MONTREAL -- The Montreal Canadiens clinched the last Eastern Conference playoff spot with a thrilling 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night, April 16, 2025, in their regular-season finale. This marks a significant achievement for the Canadiens, who will face the Washington Capitals in the first round of the playoffs, returning to postseason action for the first time since 2021.
Kaiden Guhle was the star of the night, scoring twice to help propel his team to victory. His first goal came in the second period, showcasing his skill as he found the net with precision. Nick Suzuki also made headlines by scoring his 30th goal of the season, breaking a tie late in the second period, and adding an assist to his tally. Jake Evans sealed the game with an empty-net goal, while goaltender Sam Montembeault made 27 saves, demonstrating his prowess between the pipes.
The Canadiens needed at least a point to eliminate the Columbus Blue Jackets from playoff contention, and they delivered when it mattered most. This victory was particularly sweet for Montreal fans, as the team had previously missed opportunities to secure a playoff spot in their last three games. They faced a tough loss against Ottawa, followed by an overtime defeat to Toronto, and a shootout loss to Chicago.
In this crucial matchup, the Canadiens took control late in the second period, with Suzuki and Guhle scoring just 2:26 apart to give Montreal a 3-1 lead. The goals came after a strong period from Carolina, who outshot Montreal 14-5. Taylor Hall and Tyson Jost scored for the Hurricanes, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Canadiens' lead.
Notably, the Hurricanes rested several key players, including stars like Sebastian Aho, Jaccob Slavin, and Jordan Staal, as they prepared for their own playoff run against the New Jersey Devils. Pyotr Kochetkov, the Carolina goaltender, managed to stop 17 shots but faced a challenging night against a motivated Montreal offense.
Another highlight of the game was Lane Hutson's achievement, as he recorded his 60th assist, tying Larry Murphy’s record for the most assists by an NHL rookie defenseman in a single season. Hutson’s remarkable performance adds to the excitement surrounding the Canadiens as they head into the playoffs.
This victory not only secures a playoff berth for the Canadiens but also revitalizes the team's spirit and momentum as they prepare to face the Capitals. With a regular season record of 40-31-11, the Canadiens have shown resilience and determination, qualities that will be crucial in the upcoming playoff series.
The Hurricanes, who are set to close their regular season against Ottawa on Thursday night, will be looking to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their own playoff challenges. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are ready to embrace the intensity of playoff hockey, eager to make an impact after their absence from the postseason.
As the excitement builds for the playoffs, fans are left wondering: can the Canadiens capitalize on this momentum and make a deep playoff run? With their recent performance and key players stepping up, the stage is set for an exhilarating postseason.
