The Montreal Canadiens are on a thrilling playoff push, and the excitement around their elite prospect Ivan Demidov is palpable. After finishing his rookie season in the KHL, the 19-year-old has signed an entry-level contract with the Canadiens, making him a key figure in their quest for postseason success. Demidov’s impressive performance in the KHL included leading his team with 49 points in the regular season, breaking Kirill Kaprizov’s record for most points by a 19-year-old. With the Canadiens currently holding a six-point lead on the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, fans are eager to see when Demidov will make his NHL debut.
Demidov’s journey to the NHL has been nothing short of remarkable. He was drafted fifth overall by the Canadiens in last year’s draft and is considered one of the best players outside of the NHL. His recent success in the KHL, where he scored five points in six playoff games, has only intensified the anticipation surrounding his arrival in Montreal. Early reports suggest he could debut as soon as Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks, but wouldn’t it be something if he suited up for the Canadiens’ Saturday night clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs?
The Canadiens are riding high on a six-game winning streak, their first since the 2016-17 season, and they recently defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-1 to improve their record to an impressive 28-14-6 since December 14th. This dramatic turnaround has left fans buzzing and debating the odds of an upset in the first round of the playoffs. Just four months ago, the Canadiens were languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, but now they’re eight points clear of the ninth seed and looking poised for a playoff berth.
Back in December, the odds of the Canadiens making the playoffs were as high as +1400, reflecting just a 6.7 percent probability. However, as their winning streak continued, those odds have drastically shifted. Following their recent successes, the Canadiens’ odds to make the playoffs were slashed from -750 to -1200 after the New York Rangers lost in regulation to the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 7, 2025. With fans now dreaming of playoff success, the Canadiens’ odds to win at least one playoff series have also seen a decrease from +320 to +280.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are navigating their own challenges as they prepare for the postseason. Despite injuries sidelining key players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, head coach Kris Knoblauch remains optimistic about a fully healthy roster in time for the playoffs. McDavid has missed the last eight games, while Draisaitl has been out for the last two, but both are expected to return within the week, coinciding with the Oilers’ final regular-season games on April 14 and April 16.
In addition to McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers are missing several other important players, including starting goaltender Stuart Skinner and defensemen John Klingberg and Mattias Ekholm. The absence of these players has left a staggering $42.2 million in cap space sitting on the sidelines, according to Jason Gregor of Sports 1440. However, rookies Noah Philp and Olivier Rodrigue are stepping up to fill the gaps, with Philp centering the fourth line and Rodrigue serving as the backup goaltender.
The Oilers are currently in a strong position, holding a six-point lead atop the Pacific Division, but they have yet to officially secure their playoff spot. They face a tough matchup against the St. Louis Blues, who recently had a 12-game win streak snapped, making them a formidable opponent. Following that, the Oilers will have a brief reprieve with a game against the struggling San Jose Sharks before closing the regular season with games against the Winnipeg Jets, the Los Angeles Kings, and another meeting with San Jose.
As the playoffs approach, both the Canadiens and Oilers are looking to solidify their positions and make a deep run. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are set to begin on April 19, 2025, and the excitement surrounding both teams is palpable. With the Canadiens thriving on their recent success and the Oilers hopeful for a return to health, fans are in for a thrilling postseason.
In other NHL news, the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Florida Panthers, which saw them miss a golden opportunity to seize control of first place in the Atlantic Division. Following their 3-1 defeat, the Maple Leafs will face the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are also vying for a top spot in the division.
The stakes are high as the Maple Leafs prepare for this crucial matchup, with 59 percent of the stakes on Toronto to win outright. However, their moneyline has climbed from +136 to +150 at FanDuel, reflecting a shift in confidence among bettors. The Lightning’s odds to win the division have also improved, moving from +260 to +155.
As the regular season winds down, the anticipation for the playoffs builds. Fans are eager to see how each team will perform under pressure and whether the Canadiens can continue their remarkable turnaround, the Oilers can overcome their injury woes, and the Maple Leafs can regain their footing in the Atlantic Division. The stage is set for an unforgettable postseason, and hockey fans everywhere are ready for the action to unfold.
