Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Pressure is rising at the Bell Centre this morning. The Eastern Conference playoff race leaves no margin for error for the Canadiens.
Martin St-Louis will need to manage his group effectively over the final 13 games of the schedule.
Let’s be honest, the level of competition has reached another level.
The results of both teams in the upcoming matchups will be decisive.
As of this Monday, the Montreal squad is in a position where every point earned is crucial.
Simply put, the margin between success and failure is razor thin.
Montreal has the eighth-toughest remaining schedule in the NHL. The quality of opponents down the stretch is intimidating.
Players won’t be able to take any nights off, with three back-to-back sequences still ahead.
These stretches will test the depth of Montreal’s lineup.
Canadiens enter make-or-break stretch with playoff position under pressure
The challenge is even tougher, with 12 of the final 13 games coming against Eastern Conference opponents.
The Atlantic Division is offering no favors to playoff contenders this season.
Last year, the team was trying to make up ground after the February break.
This year, the mindset has completely shifted, as the Canadiens must now protect their position in the standings.
Any slip-up could cost them a playoff spot.
If the team doesn’t deliver, there will be backlash in the city.
Fans are expecting concrete results and a confirmed playoff berth.
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