Canadiens Push for Playoffs, Fend off Trade Rumors as Deadline Draws Near

Summary:

• The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Buffalo Sabres with a 4-3 victory on Monday. 
• Coach Martin St. Louis’ side is fighting for a playoff spot, determined to avoid selling at the trade deadline.
• Key players, including Jake Evans, are under contract uncertainty, but the team remains focused on securing a postseason berth.

Before the new seasons kicked off, the Montreal Canadiens made it clear that they were tired of watching teammates leave for Stanley Cup contenders every spring. Now, with the trade deadline approaching, they’re making a strong case to keep their roster intact.

On Monday, Mike Matheson scored at 1:21 in overtime to lift Montreal to a 4-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. The win represents their fifth consecutive win, significantly strengthening their playoff push.

Brendan Gallagher: “Everybody Wants to Be Contending”

“Kent will tell you — he’s happy”, said veteran forward Brendan Gallagher, now in his 13th season with the team. “He’s happy to be in this situation, nobody wants to be sellers, everybody wants to be contending”.

Despite blowing a 3-0 lead, the Canadiens remained unbeaten since the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off break. Captain Nick Suzuki led the charge with a goal and three assists.

With a 30-26-5 record and 65 points, Montreal sits just one point outside a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. However, competition is tight, with several teams still in the mix.

JEU. SET. MATH-CH.#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/JYtL290psp

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 4, 2025

It’s not gonna be easy, but we believe in here. It’s definitely (possible). What are we, one point back? We play good hockey, we take care of our own business, we believe that at the end of the year we’ll be where we want to be.

Evans, Armia, and Savard Into the Spotlight

As Friday’s trade deadline approaches, speculation surrounds pending unrestricted free agents Jake Evans, Joel Armia, and David Savard. 

With Montreal beginning a four-game road trip Thursday in Edmonton, some players may have already played their last home game at the Bell Centre.

“There’s probably some guys here that are so nervous”, goalie Sam Montembeault admitted. 

Evans, in particular, has stood out this season, tallying 12 goals and 16 assists, just one point shy of his career high with over 20 games left to play. However, contract talks reportedly remain at a standstill.

32-year-old Edmonton native Gallagher said,

He’s done everything he could, he’s controlled what he can control and played good hockey. It’s obviously not an ideal situation, but as a group we love Jakey, we love to have him around. We’ll let it unfold, see how it plays out.

Martin St. Louis: “Every Game for Us Feels Like a Game 7.”

For the first time in years, the Canadiens are in a legitimate NHL playoff race instead of languishing near the bottom of the standings. No matter what the end of the season will bring, head coach Martin St. Louis continues to see value in the experience.

Our playoffs have started. We’ve been in playoff mode for a long time, because we’re chasing the standings. Every game for us feels like a Game 7. Gotta win, gotta win. And to me those pressure moments, they’re real reps for the guys.

Monday’s win wasn’t perfect. After dominating the first period, Montreal was outshot 27-11 in the second and third, allowing Buffalo to tie the game. Nonetheless, St. Louis remained focused on the bigger picture.

“We went and grabbed two big points”, he said. 

With momentum on their side, the Canadiens are proving they’re not ready to be sellers just yet.