As the regular season approaches its end, the Montreal Canadiens are entering a period that feels like a playoff run even before the playoffs officially begin. With only 13 games left, 12 of which are against Eastern Conference opponents, every single point is more crucial than ever. The standings are extremely tight, the margin for error is razor-thin, and for a young Canadiens squad striving to prove its worth, these final weeks will define their entire season. Among these remaining matchups, five games stand out as particularly pivotal, not just for Montreal, but for the overall Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Game 1: March 26 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
The series of decisive matches kicks off immediately with a crucial clash against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sitting just one point behind the Canadiens, Columbus is firmly in the mix, even if they’re technically outside Montreal’s conference. However, in a wild card race, such distinctions hold little weight; points are points, and taking them away from a direct competitor is just as valuable as earning them. This is the epitome of a four-point game. A win for Montreal would create separation. A loss would propel Columbus ahead. With so little separating the teams, this matchup could significantly shift momentum. The Canadiens have emphasized all season the importance of treating these games like playoff contests, and now that mindset needs to translate into tangible results.
Game 2: March 31 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Just a few days later, the Canadiens will face one of the Eastern Conference’s heavyweights, the Tampa Bay Lightning. While Tampa has established a bit of a cushion in the standings, this game carries significant implications beyond mere points. If the playoffs were to start today, Montreal and Tampa Bay would meet in the first round. That fact alone adds an extra layer of intensity. These late-season encounters often serve as previews—and psychological battles—before a potential series. Montreal won’t just be aiming for a win; they’ll be looking to measure themselves. Can they keep pace with a seasoned contender? Can their defensive structure withstand elite talent? These are questions that demand answers sooner rather than later, and this game presents a perfect test.
Game 3: April 11 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Just when it seems things couldn’t get any tighter, the Canadiens will meet Columbus again on April 11. By then, the standings could look entirely different, or precisely the same, which might be even more stressful. What makes this second encounter so critical is its timing. Late-season games against direct competitors frequently prove decisive. There’s no time left to recover from mistakes, no buffer to rely on. If both teams are still neck and neck, this could be one of Montreal’s most important games of the season. It’s not merely about securing a win, but about denying a rival the opportunity to climb past you at the worst possible moment.
Game 4: April 12 vs. New York Islanders
The very next night, the Canadiens will face another team directly involved in the playoff fight: the New York Islanders. Currently holding the final playoff spot in the East, just one point ahead of Montreal, the Islanders represent another immediate threat. Back-to-back games at this stage of the season are always perilous, especially when both carry playoff implications. Fatigue becomes a factor, depth is tested, and execution must remain sharp. This is another classic four-point game. A regulation win could provide Montreal with a crucial advantage. A loss could see them leapfrogged. It is precisely these types of matchups that often determine who makes the postseason and who is left watching.
Game 5: April 14 vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The final game of the season could potentially be the most dramatic of all. The Philadelphia Flyers might currently be five points outside a playoff spot, but that gap can close rapidly if they catch fire. And if they do, this April 14 matchup could become a do-or-die game for one, or both, teams. Even if the Flyers remain on the outside looking in, they could still play the role of spoiler. These are often the most dangerous opponents—teams with nothing to lose and everything to prove. Montreal cannot afford to overlook this game, regardless of Philadelphia’s standing. There’s also the possibility that everything hinges on this single contest. One game. One result. An entire season on the line.
What stands out most about these five games is their intricate interconnectedness. Montreal isn’t just playing hockey; they are actively shaping the playoff race with every outcome. Wins create separation. Losses intensify the competition even further. The Canadiens have demonstrated this season that they don’t require perfection to win. When they receive solid, consistent goaltending and maintain one of the league’s better offensive production rates, they are a formidable team to defeat. However, consistency remains the ultimate key.