Standing: the Canadiens control their destiny

Recently, I wrote that if the Habs wanted to make the playoffs, they would have to become the Capitals of Washington. Why? Because it’s the only East club playing for more than .676, which is what the Habs needed to get 92 points in the standings.

And now, a few games later, what does it look like?

If we still assume 92 points is the base for the playoffs, we see that the Habs will need 19 points in 15 games from now until the end of the season. To do that, they will have to play for .633.

(Credit: Sportsnet)
But the big difference is that over the past two games, the Habs have moved up the standings. Right now, Martin St-Louis’ men are sitting in the last playoff spot.

That doesn’t guarantee a spot, since the team, which is playing for .545 this season, doesn’t have much room for error.

However, the difference between the last few days and the standings as of last night is that the Habs control their own destiny. If they win enough games, they can make the playoffs without overtaking anyone.

Obviously, that’s true today, but it won’t necessarily be the case going forward. After all, if the team loses tomorrow night against the Islanders, that will change things.

Another comeback win in Pittsburgh and the Islanders’ playoff chances suddenly look very real.

“Confidence is a scary thing this time of year if you can find it.” https://t.co/j38AgK7q75
— Ethan Sears (@ethan_sears) March 19, 2025

What can also help the Habs, whose chemistry is excellent in town, is that the other teams in the running don’t seem to be in control. But again, that can change quickly.

The Blue Jackets seem to be running out of gas. The Red Wings are losing often. The Rangers don’t seem to want to take it to the next level.

The Rangers look like a team that can’t wait for this season to end https://t.co/Fc1f8LUM2G pic.twitter.com/spCodxeQyD

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) March 19, 2025

Right now, among the eight worst teams in the East, the team that can be the most fearsome is Patrick Roy’s team. Last year, they came back in the standings, and that can happen again this year.

The guys know how to do it.

Beating the Islanders tomorrow night in regulation would create a five-point gap, but would also improve the Habs’ record, which has only 24 wins in 60 minutes this season. And that’s the first tiebreaker if two teams have the same number of points after 82 games…

Tomorrow’s game will be really important. But you already knew that, I think.

Overtime
– Good news in Laval.

Reinforcements for the Rocket tonight pic.twitter.com/hSHpxopgqj

— DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) March 19, 2025

– What to do with the 2026 All-Star Game?

Lots of brainstorming behind the scenes about what to do with All-Star Game next season.

Harder to unwrap it now that Islanders have already announced it…but post-4 Nations, can’t have a flat performance in such a showcase.
So, alternate plans being discussed
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 19, 2025

– Extending overtime: not in the plans.

He also does not favour extended three-on-three OT.

Ice concerns and wear-and-tear/injuries to players
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 19, 2025

– Gary Bettman doesn’t like the format.

The format change could be short-lived https://t.co/k5KHElXNLd

— TVA Sports (@TVASports) March 19, 2025

– Collective bargaining: negotiations in April.

Commissioner Gary Bettman says NHL/NHLPA will meet week of April 1 for CBA talks

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 19, 2025

– Interesting.

Roki Sasaki had highs and lows. https://t.co/iQzTFdmCsI

— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) March 19, 2025