The Columbus Blue Jackets have done it again.
Last night, they beat the Philadelphia Flyers and put all the pressure on the Montreal Canadiens to win against the Carolina Hurricanes tonight.
As of right now, the Blue Jackets sit just two points behind Montreal and have a game against the New York Islanders on Thursday night.
If the Canadiens lose tonight against the Hurricanes, they need to lose in regulation. If they manage to get a point, it puts an end to the Blue Jackets' season.
As it currently stands, the Hurricanes are slated to give their star players a night off as it is their final game. Based on what Hurricanes reporters are posting on social media, these are the players who aren't at the morning skate:
Here is who is NOT on the ice for the #Canes at morning skate in Montreal:
— Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) April 16, 2025
• Sebastian Aho
• Jackson Blake
• Jalen Chatfield
• Seth Jarvis
• Jordan Martinook
• Jaccob Slavin
• Jordan Staal
It is worth noting, just because they aren't at morning skate doesn't mean they won’t be playing. However, if they don’t, it does give the advantage to the Canadiens. That said, they are winless in their last four games. Yes, they will be hungry, but with how they’ve played recently, the Hurricanes still have a good chance to win this game.
Carolina Hurricanes To "Rest" Several Players In Key Game TonightTonight, the Montreal Canadiens have to lose in regulation to the Carolina Hurricanes for the Blue Jackets to have a chance to make the playoffs. But that road might be a little harder tonight.
All eyes will be on this game tonight. There are a lot of Blue Jackets fans eager to find out what happens — and fans around the NHL as well. It’s a very exciting situation to witness: two teams fighting for the final playoff spot, and it all comes down to the wire.
It doesn't get better than that.
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