When the Going Gets Tough...

It's been a fine run for the Habs as they try to put a terrible period behind them.

Coming all the way from a top seed to battle for a playoff spot is not the way you want your season to go after believing there are bigger and better things out there for you.

They certainly have to be feeling better about themselves and that's half the battle.
The easy part is over however.
I know the experts will tell you that every game is tough when you head down the stretch.
Teams that have nothing to lose can be just as tough with no pressure on them,
but let's face facts:

Would you rather play Boston twice and then the Caps,
or...a 3 game run against the Rangers, Senators and Sabres.
While the Habs have been picking up 8 points against non playoff teams
here's what the other playoff hopefuls have accomplished:

The two teams directly in front of the Habs
The Rangers and Hurricanes are a combined 8-0.
Add the Islanders and Leafs including Toronto's big blown lead at Buffalo
and those 4 are a combined 12-2-3.
Not a lot of wasted points as you see.
The 4 game win streak hasn't vaulted the Canadiens into a playoff spot, it has helped them hang around.
The tough sledding starts NOW.

By the way,
If a silly point wasn't handed out for a LOSS in OT or shootout
Here's what the East standings would look like as of Monday morning:

6 TB 82
7 Rangers 78
8 Habs 78
9 Carolina 76
10 Islanders 72
11 Leafs 72