The Montreal Canadiens are set to face off against the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Bell Centre in Montréal. This matchup carries significant playoff implications for the Canadiens, who are in a do-or-die situation, needing at least one point to secure the second wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the action live on ESPN+.
Currently, the Canadiens hold a record of 39-31-11, sitting at 89 points. They are in a tight race with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are just two points behind. If Montreal loses in regulation, they will be relying on Columbus to falter in their final game against the New York Islanders on April 17, 2025, to keep their playoff hopes alive.
On the other hand, the Hurricanes enter this contest with a solid record of 47-28-5 and have already secured their playoff spot. However, they are expected to rest several key players, including stars like Sebastian Aho, Jaccob Slavin, and Jordan Staal, who did not participate in the morning skate. This decision is likely aimed at preserving their health for the upcoming postseason, as they are set to face the New Jersey Devils in the first round.
Despite the absence of their regulars, the Hurricanes still boast a strong lineup, which includes emerging talents like Skyler Brind’Amour and Bradly Nadeau, who are making their NHL debuts. Nadeau, a first-round draft pick in 2023, has been a standout in the AHL, leading the Chicago Wolves with 30 goals this season.
For the Canadiens, the pressure is palpable. Head coach Martin St. Louis expressed the weight of the moment, stating, "You don't get do-overs, so you can't leave this game with any regrets. It's not about being perfect, it's about laying it on the line, doing the things that the game needs you to do." His players are equally aware of the stakes, with defenseman Kaiden Guhle noting, "Do or die situation, got the chance to clinch in Game 82. It'll be fun. It's why you play the game."
Montreal's recent form has been a rollercoaster, having gone 14-5-6 since the 4 Nations Face-Off. However, their last three games have seen missed opportunities to clinch a playoff spot, including a disappointing shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday. The Canadiens are aware that they cannot afford another slip-up, especially with the Blue Jackets breathing down their necks.
One bright spot for the Canadiens has been the performance of Ivan Demidov, who made a spectacular NHL debut against Chicago, scoring a goal and providing an assist. The 19-year-old Russian forward, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, has quickly become a fan favorite, with excitement surrounding his arrival in Montreal. Guhle commented on the buzz, saying, "You feel the buzz around the city, if there wasn't buzz already with us having a chance to clinch, there was more now with him coming in."
As the Canadiens prepare for this critical matchup, they must also focus on their defensive game, which has been shaky at times. They rank 25th in expected goal share and have allowed an average of 3.46 expected goals against per 60 minutes since the break. Goaltender Samuel Montembeault, who has a +23.8 GSAx rating and a .901 save percentage in 61 games this season, will need to be at his best to keep the Hurricanes at bay.
The betting odds reflect the tension surrounding the game, with the Canadiens listed as slight moneyline favorites at -125, while the Hurricanes are at +106. The spread favors Montreal by 1.5 goals, indicating the expectation for a closely contested game. The total points are set at 6, reflecting the potential for a high-scoring affair.
For the Hurricanes, their recent performance has been impressive, ranking eighth in the league for both goals scored and goals allowed per game. They have also ranked third in expected goal share over their last 15 games, showcasing their offensive depth and ability to generate shots on goal.
As both teams take the ice at the Bell Centre, fans can expect an electric atmosphere, with the stakes at an all-time high for the Canadiens. They know that a single point could mean the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason. The excitement is palpable, and the players are ready to deliver a performance that could define their season.
In conclusion, the Canadiens face a must-win situation against a Hurricanes team that will be fielding a less experienced roster. With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Montreal must capitalize on this opportunity and secure at least one point to ensure they remain in the postseason race. The stage is set for an unforgettable night of hockey in Montréal.
