The Montreal Canadiens got a much-needed win on Saturday night over the New York Islanders, and it helped give them a little breathing room in the playoff race. Entering the night, the Canadiens were tied in points with the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings, who were playing each other, and only one point ahead of the Islanders.
For the Canadiens, it probably ended up being the best case scenario for them as they not only got the win, and two points, but the Bruins and Red Wings game was decided in regulation so the Bruins were able to get two points while the Red Wings remained at 84.
Montreal Canadiens chances to make the playoffs now over 80% after win over Islanders
According to MoneyPuck, the Canadiens currently have an 82% chance of making the playoffs while the Bruins are at 77%, Red Wings at 59% and Islanders fall to 44%.
Based on MoneyPuck's projections, if the Canadiens win their next game, those chances increase to 88%. However, it won't be easy, as their next five games are against teams currently in the playoffs with two against the Hurricanes, and one against the Lightning, Predators, and Blue Jackets.
They could have a better idea, though, of their playoff chances before they even take the ice, as the New York Islanders are set to play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday night. Another loss would just create more separation for the Canadiens.
While the Canadiens have a good chance at making the playoffs, they are going to be facing a tough first-round opponent regardless. If they remain third in the Atlantic Division, they likely will be looking at playing the Tampa Bay Lightning but if they fall into the wild card, it is either the Buffalo Sabres or Carolina Hurricanes.
The Canadiens are only four points back of the Tampa Bay Lightning so getting home-ice in the first round isn't necessarily out of the question. The problem is that the Lightning have continued to win, in fact have won three straight, and the Canadiens haven't been able to cut into that lead much.
The win over the Islanders was a huge step in the right direction but they are now entering a pivotal stretch of the season that will determine their playoff fate.