They need one measly point; and thanks to last night's loss at Carolina, they have just one chance to collect.
With the exclusion of two seasons ago, where they surprised everyone by a first-place finish in the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens have become notorious for making their bid at the playoffs as exciting as they possibly can.
This year is no exception.
"The guillotine is tightening," said Canadiens goaltender Carey Price. "It's crunch time."
Three seasons ago, the Habs found themselves needing one win in their final two games of the season and, after failing in game 81, wound up in a showdown for all the marbles versus the rival Toronto Maple Leafs. They've now found themselves in the exact same spot this season, however, this time, they need only a point.
"We've got a lot of guys here who want to play and compete in the playoffs," said Habs defencemen Ryan O'Byrne. "The regular season's just a dress rehearsal; the playoffs are what it's all about, especially in a city like Montreal."
Last season, Montreal squeaked into the post-season by the skin of their teeth, tying Florida for the eighth and final playoff spot, but earning the berth on the second tie-breaker.
"It's been pretty close for us [in terms of] making or not making the playoffs in the last couple years," said O'Byrne. "There's teams that are close to us, and that just adds to the excitement."
An Eastern Canadian rival who missed the playoffs last season, the Ottawa Senators, had things locked up over a week ago, thanks to a come-from-behind victory over the same Hurricanes who the Canadiens have lost to twice in just over a week.
"Obviously, it's a huge point and [we got it] in dramatic fashion," said Senator Jason Spezza of his club's playoff-clinching point which came by way of a tying goal with seven seconds to play in regulation. "It's nice to get back in the playoffs. After you miss a year, I think you appreciate it even more."
"We worked hard for it throughout the whole year," said Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson. "We've got a good feeling and we're looking forward to the playoffs."
The Sens' shootout win over the Hurricanes was led by rookie Erik Karlsson who had a pair of goals, including the playoff-clinching tally in the dying seconds of regulation.
"His emergence has really helped our team out this second half," said Spezza of Karlsson. "Having the young guys step up is what gives your team a lot of success and he's done that. He's playing with a lot of confidence and he's been really valuable for our team."
Karlsson, however, gives credit for the Senators' post-season push to his teammates.
"It's mostly about the team - we're starting to play well," said the Swede. "Right now we're playing for each other […] It's all about the team going forward."
The Senators have clinched the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and will face either Pittsburgh or New Jersey in the first round of the playoffs - two very tough opponents. Nonetheless, Ottawa is breathing a lot easier than Montreal, who don't necessarily even need to get that final point if they get help elsewhere, but still have a very real possibility of missing the post-season.
"This is what makes it fun," said Price. "It's almost more fun to be in a race than it is to be sitting in Washington's position."
While Price undoubtedly wouldn't mind sitting in the same spot as the President's Trophy-winning Capitals as opposed to fighting for his playoff life with the Canadiens, Montreal needs to worry about doing just one thing: getting into the post-season.
"Right now, the result is paramount and is all that really matters," said Montreal forward Michael Cammalleri. "I'd rather have us play a terrible game and get the win [because] right now it's all about the points."
Actually, it's all about the point. Just one. You can lose the game all you want; just get it past regulation. Three years ago in Toronto, Montreal failed to do so. This time, the Leafs have nothing on the line, making them all the more dangerous.
Oh, how the plot thickens.
Montreal, in your never-ending pursuit to keep your fans on their toes, you have once again outdone yourselves.
Current Comments
0 comments so far (post your own)