Saturday night’s game at the Bell Center wasn’t just another duel between the Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings; it was also game number 500 for captain Nick Suzuki. While playing 500 games in the NHL is already impressive,

Alexandre Texier was the catalyst of the Canadiens' third consecutive win, recording a hat trick in a 6-2 drubbing of the Panthers Thursday.

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

The Canadiens have thrived even without an abundance of homegrown players. Captain Nick Suzuki, a Canadian of Asian descent, proudly represents the franchise. Ivan Demidov, a Russian, is the team’s most promising prospect. Also, Lane Hutson, a dual American-Canadian citizen, is emerging as the next great Canadiens blueliner.

The Montreal Canadiens remain active on the trade market as the surge continues, but the front office isn't in a rush to make more moves.

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

France unveiled its roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, and the team will lean heavily on Montreal Canadiens forward Alexandre Texier as its lone repr