The Montreal Canadiens have managed to remain in playoff contention since the season began, but judging by their point totals, they need to focus on securing wins more decisively soon. When teams finish an 82-game season tied in points, regulation wins are the primary tiebreaker. So far, the Canadiens have 20 wins overall, but only 13 came during regulation time.
In the Atlantic Division, only the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and Buffalo Sabers have fewer regulation wins than the Canadiens, who have 12. The Ottawa Senators have slightly more with 13, while other playoff contenders like the Florida Panthers (17), Detroit Red Wings (16), and Tampa Bay Lightning (17) have significantly more regulation wins.
Though the Canadiens are behind in points compared to some of the stronger teams, they still have an opportunity to bounce back. While overtime or shootout victories are exciting and entertaining, the crucial goal is to win within the regular 60 minutes of play. This is especially important when the playoffs come around, where each victory counts as one of the 16 wins needed to claim the Lord Stanley’s Cup. Until then, the Canadiens should aim to win games quickly and efficiently—perhaps making this their New Year’s resolution.
Fan Take: This update highlights a critical challenge for the Canadiens as they strive toward playoff success. For hockey fans, seeing the team push for more regulation wins signals a commitment to stronger, more consistent play—an essential ingredient for thrilling postseason runs and elevating the sport’s competitive spirit.
