Marc Dumont
Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories, and content you may have missed on Friday.
Montreal Canadiens News
Despite a rather lacklustre finish to the loss versus the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, the Canadiens were granted Friday off by head coach Martin St-Louis. The decision led to much ire on social media, but if we take emotion out of the equation, it’s fair to suggest that sometimes the carrot yields better results than the stick.
#Habs have cancelled practice that was scheduled for Friday morning in Brossard. Day off for team,
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) March 20, 2026
Is anyone surprised that Lane Hutson decided to practice, despite being given the day off? Oliver Kapanen joined Hutson, with both players spending time working with skills coach Adam Nicholas.
Vraisemblablement, Lane Hutson et Oliver Kapanen ne peuvent passer un matin sans chausser les patins.
— Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) March 20, 2026
Ils sont présents sur la glace ce matin à Brossard avec Adam Nicholas.@DLCoulisses #GoHabsGo #Hutson #Kapanen #NHL pic.twitter.com/QUqrldI6rg
Vincent Arseneau is a mean, mean man. He made quick work of Springfield Thunderbirds winger Kale Kessy in the Rocket’s 4-1 win.
OOOF WHAT A FIGHT ARSENEAU!! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/yFWa7hR3NB
— The Rocket Girl 🚀🇨🇦 (@TheRocket9Girl) March 20, 2026
There were a few other events that did not include a Rocket player demolishing his opponent. Samuel Blais (11), Jared Davidson (16), Filip Mesar (9), and Florian Xhekaj (15) found the back of the net for the Rocket, while Kaapo Kahkonen stopped 28 of the 29 shots sent his way to secure the victory.
Mes de Becker 🚨 https://t.co/7nvQeDcAzw pic.twitter.com/VOjrLVkPPm
— x – Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) March 21, 2026
There was some unfortunate Montreal-related news on Friday, as former Montreal Expos announcer Rodger Brulotte passed away. He was 79.
RIP to the legendary Montreal Expos broadcaster Rodger Brulotte 💔 🙏 pic.twitter.com/a7E2MFSyPo
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 21, 2026
ICYMI: The Canadiens have a relatively healthy powerplay, but they could immediately improve upon it if they decided to take a few more shots every game. The Habs have the seventh-ranked powerplay in the NHL, but are among the teams that take the fewest shots. [Canadiens Powerplay Issues Reflected In One Key Statistic]
Sportsnaut Network
Jake Allen was a monster for the New Jersey Devils on Friday at the Capital One Arena visiting the Washington Capitals. It’s a shame he couldn’t get the goal support. [New Jersey Devils]
After the Bruins’ loss to Nashville, Charlie McAvoy said that “every game the rest of the way is the most important.” The Boston Bruins are well into the playoff chase, and they currently rank as the first wildcard. [Boston Bruins]
It was not just that the Florida Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers in Thursday’s rematch of the past two Stanley Cup Finals. It was how they did it. And that made coach Paul Maurice smile.. [Floriday Panthers]
