A Quick Story Before We Get Started…
Before diving into the Montreal Canadiens playoffs talk, I want to give a quick shoutout to the long-haired gentleman I met at Tim Hortons this evening.
I needed a walk and decided to pop into Tim’s for a pack of hockey cards (and to finally try one of their infamous pizzas). The guy behind me lit up when he saw the cards in my hand — he didn’t even know they were back. He grabbed two packs for himself, opened them, and then came over to my table and handed me both.
He said he just liked opening them up.
The last card I pulled from the pile? A Nick Suzuki “Through the Years” type card. It hit differently. That moment meant more to me than he knew. So again, thank you, kind stranger!
Nick Suzuki – The Captain We Needed
Here’s a look at Suzuki’s steady rise through the years, with this season’s final stat line included:
| Year | GP | G | A | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | 71 | 13 | 28 | 41 |
| 2020–21 | 56 | 15 | 26 | 41 |
| 2021–22 | 82 | 21 | 40 | 61 |
| 2022–23 | 82 | 26 | 40 | 66 |
| 2023–24 | 82 | 33 | 44 | 77 |
| 2024–25 | 82 | 30 | 59 | 89 |
| Career | 455 | 138 | 237 | 375 |
The guy just keeps getting better. He’s the heart of this team — and getting that card tonight felt like a sign.
Big Moments from the 2024–25 Season
- Lane Hutson tied Hockey Hall of Famer Larry Murphy’s rookie assist record with 60 assists, leading all rookie defencemen in average ice time (22:44).
- Ivan Demidov made the squad and scored in his debut.
- David Savard announced his retirement after a career built on blocking everything in sight — an absolute warrior of a D-man.
From 31st to Playoffs: Déjà Vu?now
Back in December, the Canadiens sat in 31st place. Sound familiar? That’s because in 2018–19, the St. Louis Blues sat dead last in January and went on to win the Cup.
We’re heading to Washington for Game 1 this Monday. The youngest team in the league — the youngest! — fought its way into the Montreal Canadiens playoffs picture. That says a lot about what’s coming over the next few years in Montreal.
Do the Habs Stand a Chance Against the Capitals?
Honestly? Anything can happen in the playoffs.
At the Four Nations Crossing break, we had a 2% chance of making it. And look where we are.
It reminds me of 2009–10 — when we snuck in, took out the red-hot Capitals, and then knocked out the defending champs, the Penguins.
With Sam Montembeault holding it down in net and the young core rested and rolling, you cannot count this team out.
This is the kind of energy that makes the Montreal Canadiens playoffs special. It’s not just about how you start — it’s about how you finish.
What Do You Think?
Will the Canadiens stun the Capitals?
Can history repeat itself?
Let me know what you think — drop a comment and let’s talk playoffs.
Thanks for reading, and shoutout again to the card legend at Tim’s!