The Canadiens faced a grueling seven-game series against St. Louis in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, extending their playoff run into the third round before ultimately bowing out. Their path to the Eastern Conference Final was cut short by the eventual champion, the Carolina Hurricanes, who prevailed in a hard-fought five-game showdown. The series marked a notable late-season push for Montreal, though the Hurricanes emerged as the dominant force in the conference. Fans will be left wondering how a deeper run could have changed the team’s season trajectory.

St. Louis took the Canadiens three rounds deep in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Montreal ultimately falling in five games to the eventual champion Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final.