Marc Dumont
Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Tuesday.
Montreal Canadiens News
- There’s one clear-cut issue holding the Canadiens back in the playoffs: the lack of shots. A few players have actually managed to improve their shot rate, but for the most part, Montreal’s forwards are shooting considerably less now that they’re done with the regular season. Sniper Cole Caufield is one of the biggest problems, with his shot rate essentially collapsing in the playoffs. [The Biggest Problem Holding Back The Canadiens In the Playoffs]
- If the Habs want to add more physicality, chaos, and shot production to the mix, they need to look no further than Brendan Gallagher and Arber Xhekaj. Even when used sparingly, both Xhekaj and Gallagher bring important elements to table, in situations that are clearly weaknesses for the organization. [Two Canadiens Players Who Could Help Them Beat The Hurricanes]
- Speaking of Xhekaj, he was busy in Brossard practicing alongside the other Black Aces, including defenceman David Reinbacher.
Arber Xhekaj hausse l’intensité face à David Reinbacher, qui ne semble pas particulièrement apprécier l’exercice. 😬@DLCoulisses #GoHabsGo #Xhekaj #Reinbacher #NHL pic.twitter.com/ZGEAXdcIab
— Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) May 26, 2026
- All things considered, Canadiens defencemen have enjoyed a relatively solid performance in the playoffs, though it’s clear the quality of competition is on the rise.
Here's how the #GoHabsGo D-men's full playoff xGA/60 numbers have progressed through the 17 playoff games, per NST.
— HabsFinn (@HabsFinn) May 26, 2026
A somewhat good example of how one bad/good game might change the overall looks of a still rather small sample quite drastically. pic.twitter.com/PxYbm6MRpz
- Reinbacher and Xhekaj aren’t the only Black Aces ready to jump into the fire if called upon. Owen Beck, Florian Xhekaj, and Oliver Kapanen were also busy in Brossard on Tuesday.
Oliver Kapanen, Arber Xhekaj et les Black Aces — David Reinbacher, Adam Engström, Florian Xhekaj et Owen Beck — sont sur la glace ce matin à Brossard. 👀🏒@DLCoulisses #GoHabsGo #Kapanen #Xhekaj #Reinbacher pic.twitter.com/TkJzTDs6Cf
— Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) May 26, 2026
- Engstrom definitely doesn’t have any issues with accuracy!
Pour conclure l’entraînement, Adam Engström a marqué sur un lancer effectué à très grande distance. 🎯@DLCoulisses #GoHabsGo #Engstrom #NHL pic.twitter.com/cXKszjBZzp
— Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) May 26, 2026
- Head coach Martin St-Louis is not wrong in suggesting the Canadiens are not dead. Far from it, really. And yet, the onus is on him to have his team ready to start Game 4 on the right foot.
"I expect us to show up," said Martin St. Louis. "We’re behind, but we’re not dead. We continue."
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) May 26, 2026
Sportsnaut Network
- Check out the view from the other side of the rink, and don’t forget to visit our sister site. [Carolina Hurricanes]
- New Jersey Devils forward Paul Cotter just lit the fuse for Round 2. The United States took care of business in their final preliminary game, grinding out a 4-1 victory over Austria at Swiss Life Arena. The win locked up their spot in the quarterfinals and set up a rematch with Canada after the U.S. topped their sister country at the 2026 Milan Olympics to win gold. [New Jersey Devils]
- Just because Simon Nemec didn’t ask the New Jersey Devils to be traded, that doesn’t mean he won’t be. The Devils might have to move a defenceman. It’s plausible that one of Nemec or Dougie Hamilton are moved this summer given the abundance on the blue line, Hamilton’s in-season drama, and potential return for the 22-year-old Nemec. It’s a long shot, but the Habs could be interested in Nemec’s services. [New York Devils]
