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NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Montreal Canadiens
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Wednesday.

Montreal Canadiens News

  • The Canadiens are set to face the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final. It won’t be an easy match up, even if the Habs were victorious in all three regular-season games. The good news is the Canadiens tend to be at their best when they’re dealing with a lot of adversity. [Canadiens Vs Hurricanes Eastern Conference Final Preview: Underdog Status]
  • Canadiens fans have spoken! They have voted Newfoundlander Alex Newhook as the second-round MVP, for his six-goal performance in the series versus the Buffalo Sabres. That being said, several other players were worthy of praise for their effort. [Canadiens Fans Name Second-Round MVP]
  • The Montreal Victoire faced the Ottawa Charge in Game 4 of the Walter Cup Final. The Victoire emerged with a well-deserved 4-0 win, including a pair of goals from Abby Roque. Her second goal of the game, in particular, was a beauty.
  • Head coach Martin St-Louis missed practice on Wednesday for personal reasons, but he’s not expected to miss Thursday’s Game 1 versus the Hurricanes.
  • Ivan Demidov was not named among the most valuable players against Buffalo, but he still deserved credit for his series.
  • Hurricanes head coach Rob Brind’amour was quick to praise Montreal’s powerplay, which may shock a lot of Habs fans. But it’s a darn good powerplay, all things considered.
  • Speaking of respect from the other team, Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal recognized Nick Suzuki’s exceptional status.
  • Admittedly, it’s slightly concerning that David Reinbacher is dealing with a lingering knock, as he’s had a lot of injury issues, but he’s not expected to play any time soon. Better than he works out any issues now than in the regular season.
  • On the other hand, if injuries hit, I wouldn’t be surprised to see rookie Adam Engstrom counted upon to pick up a few extra shifts.
  • Any time Michael Faber produces an essay on the Habs, our duty is to stop everything and listen.

Sportsnaut Network

  • The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Timothy Liljegren to a two-year, $6.5 million contract extension. Liljegren’s deal carries an average annual value of $3.25 million. The Capitals acquired Liljegren from the San Jose Sharks at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline in March. The 27-year-old blueliner finished the season with 11 points (1 goal, 10 assists) in 47 games for both teams. [Washington Capitals]
  • While the New Jersey Devils are watching the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs from home, one of their most passionate supporters still has something to play for. [New York Devils]
  • Summer is approaching, and the Boston Bruins have some decisions to make with their pending free agents. AFP Analytics released contract projections for nine Bruins free agents, all of whom played in at least one NHL game this season, giving an idea of where the market may stand going into the offseason.  [Boston Bruins]
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By Marc Dumont
Marc has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for Journal Metro, The Athletic, The ... More about Marc Dumont

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