The Montreal Canadiens have made an unexpected return to playoff hockey, clinching their first postseason berth since 2021 with a 40-31-11 record. The team secured the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference on the last day of the regular season, showcasing impressive growth after December 3 with a 32-18-8 record. This remarkable comeback led to head coach Martin St. Louis being nominated for the prestigious Jack Adams Award, an acknowledgment of his impact on a young team that posted a .621 points percentage in the second half of the season.

St. Louis, a first-time head coach, has quickly carved out a legacy by leading the Canadiens through a challenging season. His nomination makes him the first Canadiens coach since Guy Carbonneau in 2008 to receive this honor. The team’s resurgence has sparked excitement among fans, with notable performances from young stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, who have demonstrated their capabilities on the playoff stage.