With 25 games left in the season, the Montreal Canadiens are sitting pretty after the Olympic break. Sporting a 32-17-8 record, they hold second place in the Atlantic Division. They’ve got a relatively favorable schedule ahead, especially compared to their playoff rivals.
However, the road isn't entirely smooth. With six sets of back-to-back games remaining, tied for the most with the Boston Bruins, the Canadiens can't afford to relax. Here are five crucial matchups they need to win, listed in chronological order:
March 17 (Boston Bruins at home)
As we head into the final stretch, every game matters, but the Canadiens are lucky to face only three playoff-bound opponents in their first nine games back. The real test begins on March 17 against the Bruins.
This game is pivotal not just because of playoff implications, but due to their last encounter on January 24, where goalie Sam Montembeault allowed two quick goals late in the third period. The Canadiens will be eager to prove themselves in this rematch.
March 19 (Detroit Red Wings on the road)
Following the Bruins, the Canadiens face the Detroit Red Wings, who are neck and neck with them in the standings. Both teams have 72 points, but the Wings have played one more game.
This matchup is the rubber match, with each team having dominated one game earlier in the season. A win here could be the key to securing home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
March 26 (Columbus Blue Jackets at home)
The playoff picture is starting to take shape, but the Blue Jackets remain a lurking threat. They’re seven points behind the Canadiens but have a game in hand and are on a hot streak, winning seven straight and 11 of their last 12. This game is crucial as it’s one of two remaining against Columbus, and a win would help keep them at bay.
April 11 (Columbus Blue Jackets at home)
In their last home game of the regular season, the Canadiens face the Blue Jackets again. Ideally, by this point, they’ll have secured a playoff spot, but these two points could still be vital for playoff positioning. The Jackets have already proven they can challenge the Canadiens, having won their previous matchup in a shootout.
April 12 (New York Islanders on the road)
The Canadiens then head to face the Islanders, marking their first set of back-to-back games on this list. While winning both is a tall order, this game is crucial for solidifying their playoff spot. The Islanders, currently holding the third seed in the Metropolitan Division, could slip into a wild-card spot, making this game even more significant.
The Canadiens aim to clinch a playoff berth before the final game against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 14. Ideally, they’ll use that game to rest key players in preparation for a deep playoff run.
While they won’t win every playoff game, each one on this list carries significant weight. The matchup against the Red Wings stands out as particularly pivotal.
If the Canadiens can secure wins early, the pressure on the later games will lessen, but every victory counts-especially against the Islanders, who they face multiple times. Winning these games will set the tone for a successful postseason.