Jan 19, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) reacts by raising his fist in the air after a fight with New York Rangers center Matt Rempe (73) during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens are getting ready for another important game in the race for the Eastern Conference playoffs, this time in Nashville. Martin St-Louis’ squad will face off against the Predators.

We didn’t get the chance to recap yesterday more broadly, but overall, it was a dream day for the Canadiens’ playoff hopes.

First, the Canadiens won (in regulation) against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Second, the New York Rangers lost (in regulation) to the New Jersey Devils.

Third, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost (in regulation) to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This is huge for the Habs in their “battle” against Columbus and New York to clinch the final playoff spot in the East.

A great piece of news for the Canadiens regarding the NHL overall standings

We can really start to believe now!

“We got a perfect scenario today/tonight for the Habs:

MTL beat PHI (reg)

NYR lost to NJD (reg)

CBJ lost to TOR (reg)

As a result, the Canadiens now have 4 more points than the Rangers with the same number of games played, and 6 more points than the Blue Jackets (who have a game in hand).

Spring hockey is starting to feel real in Montreal!”

– MOB

According to MoneyPuck, the Canadiens now have a 74.2% chance of making the playoffs. That’s incredible.

Ahead of tonight’s game between the Canadiens and the Predators, Martin St-Louis’ team is very well positioned.

Favorable changes for Martin St-Louis and the Habs in the NHL’s Eastern Conference standings

Here’s the current picture:

– Montreal Canadiens (IN THE PLAYOFFS) – 83 points in 76 games

New York Rangers (OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS) – 79 points in 76 games

Columbus Blue Jackets (OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS) – 77 points in 75 games

Detroit Red Wings (OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS) – 77 points in 75 games

New York Islanders (OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS) – 76 points in 75 games

There are also the Ottawa Senators, who are currently in a playoff spot as a wildcard team, but they aren’t very reachable, sitting at 88 points in 76 games.

Things are looking good!