At the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, if someone had predicted that the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets would be battling for the final playoff spot, they’d have been dismissed as dreamers — or worse. These were two young, rebuilding teams expected to finish near the bottom and maybe even race for the No. 1 overall pick, not a postseason berth.
But with only two days left in the regular season, both teams are right in the mix — defying expectations and bringing some unexpected drama to the final stretch.
Canadiens Control Their Own Fate
The Montreal Canadiens only need to do one thing to clinch a playoff berth: take Wednesday night’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes to overtime. That’s it. One point is enough to push them into the postseason and keep their season alive.
For a team that’s battled inconsistency, injuries, and heavy criticism all season long, this opportunity is both a lifeline and a pressure cooker. If they fail to reach overtime and lose in regulation, the door opens wide for the Columbus Blue Jackets to steal the spot on the very last night of the regular season.
Columbus Needs Help — and a Win
The Columbus Blue Jackets have had one of the most surprising seasons in the NHL. Picked by many to finish in the basement, they’ve instead built momentum, found some rhythm, and made it to the final stretch of the season still in the hunt.
But they don’t control their own destiny. For Columbus to get in, two things must happen:
- Montreal must lose in regulation to Carolina on Wednesday.
- The Blue Jackets must then beat the New York Islanders in regulation on Thursday.
It’s a long shot, but the fact they’re even in this conversation shows how far they’ve come.
A Tale of Two Surprises — But Two Very Different Outlooks
No matter what happens, the Blue Jackets’ season is already a success. For a young group with low expectations, finishing within reach of the playoffs shows real progress. Their fans and front office have reason to be excited about the future, even if they fall just short.
The Canadiens’ situation is much more complicated. If they fail to qualify, many will label this season a major disappointment. Montreal entered the year with hopes of taking a serious step forward in their rebuild — and maybe even emerging as a dark horse in the East. Missing the playoffs in the final days could cause big questions about the coaching staff, roster direction, and player development.
The Bigger Picture
This late-season race shows how quickly things can change in the NHL. Young teams can get hot. Unexpected players can rise. And narratives shift fast.
The Canadiens may have more pressure, but they also have more control. Columbus will wait and watch, hoping for a little luck and ready to pounce if the door swings open.
No matter how it ends, this unlikely playoff race between two underdog teams has been one of the best storylines of the season.
With just one game left for each team, everything is on the line. Montreal has the edge but also the weight of expectations. Columbus is playing with house money and hoping for a miracle. In a season where no one thought this race would matter, the final two days have become must-watch hockey for fans of both franchises — and anyone who loves a good underdog story.
