It doesn't get any better than this for the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens and Ottawa Senators fanbases have been at odds for both teams' rebuilds, trying to decide which team will become playoff contenders first. In one of the more ironic moments of the past couple of years, both teams have taken the next step in the same season, and now face each other with four games remaining in a massive matchup for playoff positioning.
For starters, the Canadiens can clinch their return to the postseason with a win. With a win, the Habs can singlehandedly eliminate the Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, and Columbus Blue Jackets. If the Canadiens earn just a single point, the Blue Jackets stay alive, but their chances will be slim. If Montreal loses, they leave the door open for the other teams, but their chances are still great.
Defeating the Senators to clinch a playoff spot would be the cherry on top for the Canadiens, but if they don't make it happen, Saturday night sets up another chance to do it against a rival. Due to the recent rebuild narrative, the Senators would be the best-case scenario, but the Toronto Maple Leafs would be a close second. Regardless, leaving this weekend with a playoff spot would be an excellent sign for the Canadiens after burning a year of Ivan Demidov's entry-level deal to supplement their roster for the push.
Clinching the playoffs against the Senators would be sweet, but due to recent form, Friday night's game means so much more for the Canadiens. Montreal and Ottawa have four games remaining in the season, and the Canadiens sit three points back. A win in this game would put the Canadiens within striking distance of passing the Senators. Montreal would have to win one more game than Ottawa over the final three to move into that spot.
The question is whether the Canadiens would rather hold onto the second wild card. The first wild card puts them in a seven-game series likely against the Maple Leafs, but the Florida Panthers or Tampa Bay Lightning could find a way into that first spot. Whichever team gets the second wild card will face the Washington Capitals, which could be a much easier series despite them being the top team in the Eastern Conference.
The playoff picture will look clearer by Monday, but the final seedings could come down to the season's final day on Thursday.