What observers say
“I told you so,” remarked Cole Caufield after the Montreal Canadiens secured a decisive 5-2 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes on March 25, 2026. This win not only showcased the Canadiens’ talent but also highlighted the contributions of their young roster, particularly rookie Ivan Demidov.
In the match, Jakub Dobeš made a career-high 41 saves, earning his 23rd win of the season. Dobeš’s performance has been pivotal for the Canadiens, as he leads NHL rookie goalies in wins. His ability to perform under pressure has been a significant factor in the team’s recent success.
Demidov, who scored a goal and provided an assist during the game, has now tied for the rookie points lead. His contributions have been crucial as the Canadiens navigate a tight playoff race, with seven teams within three points of each other. Oliver Kapanen also made headlines by scoring his 21st goal of the season, tying him for second place among rookie scorers, just one behind Matthew Schaefer.
Following the win, the Canadiens saw their playoff chances increase from 84% to 92%. This surge in confidence is a testament to the young core of players stepping up at critical moments. As head coach Martin St. Louis noted, “You try to get it back one shift at a time, one action at a time,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus as the season approaches its climax.
The Canadiens are currently tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins at 86 points in the standings, making every game crucial. Their next matchup will be against the Columbus Blue Jackets, where they will look to build on their recent success.
Noah Dobson commented on the pressure young goalies face in such tight situations, stating, “It’s a lot of onus on young goalies to be in these moments down the stretch with how tight things are.” This reflects the broader challenges faced by rookie players as they adapt to the demands of the NHL.
The Canadiens’ ability to rely on their rookies like Dobeš, Demidov, and Kapanen is a promising sign for the franchise. As they continue to push for a playoff spot, the performance of these young athletes will be critical in determining their success.
