Canadiens Seek Playoff Berth Against Senators

The Montreal Canadiens are poised to clinch their first playoff berth since 2021 with a win against the Ottawa Senators tonight. A regulation victory would secure their spot in the postseason, while a win in overtime or a shootout would leave the Columbus Blue Jackets with a slim chance to compete for the final Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens, currently riding a six-game winning streak, are led by young stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, and goalie Sam Montembeault, who has shown strong performance in recent games. Coach Martin St. Louis emphasized the importance of finishing the season strong, with the team focused on securing a playoff berth rather than just catching the Senators in standings. Meanwhile, the Senators have already clinched their playoff spot, making this matchup significant for both teams. The Canadiens' successful return to the playoffs would mark a substantial turnaround after finishing last in their division for three consecutive seasons.