Montreal Canadiens Near Clinching Eastern Wild Card Spot

The Montreal Canadiens are on the brink of securing a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after a strong resurgence, including a recent dramatic overtime victory against the Florida Panthers. With their playoff odds increasing to a season-high of 48 percent, the Canadiens have shown significant improvement, characterized by a 10-4-4 record over their last 18 games. Key players such as Nick Suzuki and rookie Lane Hutson have been instrumental in this turnaround; Suzuki's clutch performances have included a last-minute equalizer and overtime winner against the Panthers. The Canadiens are set to face an easier remaining schedule compared to their rivals, bolstering their chances of clinching the final wild card spot. However, the team must continue to perform well in their upcoming games against both playoff-bound and non-playoff teams. The competition remains fierce, but the Canadiens' recent form has put them in a favorable position to make their first playoff appearance since 2021.