The Montreal Canadiens are going to the playoffs. After clinching their second playoff berth in a row on Sunday, they are now jockeying for where they will finish in the Atlantic Division. Their official ticket was punched following a Detroit Red Wings loss to the Minnesota Wild. Which continues to prove that this young core keeps showing they are ahead of schedule.
Here is the latest news and rumours surrounding the Canadiens as they get ready for the postseason.
The Race for the Atlantic Division Lead
Clinching the spot was the first hurdle, but the work is not done. The Canadiens are currently in a dead heat with the Buffalo Sabres for second place in the Atlantic Division, with both teams sitting at 100 points. The Tampa Bay Lightning are just two points ahead for the division lead.
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With only a handful of games left, the difference between finishing first and third is massive. Winning the division would likely mean a matchup against a wild-card team, while finishing second or third sets up a much tougher first-round series against whichever team finishes second between the Lightning and Sabres.
Caufield’s Chase for 50
The biggest individual story in Montreal right now is Cole Caufield and his push for 50 goals. Caufield is sitting on 49 after a stretch that saw him score 28 times in his last 27 games. He is looking to become the first Canadiens player to hit the 50-goal mark since Stéphane Richer in 1990.
The tension in the building has been noticeable every time he touches the puck. St. Louis mentioned after Sunday’s game that the team might be “searching” for Caufield a bit too much on the power play. With games against Tampa Bay and the Columbus Blue Jackets up next, Caufield has time to get it done and add his name to that part of Canadiens history.
Hage for Knies Trade Rumours?
Even with the playoffs right around the corner. The rumour mill hasn’t quieted down regarding what Kent Hughes was working on at the trade deadline. Reports have surfaced that the Canadiens were in talks with the Maple Leafs about power forward Matthew Knies. The report came out after the Maple Leafs’ CEO Keith Pelley held a press conference after firing their GM Brad Treliving.
Related: Canadiens Still Have More to Play for After Clinching a Playoff Spot
In that press conference, he mentioned Michael Hage by name as a player of interest. He also mentioned “we didn’t see the train coming” in reference to Montreal and Buffalo. This quickly made headlines because the Canadiens biggest rival’s CEO is mentioning one of their most sought-after prospects in a press conference after talking about the importance of changing the future. At this time, there is no real report regarding if it was the Canadiens or Maple Leafs who turned down the reportedly trade. But, if it safe to assume if Montreal is going to trade Hage, it would have to be for a young, impactful player like Knies.
