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Montreal Gazette
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
Reaching playoffs ‘best feeling in the world,' Canadiens' Kaiden Guhle says
Montreal Canadiens By In mid-November, the Canadiens were last overall in the NHL before improving to 31st two weeks later. Even the most fervent supporters had to admit the rebuilding process appeared to be regressing. And yet today, Montreal is headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2021, when it made an improbable run to the Stanley Cup final before being overmatched by Tampa Bay. The Canadiens' hard-fought 4-2 victory over Carolina Wednesday at the Bell Centre secured the second, and final, wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Montreal will meet the top-seeded Capitals in the best-of-seven opening round, beginning Monday night in Washington. Before February's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, the Canadiens were six points short of a playoff berth. But then Montreal went 15-5-6 — the league's fifth-best record. That included a five-game winning streak coming out of the break, providing hope, along with a recent season-high string of six consecutive victories. 'I'm so proud of the group,' head coach Martin St. Louis said Wednesday night. 'Coming off the break, I think we had a two per cent chance of making the playoffs. For me, a two per cent chance, you still have a chance.' There were some anxious moments during the final week of the schedule. Although the Canadiens needed only one win in their final four games, it was difficult to seal the deal, the team going 0-1-2 while Columbus — the last team that had a chance to catch Montreal — went on a five-game winning streak. 'I feel I experienced the same as the players,' said St. Louis, who should be considered a coach-of-the-year candidate. 'I was stressed as well. You almost have to normalize that. You have to let those feelings go when the game starts. Everything between the games, it's normal to feel the way you do, especially the way the schedule lined up. Columbus was playing when we weren't. You're not busy when they're playing. You're scoreboard watching or watching the game. It added to (the anxiety). 'I learned a lot the last four games. It's something I've got to go through as a coach.' While the players weren't wrong when they repeatedly said they controlled their destiny, it appeared they were feeling the pressure of putting the final nail in the Blue Jackets' coffin. The Canadiens have one of the NHL's youngest teams and, while the roster's sprinkled with some veterans, the majority haven't played late-season meaningful games. 'Feeling something that no one expected us to do in November, December, this group's so resilient,' said defenceman Kaiden Guhle, who had the first two-goal game of his career. 'I'm so proud of every guy in this room. It's the best feeling in the world — winning big games.' The Canadiens and Capitals are meeting in the playoffs for the first time since 2010, when they faced each other in a conference quarter-final. Montreal overcame a 3-1 deficit to upset the Presidents' Trophy winners, proving that anything's possible once the post-season begins. The teams met three times this season and, although Washington won twice, the Canadiens are coming off a 3-2 overtime win at Capital One Arena on Jan. 10. 'Whatever happened during the regular season, it doesn't matter. It's going to be a whole different game out there,' said Lane Hutson, who tied Larry Murphy's record of 60 assists by a rookie defenceman. 'Anyone can beat anyone on any given night. That's why it's the best sport in the world. 'The last stretch was tough for everyone,' he said. 'I tried not to show that you're rattled, but everyone gets rattled and handles it differently.' Winger Brendan Gallagher, in his 13th season with the Canadiens, knows the task of defeating Washington is formidable. 'They're one of the best teams in the league for a reason,' he said. 'It's going to be a tough challenge for us. It's a good opportunity for us to show what we've become and we're going to embrace the challenge. We'll be ready, but we know what's ahead of us. 'There's 16 teams with the opportunity to make the dream come true. We're one of them, and you try to take advantage of it.' The Canadiens had the day off on Thursday and will practise Friday through Sunday at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard before leaving for Washington. Winger Joshua Roy won't be accompanying the team. He was assigned to AHL Laval on Thursday.
