Can the Canadiens climb back into the playoff race after back-to-back wins?

Heading into the 4 Nations break, the Canadiens had won just two of their previous 10 games, making a playoff push seem far-fetched. But as it turns out, some rest was exactly what they needed.

Following two impressive victories over the Senators and Hurricanes, Montreal now sits only five points behind the Blue Jackets for the final wild-card spot. However, with the trade deadline looming and the Canadiens expected to be sellers, will their postseason hopes fade? Or can young players like Owen Beck and possibly Logan Mailloux provide a spark strong enough to keep the team in contention?

Canadiens back to their winning ways

The post-break Canadiens have looked like a completely different team compared to the one that struggled before the hiatus. With the Eastern Conference playoff race tighter than ever, two strong wins have suddenly put them back in the conversation.

But what changed? Before the break, the Canadiens often looked lost on the ice, desperate for a reset. Now, they’ve taken the game to two playoff contenders, and two key factors stand out in their recent turnaround.

1. Juraj Slafkovsky’s breakout play

The biggest difference in Montreal’s recent performances has been the play of 2022 first-overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky. While he scored in both post-break games, his impact goes beyond goal-scoring. He is finally playing like a true power forward, using his size to control play, win battles, and generate offense with confidence.

Slafkovsky played like he was shot out of a cannon in Ottawa, helping lead the Canadiens to a 5-2 victory. On the top line alongside Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, he registered five shots on goal and even dropped the gloves in a spirited fight, helping set the tone that the Canadiens controlled throughout the game.

2. Defensive Improvements and Strong Goaltending

Goaltender Sam Montembeault and the defense in front of him have also played a crucial role in Montreal’s resurgence. The Canadiens allow the 12th-most shots per game (29) and the fifth-most goals per game (3.3). But they’ve looked much more structured defensively in their past two wins. The Canadiens allowed 27 shots to the Senators and only 20 against the Hurricanes, decently improved numbers. But the biggest difference was how many found their way past Montembeault. The Senators put the pressure on but could only score twice, while one of the best offenses in hockey over in Carolina was shut out by Montembeault.

The question now becomes this: is this defensive improvement sustainable or just a short-term boost fueled by the team’s renewed energy after the break?

Can the Canadiens make a real push for the playoffs?

Despite their recent success, a playoff push remains an uphill battle. Maintaining poise down the stretch will be critical for one of the youngest teams in the NHL. With the trade deadline approaching, their ability to sustain momentum after potential roster changes will determine whether they can stay in the hunt.

The front office is expected to make moves by the March 7 deadline, with veterans like Jake Evans and Joel Armia rumored to be on the trade block. If key players are dealt, it will be up to Montreal’s young core to step up and keep the team competitive.

Currently, the Canadiens sit five points out of a playoff spot, with MoneyPuck.com giving them just a 7.3% chance of making the postseason. The deadline could ultimately dictate the direction of their season.

The bigger picture

While a playoff push would be exciting, the Canadiens must stay committed to their long-term plan. Selling off veterans like Evans, Armia, and potentially David Savard remains the right move for the franchise’s future.

Whether Montreal remains in the playoff race or not, this season has already shown promising growth from their young core. Slafkovsky’s emergence, Montembeault’s reliability in net, and the continued development of Suzuki and Caufield are all signs that the Canadiens are trending in the right direction.

Regardless of where they sit in the standings at the end of March, the Canadiens' rebuild is progressing, and that’s what should truly give fans and management confidence in the team’s future.