Most Improved Canadians, Players Under Pressure

Here's some Montreal Canadiens news, highlights and misses from Wednesday.

Montreal Canadiens News

• While fans expected the Montreal Canadiens to miss the playoffs, there was still some hope when it came to personal growth throughout the lineup. Young players such as Juraj Slafkowski and Kaiden Prayau have faced this task head on. (Here are three of the most improved Montreal Canadiens this season)

• Of course, not every player could live up to expectations. With only a handful of games left in the season, time is running out for several players who have struggled through seasons. It's too late to save their season, but finishing the season on the right foot is the first step towards redemption. (Top 3 Canadian players with something to prove in recent games)

Reporter: “What about the reaction of the crowd at the end of the game?”

Juraj Slafkovsky: “It's so loud. The last time it was (so loud) was when Cole tied the game against Philly last year. It's a great feeling, too!” pic.twitter.com/J4MXjSqe0M

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 10, 2024

Premiere Tour 🚀
The first day pic.twitter.com/Rp9oWqU9tv

— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) April 10, 2024

• The second round of the OHL playoffs begins tonight. Philip Mesar and the Kitchener Rangers will face the London Knights, while Owen Beck and the Saginaw Spirit will host the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Both players had a great first round, with Beck scoring seven points in the Spirit's four-game Owen Sound offense, while Mesar had 10 points in six games against the Erie Otters. (CHL schedule)

National Hockey Now network

• Peter Laviolette was not happy about losing two points in regulation. The Rangers boss has been angered by a string of tackles against his team, calling him “vicious”. Oh, the irony. Midway through the third period, Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad skated into Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech. Zibanejad took the brunt of the hit, which Laviolette later claimed was intentional. (New Jersey Devils)

• Danny Brier and the pilots were aware of the potential legal situation surrounding Carter Hart's alleged sexual assault, but never acted upon it other than to discuss it. (Philadelphia Flyers)

• “Why can't we fight?” Why can't we win?' Those words came straight from Ryan O'Reilly's introductory press conference after signing a four-year contract with the Nashville Predators last July. Ten months later, O'Reilly's question was answered with no reason. (Nashville Predators)