Canadiens take a hit in the standings after tough loss to Sabres
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens received some very bad news when looking at the overall NHL standings, the day after their loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
In the Atlantic Division, the standings are becoming suffocating because everyone is picking up points.
The Canadiens are still third with 63 points in 51 games, but the gap is shrinking fast.
Detroit leads with 67 points, Tampa Bay follows with 66, and Montreal must protect its spot.
The problem is Buffalo.
Following their win last night against the Canadiens, the Sabres now have 61 points in 50 games, one game in hand, and the gap is down to just two points.
The Habs have also lost twice to them recently, including a loss on January 15, followed by another on Thursday.
That hurts when you're trying to build a cushion.
A night that raises the pressure for the Montreal Canadiens
Just behind them, Boston is right on their heels.
The Bruins have 60 points in 51 games, putting them three points back of the Tricolore.
Saturday automatically becomes a huge game, because a regulation loss would bring Boston even closer in the division standings.
And it's not over, because Toronto isn't far either.
The Maple Leafs have 57 points in 50 games, and one good stretch can flip everything in a hurry.
In this context, it shows just how far from guaranteed a playoff spot really is for the Montreal Canadiens!
There is also another matchup against Buffalo on January 31.
With such a slim margin, that game could completely shake up the top-3 order.
Let's call it like it is: the Canadiens are still in the driver's seat, but they can already see the headlights in the rearview mirror, and they need to start winning those four-point games.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 23|2168 ANSWERS Canadiens take a hit in the standings after tough loss to Sabres Do you believe the Montreal Canadiens will qualify for the NHL playoffs? | ||
| Yes, absolutely! | 1291 | 59.5 % |
| No | 169 | 7.8 % |
| It will be close! | 708 | 32.7 % |
| List of polls | ||