Canadiens Draw Attention with Playoff Prospects and Bold Predictions

The Montreal Canadiens are generating buzz as a potential playoff contender this season, drawing attention from analysts and fans alike. With a current record of 14-9-3, the team sits in third place in the Atlantic Division, a promising position for a franchise in the midst of a rebuilding phase. Despite some concerns about their goaltending and overall performance against stronger opponents, the Canadiens have captured the interest of a journalist from The Athletic, who suggested they could reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

Despite the optimism, there are signs that the Canadiens must address. Their goaltending situation has not been a strong point, and they have struggled against top-tier teams. The recent poll conducted by The Athletic asked 25 NHL journalists to predict which teams would compete in the Stanley Cup Finals. Among the responses, one journalist named the Canadiens as a runner-up, marking a significant acknowledgment of the team’s potential.

On December 6, 2025, Mark Lazerus, a senior writer at The Athletic, shared insights about the predictions made. While the Canadiens are not considered favorites, with teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and New Jersey Devils receiving more votes for the Cup, the fact that they garnered even one vote reflects a growing belief in their capabilities. The two-time defending champions, the Florida Panthers, also received recognition despite experiencing a challenging season.

The poll indicates that out of the 25 journalists surveyed, 20 believe the Canadiens will make the playoffs. This places the team among the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, trailing only the Hurricanes, Devils, Lightning, Panthers, and Capitals in the voting. The gap in support is notable; the Ottawa Senators, following the Canadiens, received just 16 votes, while the Pittsburgh Penguins managed only 10.

As the season progresses, maintaining consistency will be crucial for the Canadiens if they hope to secure a spot in the playoffs. Recent performances suggest a decline in victories, raising questions about the team’s trajectory. Yet, the continued support from analysts highlights a belief in the Canadiens’ potential to succeed.

Amid the discussions about the team’s prospects, individual players are also making headlines. Lane Hutson, a standout defenseman, has been vocal about his teammate Ivan Demidov. Hutson praised Demidov’s consistent performance, stating, “There are no surprises anymore. He does it every night and he comes ready to play.” This camaraderie and mutual respect among players could play a pivotal role in the team’s overall success.

Additionally, the development of Juraj Slafkovsky has caught the attention of analysts. According to Brendan Wilde, a sports commentator, Slafkovsky is exhibiting significant growth, saying, “I love where he’s going with everything right now. He’s levelling up like crazy.” This positive feedback underscores the potential impact of young talent on the team’s performance.

The Canadiens’ prospects for the remainder of the season are closely watched, and the enthusiasm surrounding their playoff chances is palpable. As they navigate the challenges ahead, the belief expressed by a journalist from The Athletic serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sports and the potential for success even in the face of adversity.

With the season still unfolding, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if the Canadiens can translate their current momentum into playoff success. The next few months will be pivotal, as they strive to solidify their place among the league’s elite.