Montréal Canadiens vs Carolina Hurricanes Picks and Predictions April 16th 2025

Carolina Hurricanes Lock In Playoff Spot, Shift Focus to Health

With a secured second-place finish in the Metropolitan Division, the Carolina Hurricanes (47-28-5, 99 points) are preparing for a cautious finish to the regular season. Their first-round matchup is already set—they’ll face the Montréal Canadiens when the postseason begins this weekend.

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Rod Brind’Amour Prioritizes Rest Over Momentum

Coach Rod Brind’Amour is leaning toward resting key players ahead of the playoffs, citing multiple players nursing minor injuries.

“We’ve got guys who are nursing stuff… We’re leaning more on, ‘Let’s get our guys healthy,’” Brind’Amour explained.

This strategic rest could see players from the AHL affiliate, Chicago Wolves, called up to fill the roster.

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Hurricanes’ Injury Updates Before Facing Canadiens

Jordan Martinook Sits After Long Ironman Streak

Winger Jordan Martinook, who had appeared in every game for the past two seasons, missed Sunday’s game and did not practice Tuesday. He’s expected to sit again against Montreal as a precaution.

Possible Returns: Gostisbehere and Kotkaniemi

Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and center Jesperi Kotkaniemi returned to practice after short injury spells and could be back in the lineup for Wednesday.

Recent Form: Hurricanes Enter Montreal Game on Slump

The Canes have dropped five of their last six (1-4-1), a concerning trend even if the losses come with context—injuries and strategic rest. They’ll hope to flip the momentum switch once the playoffs begin.

Canadiens Eyeing Clinch as Playoff Race Tightens

Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens (39-31-11, 89 points) are in playoff mode already. They sit four points above the Columbus Blue Jackets in the battle for the second Eastern Conference wild card, though Columbus has a game in hand.

Clinch Scenario: All Eyes on Columbus

Only a Columbus regulation win over Philadelphia on Tuesday night would delay Montreal’s potential playoff clinch.

Missed Opportunities, But Habs Stay Positive

Despite a recent three-game slide (0-1-2), the Canadiens remain optimistic.

“Would we have liked to clinch? Of course,” said veteran Brendan Gallagher. “You play the cards you’re dealt and we still have a pretty good hand.”

Rookie Watch: Ivan Demidov’s Electric Debut

Top draft pick Ivan Demidov (#5 in 2024) made an immediate impact in Monday’s 4-3 shootout loss to Chicago, assisting on the first goal and scoring another in the first period.

Coach Martin St. Louis praised his composure and skill:

“You can see how he uses his mind, his skill, his feet… it’s all connected.”

What’s at Stake: Hurricanes vs. Canadiens Playoff Update

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Strategic Implications of the Matchup

• Hurricanes: Opting for caution over competitiveness could preserve health but risk playoff momentum.
• Canadiens: Playing against a potentially weakened Carolina squad offers a golden opportunity to clinch.

Final Thoughts: Stakes Couldn’t Be More Different

As we head into Wednesday night’s matchup, the Hurricanes vs. Canadiens playoff update shows two teams with wildly different goals. Carolina’s looking ahead to May. Montreal’s fighting for the chance to play in it.

This game may not matter to Carolina in the standings—but for Montreal, it could be everything.