We now know who the Washington Capitals will play in the first round of the playoffs

That said, with a crucial two points tonight, the Habs have punched their ticket to the NHL postseason, where they will be facing off against the Washington Capitals in the first round.

After an abysmal start to the 2024-25 NHL season, the Montreal Canadiens have done the unthinkable, clinching the final spot in the NHL playoffs.

According to sources, Montreal, who will qualify for the postseason for the first time since losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, has won eight of their last 11 games with one more to go in the regular season and a 40-31-11 record (.555 points percentage). They are 29-15-8 (.635) since starting 11-16-3.

Center Nick Suzuki leads Montreal with 89 points, at least 18 more than any other Canadien, in 82 outings. Suzuki and rookie defenseman Lane Hutson co-lead the team with 60 assists. Right-wing Cole Caufield has a team-leading 37 goals.

With this victory, the Montreal Canadiens finish their season boasting a 40-31-11 record, tallying 91 points.

Although the Washington Capitals have been dominant this season, this upcoming series won't be an easy one.

The Montreal Canadiens have a handful of players who have been getting hot at presicely the right time, including their new secret weapon from Russia-- Ivan Demidov, who just signed with the team a few days ago.

The NHL has not yet released the post season schedule.