Photo of Ivan Demidov

Photo credit: Canadiens/X

Believe it or not, the 2024-2025 NHL regular season is already truly coming to an end.

We’re down to the final stretch of this incredible playoff race in the East, and with that, let’s take a look at the current situation as of today, following last night’s games.

One Good and One Not-So-Good Piece of News for Montreal Canadiens Fans

Let’s start with the positive.

The good news is that some of the Canadiens’ rivals have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.

It’s over for the New York Rangers:

“The New York Rangers will miss the playoffs after winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season.”

It’s over for the Detroit Red Wings:

“The Detroit Red Wings will miss the playoffs for the 9th straight season.”

And on top of that, it’s also over for Patrick Roy’s Islanders.

“Eliminated.

The New York Islanders will miss the NHL playoffs for just the second time in the last seven seasons.”

The other good news, which you probably already know, is that the Canadiens are about to add major reinforcements to their lineup, with a certain Ivan Demidov.

Things Are Getting Tense for the Montreal Canadiens, and Martin St-Louis’ Squad Is Showing Worrying Signs

The bad news is that with two consecutive losses, the Canadiens are opening the door for the red-hot Columbus Blue Jackets, who are facing a Washington Capitals team that will once again rest some of its players.

Are You Starting to Feel the Heat? [TVA Sports]

The other bad news is that the team is showing troubling signs:

The Canadiens are trying their best to secure a playoff spot, and they’ll likely get in, but through the back door.

The Habs have 39 wins and 41 total losses.

They wouldn’t make the playoffs if they were in the Western Conference.

They’re likely to finish the season with fewer than 90 points.

Their goal differential is minus 21.

And they’re often outshot by their opponents.

But hey, in any case, everything can be fixed with a win on Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks (at the Bell Centre, no less), and most likely with Ivan Demidov in the lineup!