Will the Montreal Canadiens Make the Playoffs?

The Montreal Canadiens have been playing must win games for a while now.

The latest was against Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, March 28.

The Canadiens came from behind in this particular game, after being down 1-0 at the end of the first period. 

By the end of the second period they were leading 3-2. In the third period they tried to play protect the lead—it didn't work and seldom does.

Soon thereafter the game was tied 3-3 and Buffalo was coming on strong.  If not for Carey Price, the Habs would have lost in regulation time.

Looking back at the last few games played by the Canadiens, they have had a much better defencive effort, and shots on their goal have dropped dramatically. Also the new line of Tanguay, Koivu, and Kovalev, in the last three games since being put together, have a combined total of 21 points.

Tanguay, in his last five games since returning from injury, has piled up 10 points. (3-7-10). Alex Kovalev was the best player on the ice Saturday night, with a total of two goals scored.

Saku Koivu has been a big help on the that line combination also, he scored the game-winner against Tampa Bay on Thursday night. The one point Saturday should have been a two-pointer, but at least it kept the Habs in eighth place.

With Chicago Blackhawks coming to Montreal Tuesday and coming off a 4-0 loss to Vancouver, they will want a win vs the Canadiens. So the Habs had best be prepared to play some tough hockey, and get a win so they can start climbing back up the standings.

If the Canadiens stay where they are—in eighth place—their future will be a first-round matchup with the Boston Bruins. They are playing the Bruins once again on April 9, so we shall see how they finish out the season as that is their second to last game, with the last being against the Penguins.

Go Habs Go!