The 3 most difficult photos of Canadians’ 2025-26 schedule – Hockey Writer –
Montreal Canadaens have higher expectations for entering the 2025-26 season than in recent years. With a talented young core led by Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov and Lane Hutson, coupled with the summer increase in Noah Dobson, Canadians think they are closer to the next step than ever before. But, turning optimism into a playoff reality, timelines always play a big role. There are turning points every season, and for Montreal, several stretches are particularly tough.
If Canadians can’t manage them well, these tough patches could make their playoff chances or break the playoff chances. Let’s take a look at the three largest tests.
April
The Canadians’ season is likely to be decided in seven games from March 29 to April 9. During this time, they will face some elite clubs of the Eastern Conference, many of whom will compete for the playoffs at the same time.
The trip began with four consecutive games against the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils. That was four consecutive legal Cup contenders, away from the Bell Center. Carolina and Tampa Bay remain one of the best-structured teams in the league, with the Rangers having one of the top six forward groups in hockey, and the Devil’s speed has been hard and difficult in past games.
Once Canadians finally get home, things won’t get easier. They immediately received the devil again, then the lightning, and then the Florida Black Panthers. In other words, seven straight games against the postseason opponents, many of them being real heavyweights.
Why is it so important? Because it appears at the end of the playoffs determined by the playoffs. Montreal may be in the thick of wild card competitions, or may be third in the Atlantic Division. Throwing too many games in this sequence may reduce their chances. On the other hand, if Canadians can have their own seven games holding their own, even if they play .500 in .500, they will send a message that they can get along with the best.
The depth of the team will be tested. Goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault continues to establish himself as Montreal’s No. 1 and he will need to be sharp. The defensive core will have to limit errors. On the offensive side, Habs’ top players have to rise. Stars like Suzuki, Kafield and Demidov will need to produce in these high-pressure showdowns.
This is the biggest trial of the Montreal fire. Surviving might be the difference between watching the playoffs in late April and playing meaningful games.
Road trip in November
The NHL schedule is ruthless and Canadians will soon learn about it when they arrive in late November. Between Nov. 26 and 29, Montreal faced three road games in four nights with Utah Mammoth, Las Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche.
What makes this stretch even more difficult is the guidance. Just before leaving the trip, the Canadians played two home games against the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs.
The trip started in Utah, then back-to-back in Las Vegas and Denver, two of the toughest teams in the league. The depth and championship bloodline of the Golden Knights always put them in danger, and Colorado remains a huge power led by Nathan Mackinnon and Cale Makar.
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For Montreal, the trip was less than the style point and more about survival. Even stealing three to four points will be considered a success. The team often talks about the importance of “early bank points” to buffering late downturns, and this trip can determine if Canadians can do so.
It will also be a test of Montreal’s secondary score. On long trips, opponents can decide on a showdown and neutralize the Canadians’ top-ranked ball. In-depth contribution can be the difference between successful travel and disastrous travel.
Holiday Road
It seems like the November trip is not enough, and Canadians are also staring at one of the toughest holiday paths in the NHL. From December 23 to January 4, Montreal will play six consecutive games against the Boston Brown Bears, Lightning, Black Panthers, Hurricanes, St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars.
It’s a tough sequence: Five of the six teams made the playoffs last season, several of which were legal Cup contenders. The only exception is Boston, and even then, the Brown Bears are still a competitor, and they are always against Montreal.
What makes this stretch more challenging is the timing. Games during the holidays can be mentally exhausted, especially for young teams like the Canadians. Fatigue, emotional loss from traveling and outing all works.
It would be a huge success if Montreal could escape this swing with eight to nine points. January is coming, and anything in January can make them scramble.
For a rising team, these stretches will reveal whether Canadians are really ready to take the next step. A strong performance will not only put them into the playoff hunt, but also make sure that this young group can eventually compete with the league’s elite.
