Martin St. Louis’ extraordinary journey from an underestimated player to the Hall of Fame is shaping the future of the Montreal Canadiens. As the head coach, St. Louis has infused a contagious belief into his players, driving them to achieve a playoff spot in record time during a rebuilding phase.

Veterans like Brendan Gallagher attribute their success to St. Louis’ unwavering confidence and motivational techniques, which resonate deeply with the squad. The Canadiens, now the youngest team in the playoffs, have not only overcome a rough start but also exceeded expectations with a strong finish to the season.

Kaiden Guhle's two-goal performance propelled the Montreal Canadiens to a critical 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, clinching the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. The Canadiens, entering the postseason for the first time since their 2021 Stanley Cup run, faced immense pressure after struggling to secure their playoff berth over three previous attempts. Despite setbacks against the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Blackhawks, Guhle's timely scoring, alongside contributions from Nick Suzuki, solidified their place. The Canadiens will face the top-seeded Washington Capitals in the playoffs, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise that began a rebuild following a dismal start two seasons ago.

As NHL teams gear up for their playoff pushes, daily fantasy hockey enthusiasts are eyeing key matchups that could influence their lineups for April 16, 2025. Goalie Sam Montembeault, facing the Detroit Red Wings, stands out as a solid option on DraftKings, priced at $7.5K. Meanwhile, rookie Macklin Celebrini is a name to watch as he battles the Edmonton Oilers, potentially boosting his Rookie of the Year candidacy.

On the wing, Brendan Gallagher is set to play a critical role for the Montreal Canadiens against the Carolina Hurricanes; a game that could determine their playoff fate. Defenseman Luke Hughes has stepped up in Dougie Hamilton's absence, showing consistent performance that might be crucial as the New Jersey Devils face the Wings. Each of these players presents unique opportunities for DFS players aiming to build competitive lineups.