday night versus the Ottawa Senators.
Top prospect Ivan Demidov was with the team, and participated in the optional practice, but his debut with the Canadiens is likely to take place on Monday, at the Bell Centre.
Neither team managed to score in regulation, which meant the Canadiens banked a precious point in the Eastern Conference Wild Card playoff race. Mitch Marner ended up scoring the only goal of the game, therefore the Habs will have to wait another day before officially clinching a playoff spot.
With the overtime loss, the Canadiens’ playoff odds are now 99.5 percent. It’s coming folks, we just need to be patient.
Let’s dive into the highlights!
A Flaw In The Matrix
Believe it or not, the Habs did not allow the Leafs to score a first-period goal.
That’s it. That’s the whole segment.
Oh, and it’s also worth noting the Habs haven’t held a first-period lead into the intermission since March 15, versus the Florida Panthers, but that shouldn’t be a problem if they make the playoffs.
Right?
Right?
Bueller?
Guhle Smash
Not every Canadiens player was ready to play, but Kaiden Guhle was clearly raring to go. The 21-year-old bowled over both Jared McCann and John Tavares, adding a much-needed dose of energy to the equation for the Canadiens.
Kaiden Guhle’s big hits on McMann and Tavares. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/WAl3e7G5ar
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 13, 2025
This drew a response from former Hab, Max Domi, and while some may scoff at the idea of fighting after clean hits, the Habs were knocking the Leafs down like bowling pins at that point in the game, and I’d argue that warrants some sort of response, especially on home ice.
It was far from the best fight in league history, but at least it was the first time Domi was noticeable on the ice.
Kaiden Guhle and Max Domi dance. Not the most technical fight in NHL history. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/MmRZqABH6n
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 13, 2025
Maybe We Don’t Consult Dr. Shot Next Time
The Leafs had an advantage in momentum, but only slightly. I’d argue the Habs created as many good chances, if not more at 5v5, but they were let down by their accuracy, which was reminiscent of a drunken octopus trying to play the piano. Toronto did take over for a few stretches, including a good start to the third period.
Jakub Dobes shuts down John Tavares multiple times in a row: pic.twitter.com/y1sl5edRHi
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 13, 2025
The good news is that Jakub Dobes held the fort when needed, which isn’t easy to do against a high-powered team such as the Leafs, especially when you don’t get many starts as a rookie netminder. Dobes’ excellent play in the third period was crucial, as it essentially secured at least one point, with the game needing extra time.
More solid saves from Dobes tonight: pic.twitter.com/hKGtcpigeS
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 13, 2025
The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Monday. They will host the Chicago Blackhawks at the Bell Centre, with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET. All Montreal Canadiens statistics are 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick. Playoff odds via Money Puck.
