It’s not the way the Montreal Canadiens drew it up, but the Habs are headed to the playoffs after earning a point in tonight’s overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Canadiens have won just three times in their past ten games, but were able back into the playoffs thanks to earning nine of a possible 20 points during that span.
Montreal earning a playoff spot sets up an incredibly big game tomorrow night in Philadelphia. With just one spot up for grabs, it now becomes a do-or-die game for both the Rangers and Flyers. One point means nothing -- the only way to make the playoffs now is to win.
There’s also a matter of seeding. The Boston Bruins are now locked into the 6th seed, but the Canadiens could slide down to the 8th spot depending on who wins tomorrow.
A Flyers win and the Habs face the Washington Capitals in the first round.
A Rangers win and we see a rematch of last year’s quarterfinals matchup, when the Rangers took the Capitals to seven games.
I imagine the Canadiens are about to become some pretty big Rangers fans tomorrow. That being said, if the standings stay as they are now they’d be facing the New Jersey Devils in the first round; that won’t exactly be a cakewalk either.
