Canadiens won't make playoffs regardless of tonight's win

The Eastern Conference playoff race is tight, with only four points between 8th and 13th place. The Columbus Blue Jackets currently hold the 8th spot, but the Montreal Canadiens are just one point behind. Tonight, the Canadiens face the Florida Panthers, while the Blue Jackets play the New York Rangers. Regardless of a Canadiens win, they will remain outside the playoff spots, needing help from the Blue Jackets-Rangers game. A recent loss to Seattle has complicated the Canadiens' playoff chances. If they had won that game, they would be ahead of both the Blue Jackets and Rangers in the standings.