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Thursday Habs Headlines: Round 2 hype, edge, and expectations

In today’s links, the Habs are ready for Round 2, part of their success is their cultural shift, PWHL revamp expansion rules, and is playoff hockey hard on the heart?

Posted on by Andrea Rowe
Jan 31, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Jack Quinn (22) tries to control the puck as Montréal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) defends during the third period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Montreal Canadiens news and notes

  • Looking at eight aspects of the game to see who has the advantage when the Canadiens take on the Buffalo Sabres in Round 2. [Journal de Montreal]
  • According to experts, the Canadiens are going to be heading to the Eastern Conference Final. [Journal de Montreal]
  • The Canadiens are ready to take on Buffalo and their “highly addictive” city vibe. [Sportsnet]
  • After an exceptional season, Nick Suzuki lands in the top three finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy. [TVA Sports]
  • Niagara Falls supported both the Canadiens and the Sabres ahead of the second round. [NHL]
  • More than just winning games, the Canadiens are driving a cultural shift and challenging the win-at-all-costs mindset. [Montreal Gazette]
  • The Canadiens’ playoff run is giving local businesses a timely boost. [Montreal Gazette]
  • Game 5 for the Laval Rocket has been rescheduled from Friday to Saturday afternoon. [Canadiens]
  • Canadian hockey fans are rallying behind the Habs to bring the Cup back to Canada. [CTV News]
  • The Canadiens helped actor Viggo Mortensen find himself in one of the hardest transitions of his life. [The Walrus]
  • Bryce Pickford was named the WHL Player of the Year. [WHL.ca]
  • Lower ticket prices, exciting hockey and inclusive culture is why Montreal Victoire and PWHL are thriving. [Montreal Gazette]

Around the league and elsewhere

  • Comparing Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg for first overall 2026 NHL Draft pick. [Sportsnet]
  • Winning the NHL Draft Lottery gives the Toronto Maple Leafs a “monumental type of opportunity.” [NHL]
  • The salary cap and payroll range for the 2026-27 season has been set. [Sportsnet]
  • Can playoff hockey put your heart under too much stress? [Montreal Gazette]
  • The PWHL is revamping its expansion rules in preparation of adding as many as four markets next season. [Sportsnet]
  • The OHL slapped the Barrie Colts Hockey Club with a $15,000 fine. [CHL]
  • Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Höglander has been ruled out for the upcoming World Hockey Championships due to injury. [Canucks Army]
  • How the 2026 Olympic stars are performing as Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin. [Olympics]

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