Marc Dumont
Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Friday.
Montreal Canadiens News
- The Canadiens produced an impressive 6-2 win versus the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final. On top of receiving important offensive contributions from their depth forwards, the top line of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky enjoyed its best outing of the playoffs. [Key Reason Why Canadiens Managed Surprising Game 1 Victory]
- The Habs built a quick 4-1 advantage in the first period, but their lead was at risk of collapsing when the Hurricanes took over in the second frame. Fortunately for the Habs, they put together one of their best defensive periods of the season to close out the game, refusing to allow the Hurricanes a single high-quality scoring chance at 5v5. That’s the sign of a young team that’s in the midst of maturing before our very eyes. [Dominant Third Period Evidence Of Maturing Canadiens Lineup]
- The Hurricanes did not hit the ice on Friday. Rather, head coach Rob Brind’amour focused on video work following the one-sided loss in Game 1.
The Carolina Hurricanes didn’t skate on Friday after their 6-2 loss to Montreal in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final.
— Claire Hanna (@clahanna) May 22, 2026
Rod Brind’Amour on the decision: “That’s not what we need. Today we did practice you just didn’t see it. So there’s two different ways to practice. No… pic.twitter.com/oJT3UNop2J
- Pittsburgh Penguins legend Sidney Crosby had nothing but great things to say about Slafkovsky. Crosby is currently at the World Championship, and while Slafkovsky is still busy with playoff hockey, Canada is set to face Slovakia.
Sidney Crosby, who’s following the NHL playoffs from the World Championships in Switzerland 🇨🇭, on Juraj Slafkovsky:
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) May 22, 2026
“Slaf played great last game. A big guy who sees the game very well, has a great shot. I was impressed with how he deals with pressure.” pic.twitter.com/CdCPLDdH0U
- Former Hab P.K. Subban is one of the few analysts to pick the Canadiens in their series versus the Hurricanes.
"There's a big, big difference between the skill level that's on the Montreal Canadiens compared to the Carolina Hurricanes. In this series, it's gonna take skill."@PKSubban1 is taking the Canadiens to win the East 🏆 pic.twitter.com/9S5gWlo4if
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 22, 2026
- As a French-Canadian, I’m not offended by the sign carried by this Hurricanes fan, but I do wonder how some would react if there was a sign in place that made fun of another ethnic minority.
Ceci est une affiche… discutable. pic.twitter.com/qlPPWwvhjw
— Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) May 22, 2026
- Hey, that’s not a fair comparison! Phillip Danault has actually enjoyed a little playoff success in the past. He knows what he’s doing!
For those of you keeping score at home:
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) May 22, 2026
• Brady Tkachuk in 4 games vs Carolina: 0 goals and 0 assists
• Phil Danault within 8 mins vs Carolina: 1 goal and 1 assist
- Josh Anderson and Kaiden Guhle met with the media on Friday to discuss Montreal’s performance in Game 1. [Canadiens]
Sportsnaut Network
- Check out the view from the other side of the rink, and don’t forget to visit our sister site. [Carolina Hurricanes]
- Simon Nemec has not requested to be traded from the New Jersey Devils, New Jersey Hockey Now has learned. A report overseas on Thursday suggested that the Slovakian defenseman asked to be moved. However, the rumours are unfounded. [New Jersey Devils]
- Brenden Dillon just called out the New Jersey Devils in public. The 2025-26 season was nothing short of a failure. Dillon—a physical and vocal leader in New Jersey—explained it’s on every position from forwards, to defencemen, to goaltending. [New York Devils]
- Seeing as the Canadiens are overflowing with talented forwards, depth players such as Kirby Dach could garner fair amount of interest on the trade market. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
