Apr 14, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle (21) plays the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

It still hasn’t been officially announced, but we have our answer for the matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals.

It’s going to start next Monday!

Journalists had already mentioned that this first-round series would start on Sunday or Monday (and again, it still hasn’t been officially announced), but Kaiden Guhle gave away the scoop during a press conference.

“Kaiden Guhle told the media they would be playing on Monday.”

– Priyanta Emrith

So we already have our answer!

Kaiden Guhle announces himself that the first-round series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals will start next Monday

Kaiden Guhle was the man of the night yesterday!

On top of being named the game’s first star, and being selected as player of the game by his own teammates, Guhle scored two huge goals.

I absolutely love rewatching those clips on a loop!

Let’s remember that Kaiden Guhle was far from certain he’d be able to play again this season, after a terrifying incident in January, which adds to the great story that all this represents.

Congrats to Guhle, and congrats to the Montreal Canadiens for this incredible achievement.

Kaiden Guhle, an NHL star defenseman in the making

Guhle, 23 years old, is a 6-foot-3, 202-pound defenseman who was the 16th overall pick by the Habs in 2020 (1st round).

He tallied 18 points in 55 games this season, and the two goals he scored last night were his 5th and 6th of the season.

The young defenseman is truly becoming a cornerstone, not just for Martin St. Louis’ defensive squad, but for the entire organization.

He’ll have a major role to play if the Canadiens hope to pull off an upset and eliminate the Washington Capitals.

UPDATE

Guhle was right, the Canadiens’ playoff series will indeed begin on Monday.