CTV News
02-05-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
'It's a team award,' Habs coach Martin St. Louis on nomination for best coach
Montreal Watch Montreal Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said 'it's a team award,' after being nominated for the Jack Adams trophy as the NHL's best coach.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
St. Louis sees brighter days ahead for Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens Head Coach Martin St. Louis during a press conference after the Game Three (Credit: Getty Image) The sting of playoff elimination still lingers, but Martin St. Louis sees beyond the pain. Montreal's head coach delivered a powerful message after their first-round exit: greater joy is coming. His words carry weight from someone who's lived the underdog story. Overcoming Doubts and Building a Future The Canadiens' season ended against Washington, but progress was undeniable. A young roster pushed beyond expectations, showing flashes of brilliance. St. Louis understands these growing pains firsthand. His playing career proves setbacks can fuel future success. Standing just 5'8", St. Louis was told he'd never make it. He became a Hart Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion. Now he sees similar potential in Montreal's core. Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovský represent the new foundation. Fans remember the 2021 Cinderella run, but sustainable success requires patience. St. Louis emphasizes daily improvement over quick fixes. His unconventional coaching style sparks debate, but player development speaks for itself. The Habs' trajectory points upward. Culture of Belief and Blueprint Head coach Martin St. Louis of the Montreal Canadiens (Credit: Getty Image) What separates St. Louis is his infectious optimism. He doesn't just hope for success; he expects it. This mentality reshapes an entire organization. Players buy in because their coach walked the difficult path before them. General Manager Kent Hughes has carefully assembled talent through the draft. Prospects like Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher add to the excitement. The system now boasts both skill and depth at every position. Management's patience mirrors St. Louis' long-term vision. Read more: NHL Playoffs: Jets Overcome Loss of Top Scorer Scheifele to Edge Blues Learning Through Adversity as the Right Pieces Falling Into Place This season's playoff experience proved invaluable. Young players tasted postseason intensity without the burden of expectations. Each shift against veteran opponents became a lesson. These hard-earned lessons will pay dividends when games matter most. The Bell Center will roar again. With St. Louis guiding a talented young group, Montreal's hockey future looks bright. Today's disappointments are building blocks for tomorrow's celebrations. The Canadiens' revival story is just beginning.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'The pain now is not even close to the joy that's coming': Coach Martin St. Louis on Montreal Canadiens' playoff loss against Washington Capitals as rebuild takes shape for bright future
Montreal Canadiens vs Washington Capitals (via Getty Images) The Montreal Canadiens had a rough but instructive experience during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs . Although they came short of a tough-earned 4-1 series loss against the Washington Capitals , the Montreal Canadiens have taken the right step towards their rebuild by demonstrating that they possess tenacity, development, and potential. It was not all about qualifying for the playoffs this season, but learning painful lessons that will lead to their ensuing success. A season of hard lessons for the Montreal Canadiens NHL Game 5 Highlights | Canadiens vs. Capitals - April 30, 2025 The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs were a proving ground for the Montreal Canadiens, the youngest team in the playoff bracket to enter the postseason. Their season ended with a 4-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, but the Montreal Canadiens gained something far more valuable than a victory: experience. The playoff atmosphere, full of high-stakes moments and rollercoaster feelings, exposed the young roster to what it is like to play at an elite level. That most succinctly, Montreal Canadiens' head coach Martin St. Louis summed up the situation: 'The pain you feel right now is not even close to the joy that's coming.' Learning from adversity and gaining respect Veteran blue-liner Mike Matheson spoke bluntly about the road to being a championship contender. 'Everyone wants to get to that ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup, and there's a realization that you can't just kind of end up there (in) one year,' he said. 'You have to keep pushing every single year and taking every chance that you get to try to make it happen.' 'I think I gained a lot of respect for that team over there,' said Capitals energy source Tom Wilson. 'You know, they've got a bright future, obviously. And they competed really hard, and they've got a bunch of warriors.' Also read: 'She was my biggest fan': Throwback to Martin St. Louis' heart-wrenching tribute to his mother A bright future awaits Despite the series loss, the Canadiens' young core of stars, including captain Nick Suzuki , Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, are poised to do even more soon. With players under cheap contracts and the salary cap expected to rise, Montreal's future has never been brighter. Though painful, they learnt precious lessons that will shape their destiny. The journey to winning is never linear, but for the Canadiens, each defeat is an opportunity to learn. On the core of talented young players and the resilience and workhorse-based culture, the Canadiens are set to rebound once again.
