The Montreal Canadiens have a big stretch coming up as they try to get into the playoffs for the first time since 2017. The NHL playoffs start in less than four weeks, on April 10, which means that the playoff races are heating up.

The Canadiens are currently tied for the final playoff spot and have 11 games remaining. After their 2-1 loss vs the New York Islanders on Thursday, they have a record of 37-27-7 after 71 games. Six of their last 11 games are at home. Seven of those games are against teams either in a playoff spot or fighting for one. Their last game is vs the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 6.

Here are the Habs’ remaining games:

• March 16 vs. Chicago (31-30-9)
• March 19 @ Philadelphia (34-28-8)
• March 21 vs. New York Islanders (41-22-7)
• March 23 vs. Buffalo (30-31-9)
• March 24 @ Carolina (38-24-7)
• March 26 vs. Florida (31-27-12)
• March 28 @ Columbus (39-28-3)
• March 30 @ Winnipeg (41-25-4)
• April 2 vs. Tampa Bay (54-13-4)
• April 4 @ Washington (42-22-7)
• April 6 vs. Toronto (42-23-5)

*Records are as of games completed on Thursday March 14.*

The Habs’ most likely opponent in the first round of the playoffs should they make it, would be the Tampa Bay Lightning, or the winner of the Metropolitan division, which could be any of three or four teams.

There are also other playoff races across the league as well. Only one team has clinched a spot in the playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and only two teams have been mathematically eliminated so lots of teams still have a shot at making it.

Three other Canadian teams are also looking to get into the playoffs: the Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs.

This will be the Habs’ most important stretch of the season as it will decide the fate of this surprising season for the Canadiens.

Sources:

-All stats and info courtesy of NHL.com