The Montreal Canadiens have found themselves on the wrong side of history for their shot-generation ineptitude in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Canadiens have managed just 43 shots in their last three games, setting an NHL record for the fewest over a three-game span of a playoff series, per Sportsnet. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes registered 43 shots in Game 4 alone, winning the contest 4-0 to take a 3-1 series lead.
Montreal's 65 shots through the first four games of the series are the second lowest in Stanley Cup Playoffs history. Only the 1994 San Jose Sharks produced fewer (61).
The Canadiens have had a rough time generating shots on goal in this series pic.twitter.com/ra4co0tMQb
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) May 28, 2026
The Canadiens managed 18 shots Wednesday. Despite trailing, they registered just three shots in the third period, none of which came until Nick Suzuki threw a puck on net with 2:55 remaining in regulation.
Fans at Bell Centre became impatient with the lack of offense, chanting "shoot the puck" at various points throughout the final frame.
Habs fans are now chanting "SHOOT THE PUCK" at their team as the Canadiens are still searching for their FIRST shot of the 3rd period over 12 mins in 😭😬 pic.twitter.com/L0RK3jy0FG
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) May 28, 2026
The crowd gave a Bronx cheer when Suzuki's shot ended a streak of 17 in a row by the Hurricanes. Montreal's final two shots came from Josh Anderson at center ice with 29 seconds left, and Mike Matheson from just inside the Hurricanes' blue line with two seconds remaining.
The Canadiens notably won Game 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Round 1 despite producing just nine shots, the fewest in a victory in Stanley Cup Playoffs history.
