The Habs have managed to avoid a loss in regulation time in their last six games, but they are not solidifying their position as the second wild-card team in the East. In fact, Martin St-Louis’ team has lost only one game in regulation in their last 13 games, earning 20 out of a possible 26 points.
The problem is that the teams closest to the Habs in the standings are not slowing down. Despite earning a point against the Avalanche, the Habs’ position in the standings is not more encouraging than it was the day before.
1 : The Rangers are just one point behind Montreal, the Islanders earn a point
The Habs’ direct rivals played teams in similar situations yesterday, but in the Western Conference.
We may have a tendency to underestimate the Rangers because they have two games in hand, but they are on a roll and not slowing down. The Canucks gave them a good challenge on Saturday afternoon, but Alexis Lafrenière helped set up the winning goal by Johnny Brodzinski just 37 seconds after Brock Boeser tied the game.
The 31-year-old, who has spent the last 10 years between the American League and the NHL, scored his 23rd and 24th career goals in the third period.
Jonny Brodzinski picked up the game winner for the @NYRangers! #NYR | #NHLNShowcase pic.twitter.com/oqjpvvB3aM
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) March 22, 2025
The Flames-Islanders game was just as important for both teams, and they both came out with at least a point. The Flames earned the extra point when Nazem Kadri ended the game in overtime on a pass from Rasmus Andersson. Jonathan Huberdeau also had a big game with a goal and three assists.
NAZEM KADRI CALLS GAME AND HITS THE «IT’S OVER» CELLY
pic.twitter.com/1a2IE0juMH
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 22, 2025
With the Red Wings and Bruins losing, the Eastern Conference standings look like this this morning.

In the West, the Blues won in Chicago to maintain their lead, and the new Mammoth beat the Lightning to stay in the hunt. This is what the standings look like this Sunday morning.

Hockey in March is getting hot.
2 : Two big points for the Senators
Although they remain in sight of the other teams in the playoff hunt, the Senators are still in a different class, sitting in 7th place in the East. Ottawa earned two big points against the Devils on Saturday night.
However, it was a close call, and the game almost went to overtime. Linus Ullmark was completely out of his net, leaving a intense battle in front of an empty net in the final seconds of the game. It was defenseman Artem Zub who saved the day, preventing Stefan Noesen from putting the puck in the net.
3 : Sixth loss in 10 games for the Maple Leafs
While the Capitals beat the Panthers, earning their ninth win in 10 games and moving 14 points ahead of their closest pursuers, the Maple Leafs lost again on Saturday night, failing to take the top spot in the Atlantic.
And it wasn’t against just anyone: Filip Forsberg, Luke Evangelista, and the struggling Preds won 5-2.
Carlo Colaiacovo believes it was the most embarrassing loss of the year for the Maple Leafs.
4 : RNH takes charge in the absence of the Oilers’ stars
While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are nursing their injuries on the eve of the playoffs, the Oilers are still fighting for a favorable position in the first round. In the absence of the team’s stars, it’s the other former first overall pick, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who took charge with a hat-trick. Not naturally, even if the 5-4 final score doesn’t suggest it, as the Kraken came back in the game with a second attempt at an empty net.
NAZEM KADRI CALLS GAME AND HITS THE «IT’S OVER» CELLY
pic.twitter.com/1a2IE0juMH
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 22, 2025
5 : A hat-trick before the middle of the game
In a convincing win, Tomas Hertl had a blast, joining the 30-goal club with a hat-trick completed before the halfway point of the second period.
The Golden Knights maintain their lead in the Pacific, three points ahead of the Oilers, who have played one more game. The Kings are just two points behind the Oilers, having exploded the Hurricanes’ eight-game winning streak with a 7-2 win. Will the Oilers start the playoffs on the road?
Overtime
– The top scorers of the night.






Representatives from CN and the 

