# GAME-CHANGER: Montreal Canadiens Benefit from EASIEST NHL Schedule | Who WORRIES Us?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785/game-changer-montreal-canadiens-benefit-from-easiest-nhl-schedule-who-worries-us
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785/game-changer-montreal-canadiens-benefit-from-easiest-nhl-schedule-who-worries-us.md
Podcast: [Locked On Canadiens - Daily Podcast on the Montreal Canadiens](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-canadiens-daily-podcast-on-the-montreal-canadiens-444785)
Published: 2026-07-20T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-canadiens/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/7394b4/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/89bc21bd-170a-47f3-9426-fcea89a4bba1/episodes/527cb531-1852-4f91-b403-b3a06a09cbbc/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=89bc21bd-170a-47f3-9426-fcea89a4bba1&awEpisodeId=527cb531-1852-4f91-b403-b3a06a09cbbc&feed=sKoAYobd
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Duration seconds: 1896

## Resource

Montreal Canadiens seize scheduling advantage for the 2026-27 NHL season—can they turn it into divisional dominance? Ian Boisvert and Laura Saba break down the Canadiens' favorable calendar, highlighting fewer back-to-backs, more home games in December, and a league-best number of matchups versus tired opponents. With the Canadiens set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs at home on Boxing Day for the first time since 1999, is this the perfect opportunity for a strong start and playoff positioning? Key topics include Brendan Gallagher’s anticipated return, Kent Hughes’ influence on schedule changes, and the critical importance of banking early season points. The duo assesses threats within the Atlantic Division—eyeing contenders like the Florida Panthers and sleepers such as the Ottawa Senators—while speculating which teams, from the New York Islanders to the Pittsburgh Penguins, could become sellers before the trade deadline. Can Montreal translate rest advantage into on-ice results, or will divisional rivals close the gap?

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