The Canadiens enter Wednesday’s game needing just one point against the Carolina Hurricanes to clinch a Stanley Cup playoff berth for the first time since the 2020–21 season . They’ll host the Hurricanes at the Bell Centre, where a sell‑out crowd is expected to witness what could be a historic moment for the club . Ahead of the contest, the club announced that forward Emil Heineman will return to the lineup in place of Oliver Kapanen, who will be a healthy scratch . Off the ice, Canada’s French‑language federal leaders’ debate was moved two hours earlier to avoid conflicting with tonight’s game, underscoring hockey’s central role in Canadian culture .
Playoff Push
The Canadiens currently sit fifth in the Atlantic Division with a record of 39–31–11, good for the second Eastern Conference wild‑card spot . A win—or even an overtime or shootout loss—will secure their place in the Stanley Cup playoffs . Their fate has been intertwined with the surging Columbus Blue Jackets, who themselves won their fifth straight game on Tuesday and now trail Montreal by just two points in the wild‑card race . The Canadiens’ late‑season surge, including a six‑game winning streak from March 30 to April 8, has positioned them perfectly to capitalize on this opportunity .
Recent Lineup & Injuries
Emil Heineman, sidelined since April 5 with an upper‑body injury, will slot back into the forward group, boosting Montreal’s depth up front . In turn, Oliver Kapanen has been scratched, ending a brief stint on the roster . Defenceman Arber Xhekaj continues to lead the team in penalty minutes, underscoring his physical style of play, though he remains a key bottom‑pairing presence . Beyond these moves, head coach Martin St. Louis has indicated the lineup will otherwise remain unchanged for tonight’s critical contest .
️ Off‑Ice News
Canada’s federal leaders’ French‑language debate was rescheduled from 8 p.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET to avoid overlapping with the Canadiens–Hurricanes game . The decision followed calls from multiple party leaders concerned that hockey would draw away viewers, potentially suppressing civic engagement . This marks the first time in over a decade that a federal debate has been moved for a sporting event, reflecting hockey’s unparalleled place in national life . Canada’s election is set for April 28, and this debate will be one of two, with an English‑language session following on April 17 .
Player Highlights
Veteran centre Nick Suzuki leads Montreal with 87 points this season, combining 28 goals and 59 assists . Rookie sensation Lane Hutson has paced the blueline with 59 assists, showcasing his playmaking skills . Cole Caufield sits atop the team’s goal‑scoring charts with 37 tallies, including several clutch markers during the late‑season surge . Between the pipes, Sam Montembeault has accumulated 30 wins, providing stability in key outings , while backup Jakub Dobes boasts a team‑leading 2.74 goals‑against average . Recently debuted prospect Maxim Demidov impressed in his first NHL appearance, drawing praise for his poise and physicality .
As the Canadiens prepare to take the ice, all eyes will be on whether they can secure that crucial single point and extend their season into the Stanley Cup playoffs.
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