The Montreal Canadiens will have their fourth opportunity to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as they face the Carolina Hurricanes at the Bell Centre on Wednesday night. After failing to clinch in their previous three games, Montreal needs just one point against the Hurricanes to guarantee their participation in the postseason.
Following a 0-1-2 stretch in games where a playoff berth was within reach, the Canadiens (39-31-11) are eager to control their own destiny. A regulation loss to the Hurricanes would leave their fate hanging on the outcome of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ (39-33-9) game against the New York Islanders on Thursday. However, avoiding a regulation loss would secure the Canadiens’ playoff spot and a first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals.
«It’s been what, three games we’ve had a chance to clinch?» Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle said. «So, I think we’ve had enough time to get that out of our system. Now we’re just going to be ready to go. I don’t have much doubt in my mind that we’re going to have our A-game tonight.»
Despite a strong 9-0-2 record in their last 11 home games, including a recent shootout loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, the Canadiens are focused on securing the crucial point against a Hurricanes team that has already clinched their playoff spot.
Forward Emil Heineman will return to the lineup for Montreal after missing five games due to an upper-body injury, adding another boost to the team’s efforts. Coach Martin St. Louis emphasized his desire for the team to clinch their spot directly rather than relying on external results.
The Canadiens are aiming for their first playoff appearance since 2021, when they made an unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Final. A core of young talent, including Guhle, forward Juraj Slafkovsky, and Calder Trophy candidate Lane Hutson, has joined veterans like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield in the quest for a playoff return. Forward Ivan Demidov, a recent highly touted debutant, also adds to the excitement surrounding the team.
«For us, we had a goal and it’s right in front of us right now. So, it’s very satisfying that we are where we are today,» said St. Louis, acknowledging the team’s progress throughout the season.
The Canadiens and Blue Jackets are currently tied in regulation wins (29), with Montreal holding the edge in regulation/overtime wins (37/33), which serves as the next tiebreaker. The stakes are high as Montreal looks to capitalize on their final opportunity to clinch a playoff berth in front of their home crowd.