The Canadiens take on Boston tonight, the first of three remaining games against the Bruins this year.
Needless to say, the Canadiens playoff chances rest on their ability to defeat teams like the Bruins.
Three games remain against Boston and one against the Capitals. The rest are against teams battling for a spot, or Ottawa and Buffalo who are never easy to beat.
Traditionally at this time of year the Habs have done well against the Bruins. The Canadiens have ended Bruins seasons more than once in recent years.
The key perhaps is a win tonight to really damage the hopes of the Bruins who would then fall 7 points behind the Canadiens. A gap that is virtually impossible to overcome this late on.
A Bruins team with damaged confidence knowing they are out of the race, might then be easier to then beat in the remaining games. That's purely speculation but after watching the Canadiens confidence collapse this season - we're familiar with what can happen.
Jaroslav Halak is the man once again. The Canadiens for the first time in many many games, had a solid goaltending performance and took that crucial extra point against the Leafs.
A no-brainer to go with him again. Halak rebounded well after getting his first NHL beating in Atlanta not long ago, maybe he can keep it up for the remainder of the year.
If Halak outplays Thomas, the Habs have a good chance of putting the Bruins to bed for good with a win tonight.
It's time for the Habs to seize the opportunity and prove they belong in the playoffs. Not to just hope other teams lose while they coast along winning here and there.
Saku Koivu has shown up recently, after being a ghost for much of 2007. He needs to lead the way and other veterans like Kovalev, Bonk, Johnson and company need to set the tone and prove they want it as bad as the other competing teams.
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