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Canadiens Catch a Big Break a Day After a Quiet Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Habs Fanatics | By Elias Edmonson | Last updated Mar 8, 2025 10:59 AM ET

With Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens remaining inactive yesterday, some fans were wondering what this means for the team's chances of making the playoffs.

Can we still believe in an NHL playoff run for Montreal this season?

Well, the day after a quiet trade deadline in Montreal, here's some excellent news for the fans.

The Detroit Red Wings collapse against the Washington Capitals

The Wings, who are pretty much the Canadiens' main competitors in the race for the 2025 NHL playoffs in the East, were leading 2-0 against the Washington Capitals last night but completely collapsed in the third period.

In the end, they lost (in regulation) by a score of 5-2 to the Washington Capitals.

Here's the current state of the standings in the East as of today.

IN THE PLAYOFFS - Columbus Blue Jackets (68 points in 62 games)

IN THE PLAYOFFS - Ottawa Senators (67 points in 61 games)

Outside the playoffs - New York Rangers (67 points in 62 games)

Outside the playoffs - Montreal Canadiens (66 points in 62 games)

Outside the playoffs - Detroit Red Wings (66 points in 63 games)

This means that the Canadiens have now surpassed the Wings in the overall standings, which is obviously great news.

The Habs are clearly in the mix, no doubt!

This article first appeared on Habs Fanatics and was syndicated with permission.

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