Canadiens Miss Chance to Clinch East Playoff Spot Against Senators

The Montreal Canadiens faced a setback in their playoff pursuit, losing 5-2 to the Ottawa Senators, which means they will have to look to their next game in Toronto to secure a postseason berth. A win on Friday would have clinched the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but the defeat keeps Montreal five points behind Ottawa with three games remaining. Previously, the Canadiens had built an eight-point lead for the final wildcard position following a six-game winning streak and a recent victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Despite the pressure, Montreal players remain focused and intent on finishing strong, as they have not reached the playoffs since 2021. The Canadiens' recent performance is a significant turnaround after several seasons of disappointing results, and they are determined to maintain momentum. Meanwhile, the Red Wings' chances of qualifying have diminished significantly after their loss, highlighting the tight competition in the East.