Canadiens Head Into Olympic Break With Momentum

The only blemish during that run came in an overtime loss to Minnesota, a game where Montreal still managed to salvage a point. That detail matters. Instead of letting a close loss derail them, the Habs ensured they left points on the table only once in five games. In a standings race this compressed, those single points often make the difference between hosting a playoff game or watching from home.

More importantly, the Canadiens showed an ability to win in different ways. They handled heavy, physical teams, matched speed with elite opponents, and found ways to close out tight games late. That versatility has not always been there in recent seasons, which makes this stretch feel different.

Why This Matters in the Playoff Race

The immediate impact of this strong finish is clear in the standings. By collecting nine out of a possible ten points, the Canadiens created a small but meaningful cushion in the playoff race. It is not enough to relax, but it is enough to breathe.

In the Atlantic Division, margins are razor-thin. A single bad week can drop a team from third place to outside the playoff picture. By banking points before the break, Montreal has given itself some margin for error heading into the final stretch. That cushion is especially valuable considering the grind that comes after the Olympic pause, when fatigue, injuries, and tighter checking become part of the daily routine.

The Buffalo win deserves special attention as well. Games against divisional rivals are essentially double-edged swords, and Montreal made sure to be on the right side of it. Those points could loom large when the final standings are settled.

Carrying Momentum Into the Final Push

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of this late surge is the momentum it creates. The Olympic break arrives as a reset, but it does not erase what came before it. Confidence carries over, habits carry over, and belief carries over.

For the Canadiens, this run reinforces what works. The team defended well, managed games intelligently, and avoided the long lapses that have hurt them at times this season. Players head into the break knowing their game can stand up against elite competition, and that belief is hard to manufacture artificially.

Momentum is especially important for a young team. Montreal has relied on a mix of emerging talent and key veterans, and finishing strong validates the progress made over the season. Instead of spending the break stewing over missed opportunities, the Canadiens can recharge while sitting in a position of strength.

The message heading into the final stretch is simple: the work is not done, but the foundation is there. The playoff race will only tighten from here, and every game will feel heavier than the last. By finishing on a high note before the break, the Canadiens have positioned themselves not just to survive the sprint to the finish line, but to attack it with confidence.