Montreal Canadiens 2025-26 Mid-Season Check: Playoff Hopes Alive on Hot Streak
The Montreal Canadiens are turning heads and defying expectations as the 2025-26 NHL season hits its stride. After a period of rebuilding, the storied franchise is showing tangible signs of a competitive resurgence, riding a wave of momentum that has fans at the Bell Centre dreaming of spring hockey. With a blend of youthful star power and resilient goaltending, the Habs are no longer just a team of the future—they’re a team making noise in the present.
As of early January 2026, the Canadiens find themselves in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Their recent form has been nothing short of impressive, transforming their season outlook from hopeful to genuinely promising. Let’s dive into the stats, the schedule, and the key factors driving this compelling chapter for Les Glorieux.
Recent Form: A Ten-Game Surge
Video Correlato: Jets vs. Canadiens | NHL Highlights | December 03, 2025
The most telling indicator of the Canadiens’ current state is their performance over the last stretch of games. This isn’t a fluke; it’s a sustained run of quality hockey that has solidified their standing.
| Stat | Value (Last 10 Games) |
|---|---|
| Record | 6-1-3 |
| Points Percentage | .750 |
| Goal Differential | +13 |
| Notable Result | Won 7-5 vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Dec. 28, 2025) |
This 6-1-3 record demonstrates an ability to secure points consistently. The +13 goal differential is particularly noteworthy, highlighting an offense that’s clicking and a team playing with confidence. Young sniper Cole Caufield has been central to this, recently eclipsing the 20-goal and 40-point marks for the season.
Upcoming Schedule & Playoff Picture
The path to the postseason is now clearly in view. According to the latest data, the Canadiens’ playoff chances have seen a significant boost from pre-season projections, now sitting in a much more optimistic range. Their immediate schedule is critical.
| Date | Opponent | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Game | Florida Panthers | Won 3-2 |
| Jan. 3, 2026 | St. Louis Blues | Confirmed: Jacob Fowler starting in goal |
| Near Future | Carolina Hurricanes | Potential clinching scenario: 1 point secures playoff berth |
The decision to start rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler against the Blues underscores the team’s commitment to riding the hot hand and evaluating its future. In the broader picture, analysts like Mike Kelly have placed Montreal’s playoff odds around 43%, a stark contrast to the sub-20% chances seen earlier in the season. Sportsbooks reflect this shift, with odds to make the playoffs now favouring the Habs.
Injury Report: Navigating the Bumps
No NHL team completes a gruelling season unscathed, and the Canadiens are managing a significant injury list. The health of key players will be a major factor in sustaining this push.
| Player | Position | Injury | Status / Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Matheson | Defence | Undisclosed | Injured Reserve (IR) |
| Josh Anderson | Right Wing | Undisclosed | IR; exited last game vs. Hurricanes |
| Jake Evans | Centre | Lower Body | Expected to miss 4-6 weeks (as of Dec. 20) |
| Kirby Dach | Centre | N/A | Updates pending; part of growing injury list |
| Kaiden Guhle | Defence | N/A | Updates pending |
The absence of top-pairing defender Mike Matheson and the physical presence of Josh Anderson creates challenges. The team’s depth and the “next man up” mentality are being tested during this crucial period.
What’s Driving the Success?
Several factors converge to explain the Canadiens’ surge. First, the offensive production from young core players like Caufield has provided consistent firepower. Second, the goaltending tandem, now featuring the promising Jacob Fowler, has provided stability. Finally, the team’s structure under coach Martin St. Louis has fostered resilience, allowing them to win close games and secure points even when not at their absolute best. They are, as one season preview noted, “closer to the playoff bubble than they are to the league’s worst teams.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Montreal Canadiens’ current playoff chances?
As of early January 2026, the Canadiens’ playoff odds have improved dramatically and are estimated to be around 43%, according to analyst Mike Kelly. This is a significant increase from earlier season projections of roughly 19%. Sportsbooks also now list them as favourites to make the postseason.
Who is starting in goal for the Canadiens against the St. Louis Blues?
The team has confirmed that rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler will get the start in the upcoming game against the St. Louis Blues. This decision indicates the coaching staff’s confidence in Fowler and a desire to evaluate the young netminder in a high-stakes game as the team pursues a playoff spot.
Which key players are currently injured for the Canadiens?
The Canadiens are dealing with several significant injuries. Top defenceman Mike Matheson and power forward Josh Anderson are on Injured Reserve. Centre Jake Evans is expected to be out 4-6 weeks with a lower-body injury. Updates are also awaited on the status of key players like Kirby Dach and Kaiden Guhle.