Montreal Canadiens brace for a pivotal week with matchups against Eastern Conference powerhouse Carolina Hurricanes and red-hot Columbus Blue Jackets. Can Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson spark a playoff surge, or will defensive lapses and demanding schedules derail Montreal's momentum? Ian Boisvert spotlights the critical strategies needed to outplay Carolina’s elite depth, exploits Nashville Predators’ defensive flaws, and unpacks Columbus’ remarkable turnaround under Rick Bowness.

Stat-watch heats up as Lane Hutson and Caufield chase historic franchise milestones—Hudson’s rapid rise in assists and Caufield’s ascent up all-time goal ranks could reshape Canadiens’ record books. Plus, Ian Boisvert shares expert takes on NHL award frontrunners, including bold picks for the Hart, Vezina, Norris, and Calder trophies, and stirs the debate: Are we witnessing the dawn of two all-time Canadiens greats?

00:00 Canadiens, Hurricanes, History, Awards

03:24 Carolina's Depth Drives Success

08:39 Columbus: A Team Transformed

10:11 "High-Scoring Hockey Predictions"

14:41 "Rookie Phenomenon Becomes Expected"

17:21 "Caufield’s Goal-Scoring Potential"

21:43 Gallagher, Predictions, and NHL Awards

25:53 MVP Voting Trends and Biases

28:43 "Elite Defensive NHL Forward"

Everydayer Club
Join the Everydayer Club for ad-free audio, access to our group chat on Discord, and more. Use code DEADLINE ahead of the trade deadline for one month free. Tap here to learn more: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnhl.

Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's episode, we first discuss the Montreal Canadiens game against the Buffalo Sabres, then we discuss the Nashville Predators at Montreal Canadiens game, before ending the show with some goalie talk with Cayden Primeau's resurgence.

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCanadiens?sid=YouTube

Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL

Also make sure to follow Locked on Canadiens and their hosts on Twitter!

Locked on Canadiens: https://twitter.com/LO_Canadiens

Find Scott on Twitter: https://twitter.com/scottmatla

Find Laura on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theactivestick

#NHLHockey #MontrealCanadiens #habs

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inside a special bonus Locked on Canadiens:

The Montreal Canadiens got in on the Erik Karlsson trade with the San Jose Sharks and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday afternoon. Kent Hughes was more than willing to act as a third party and ended up collecting a small fortune for his efforts at the end of the day.

When the dust had settled Montreal had acquired prospect Nathan Legare, a 2025 second round pick from the Penguins, goalie Casey DeSmith, and former Hab Jeff Petry, while they send Mike Hoffman and Rem Pitlick to the Sharks and Penguins respectively. Scott does his best to break down the new names, and old faces joining the Habs, and discusses why the departing names open the biggest window for young players in the rebuild.

The question remains though, is this another huge win for Kent Hughes? While the Penguins landed their White Whale in Erik Karlsson, the Canadiens made out extremely well. Scott makes the case for this being a huge win thanks to freeing up space for young forwards, but also how Hughes can make it an all-time deal if he can clear the logjam on defence next.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices