Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Today is a very big day for the Montreal Canadiens.

Good morning, dear fans!

What was possibly going to be a “meaningless” game for the Canadiens tonight, or almost, instantly becomes the most important game of the season.

The game of the year!

For those who haven’t been following closely, let’s recall that the Canadiens could have officially clinched their spot in the playoffs, and their position in the Eastern standings, last night.

The only way the Habs could find themselves in a precarious spot in the standings was if the Columbus Blue Jackets won in regulation time last night.

And as you probably guessed.. that’s exactly what the Jackets did.

They’re now putting massive pressure on the Montreal Canadiens, and on young Ivan Demidov, for tonight’s game.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are dangerously closing in on the Montreal Canadiens in the standings

No, this is really not good news, and no, it’s far from ideal for a young player making only his second career NHL appearance, but Demidov can handle it!

The Habs now absolutely must earn at least one point tonight against the Hurricanes.

If not, they’re opening the door for the Blue Jackets to pull off a huge upset and steal the Habs’ playoff spot.

Yes, tonight is the game of the year for the Montreal Canadiens.

There is, however, some good news…

Let’s not forget that just recently, their chances were sitting at 99.1% with an 8 point lead on Columbus.

Tonight’s game is going to be intense!