The Montreal Canadiens are a surprisingly gritty, scrappy team. Most fans wouldn’t think so, given their lack of overall so-called tough guys. Beyond Arber Xhekaj, who often plays the enforcer role, the team doesn’t really have players most would identify as pugnacious.
But on Thursday night, the Canadiens showed just how resolute they are. And it’s a lesson that teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs can learn about standing up for teammates. Early in the second period of the Canadiens matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus forward Miles Wood took a run at Habs blueliner Lane Hutson.
The situation was particularly dangerous as Wood hit Hutson in front of the Columbus bench. Those hits can lead to serious injuries. While Hutson was fine, Canadiens’ forward Jake Evans wasn’t having any of it. Evans skated from across the ice and immediately gave Wood the business.
Both Evans and Wood got coincidental minors for roughing. But beyond the roughhousing, the reaction shows how teammates stick up for each other in key situations. Moreover, Hutson is a valuable piece to the Canadiens’ lineup.
Beyond that, Evans’ reaction would have been the same for any teammates. Moving forward, that attitude will be critical as the Canadiens get set to hit the ice during the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Canadiens Firmly in Playoff Spot
Thursday night’s win gave the Canadiens 40 wins and 90 points. That’s good for a solid hold on third place in the Atlantic Division. The Habs remain two points ahead of the fourth-place Boston Bruins.
Also, the Habs remain within striking distance of the second-place Tampa Bay Lightning. At this point, catching the Lightning wouldn’t have much bearing on the playoff race. It seems that the Lightning and Canadiens are on a collision course for the first-round of the playoffs.
That said, catching the Lightning would determine home-ice advantage for the postseason. Although, Montreal has actually been a better road team this season. The Habs are 18-8-8 on the road while 22-13-2 at home.
Perhaps the Canadiens might be better off starting the playoffs on the road. It’s something Tampa Bay will certainly be keeping an eye on.
Get more Canadiens on Heavy:
Canadiens Rumors: Habs Could Land Top NCAA Free Agent
Montreal Canadiens Rumors: Latest Laine Chatter No-Brainer
Canadiens Rumors: Habs Kicking Tires on Flyers D-Man
Habs to Face Physical Opponent in Lightning
The Canadiens will be facing a physical opponent in the Lightning. The Bolts have a reputation for mixing it up with the best of them. This season, Tampa Bay has been at the forefront of two controversial games.
The Lightning and Panthers have actually featured multiple penalty-filled contests. Things have gotten out of hand on several occasions between the two Florida-based teams.
Most recently, the Lightning had an epic scuffle-fest with the Buffalo Sabres. The game itself was a nailbiter with the Sabres pulling off an amazing comeback victory to take the game 8-7.
While the Canadiens might not win 8-7 games in a potential matchup with the Bolts, the need for toughness and truculence will be there. Montreal fans can expect the entire lineup to show some extra mustard in that first round against Tampa.
Otherwise, the Bolts will want to walk right over them.
Canadiens Give Lesson Maple Leafs Should Learn