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Montreal Canadiens only team that can clinch playoff spot Thursday

Zach Laing
May 6, 2021, 13:42 EDT
Montreal Canadiens only team that can clinch playoff spot Thursday
Credit: Eric Bolte
May 1, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield (22) celebrates with teammates after scoring the winning goal against the Ottawa Senators during the overtime period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

There’s only one team in the NHL Thursday that can clinch a playoff spot: the Montreal Canadiens.

The Habs need two things to happen. First, they need to take care of business and defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. Secondly, the Canadiens need the Edmonton Oilers to beat the Vancouver Canucks.

Montreal currently sits in fourth place in the North Division and have 57 points on the season, 10 up on their next closest competitors — the Calgary Flames. With a 24-19-9 record, Montreal has posted a -3 goal differential on the season.


Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.


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