Montreal Gazette
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
Canadiens hope to seize momentum in do-or-die Game 5 vs. Capitals
Montreal Canadiens By In his first playoff series as a head coach, and with his team facing elimination for the first time, Martin St. Louis said he won't have anything profound to say to his players Wednesday night. Instead, his message will be succinct: 'One word — momentum. You need to grab the momentum. Obviously it would come with a win,' St. Louis said after Tuesday morning's practice at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard. 'It starts with all the actions that come during the game that help you keep the momentum and steal it back when you lose it.' The Canadiens' predicament couldn't be any clearer heading into Wednesday's Game 5 (7 p.m., CBC, SN, TVA Sports, TSN Radio-690, 98.5 FM) of their opening-round series against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. Win or go home. With a bounce here or there, or another goal or two, the Canadiens could easily have been tied with the Capitals or even be leading 3-1, as St. Louis suggested on Monday. Instead, following Sunday's 5-2 loss at the Bell Centre, Montreal has dug itself a 3-1 hole, its margin of error razor thin. The status of numerous players remains uncertain heading into the game, although it's virtually certain the Canadiens will continue without goaltender Samuel Montembeault, who sustained a lower-body injury Friday and has been listed as day-to-day. Defenceman Alexandre Carrier also wasn't on the ice Tuesday following the devastating hit administered by Tom Wilson in the third period on Sunday. Also missing were defenceman David Savard and forwards Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher (maintenance days). But winger Patrik Laine, who has missed the last two games with an upper-body injury, practised on Tuesday. Should Carrier, as expected, miss the next game after likely suffering a concussion, he'll be replaced by Jayden Struble. No player will be recalled from AHL Laval, according to St. Louis. The Rocket is in Cleveland, preparing for the start of its best-of-five series Wednesday night. 'We're confident in (Struble) if he has to come in,' St. Louis said. 'He's a good player who has played some really good hockey for us this year. We'll see what happens. At this time of the season, you have to be ready for anything. ... You just have to go out there and try to get the job done. 'Winning in the playoffs comes at a steeper price,' he added. 'The physicality. There's got to be some kind of courage, probably a little more involved. Collective courage in the playoffs. You don't get to live that without going through it. That's what we're doing.' When defenceman Kaiden Guhle was playing junior in Prince Albert, his team had a 3-1 lead against Vancouver in the 2019 Western Hockey League final. While the Raiders won the title, they were stretched to overtime of the seventh game. 'We definitely felt a bit of tension when we lost the fifth game,' Guhle said. 'You're so close, but you're still far. It's a different feeling for sure. We have to win one game, come back to Montreal, win another game and all of a sudden you're at Game 7. 'I'd say the team that's up has more pressure,' he added. 'Especially if we go there and take one (Wednesday). The tension will probably be a little bit higher in that room. For us, we have nothing to lose right now. Play like it's your last game of the year and see what happens. Three to one is a tough lead to keep.' Six players — Gallagher, Anderson, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Jake Evans and Joel Armia — remain from Canadiens' run to the 2021 Stanley Cup final. Montreal overcame a 3-1 deficit against Toronto in the opening round that year. 'We could have won every game (against Washington),' Guhle said. 'The past two games definitely have been our best of the series, looking at the full 60 minutes. It could be our last game of the season. Everybody knows that.' While forward Alex Newhook didn't join the Canadiens until a June 2023 trade, he won the Cup the previous season with Colorado. He knows as well as anyone how quickly momentum can switch in a game and series, and the emphasis is on Montreal to seize the opportunity. He said the Canadiens must play with desperation. 'It feels like our backs have been against the wall a lot of times during the season,' Newhook said. 'We've had to come back and win some pretty important games down the stretch. We have to bring the same mentality, draw back to how we approached those types of games with a little bit of extra added intensity. 'That's what it comes down to — winning one game on the road. We still believe we can win this series.'
