Kirby Dach

Montreal had a little lineup suspense hanging over its morning skate, and two key forwards were not on the ice. Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook missing the session naturally puts every reporter in the building on alert, because playoff availability always turns into a mini mystery show. The Canadiens are already fighting uphill in the series, so any wobble in the forward group gets attention fast. Game 4 pressure has a way of making even routine absences feel like front-page news.

Montreal gets a bit of good news heading into Game 4, with Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach available after missing the morning skate. That kind of late-day clarity matters in the playoffs, where one missed session can send a fan base into full detective mode. The Canadiens need every piece they can get while trying to steady the lineup and the series. When two forwards who tilt the middle of the ice are back in the mix, the entire game plan gets a little more interesting.

Ivan Demidov’s financial profile is drawing plenty of attention, and not just because hockey people love a good contract tab. The numbers around his salary, NHL deal, and career earnings tell you how quickly the market can start circling a young player with real buzz. Kirby Dach’s comparable money trail adds another layer, because teams and fans always want to know where the ceiling starts and the floor stops.