MONTRÉAL – The Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Carolina Hurricanes on April 16, 2025, in a crucial matchup at the Bell Centre, marking the final game of the regular season. This game was not just another contest; it was a must-win for the Canadiens, who needed at least one point to secure a playoff spot. With the stakes high, the atmosphere was electric as fans gathered for Fan Appreciation Night.
The Canadiens entered the game with a record of 39-31-11, trailing just behind the Columbus Blue Jackets, who were lurking close with 87 points. The Canadiens had suffered a disappointing loss to the Chicago Blackhawks just two nights prior in a shootout, leaving them with no margin for error. Coach Martin St. Louis emphasized the importance of the game, stating, "Playing hockey doesn’t feel like it’s missing to me, but games like tonight make me miss it." This sentiment resonated with both players and fans alike.
In a strategic move, the Hurricanes, already secured in second place in the Metropolitan Division, opted to rest several key players, including their top scorers Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, along with defenseman Jaccob Slavin. This decision opened the door for younger players, such as Skyler Brind’Amour, who made his NHL debut, and Domenick Fensore, who also played his first game at the age of 23. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour acknowledged the unique circumstances, saying, "He has certainly earned this chance," referring to his son Skyler.
The game kicked off at 7:00 PM ET, and it didn’t take long for the Canadiens to assert themselves. Just 3:50 into the first period, defenseman Kaiden Guhle opened the scoring with a precise wrist shot that beat Hurricanes goalie Pyotr Kochetkov. This was a crucial moment for the Canadiens, as Guhle’s goal gave them the early lead they desperately needed.
However, the Hurricanes responded with resilience. Taylor Hall managed to score for Carolina later in the first period, as his shot deflected off Guhle and past Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault, leveling the score at 1-1. Despite this setback, the Canadiens maintained their composure, continuing to press the attack.
Throughout the first and second periods, the Canadiens created numerous scoring opportunities. Cole Caufield had a breakaway chance but was denied by Kochetkov's quick reflexes. The crowd erupted in frustration when Caufield hit the crossbar during a power play, a moment that could have shifted the momentum firmly in the Canadiens’ favor.
As the second period progressed, the Canadiens finally broke through again. Nick Suzuki, the team captain, scored his 30th goal of the season with just 3:38 left in the period, restoring the Canadiens’ lead to 2-1. The goal was a result of a well-executed play, with Suzuki receiving a pass from Alexandre Carrier after a battle along the boards.
Just two minutes later, Guhle struck again, netting his second goal of the night to extend the Canadiens’ lead to 3-1. The Bell Centre erupted in cheers as the Canadiens took control of the game, putting them in a strong position to secure the vital points needed for their playoff aspirations.
As the final period began, the Canadiens were determined not to let their hard work go to waste. The Hurricanes, despite missing several key players, fought valiantly to claw back into the game. However, they faced a formidable Canadiens defense and a stellar performance from Montembeault, who made critical saves to keep the Hurricanes at bay.
Throughout the third period, the Canadiens continued to create scoring chances, but they also faced moments of pressure from the Hurricanes. Andrei Svechnikov, among the remaining stars for Carolina, tried to rally his team, but the Canadiens’ defense held strong. The game was a true test of will for both teams, with the Canadiens needing to secure the win to guarantee their playoff spot.
As the clock wound down, it became increasingly clear that the Canadiens were on the verge of victory. They had successfully navigated the pressure of the game, and with a final score of 3-1, they clinched the eighth position in the Eastern Conference, ensuring their place in the playoffs.
The Canadiens’ victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, especially given the stakes of the game. With contributions from key players like Guhle and Suzuki, the team showed they were ready to fight for a chance at the Stanley Cup. The win not only secured their playoff berth but also provided a much-needed boost of confidence heading into the postseason.
As the Canadiens celebrated their hard-fought victory, the focus now shifts to the playoffs, where they will face the challenges ahead with renewed vigor. The team’s journey through the regular season has been filled with ups and downs, but with this crucial win, they are poised to make a significant impact in the playoffs.
