The Montreal Canadiens are the first Canadian team to qualify for the 2026 National Hockey League Stanley Cup Playoffs. On Sunday, the Canadiens got in when the Minnesota Wild beat the Detroit Red Wings 5-4 according to nhl.com.
The Canadiens currently have a record of 45 wins, 22 regulation losses and 10 losses in extra time for 100 points. They are one of seven teams in the NHL with 100 points. They are joined by the Central Division leading Colorado Avalanche (110 points), the Metropolitan Division leading Carolina Hurricanes (104 points), the Atlantic Division leading Tampa Bay Lightning (102 points), the Dallas Stars (102 points), Minnesota Wild (100 points), and Buffalo Sabres (100 points).
The fact that the Sabres are at 100 points and in the playoffs is a significant story. That is because Buffalo is postseason bound for the first time since 2011.
Montreal’s leading scorer this season has been captain Nick Suzuki of London, Ontario. Suzuki, a centre, leads the Canadiens in assists (68), points (95), plus/minus (+35), power-play points (41), and faceoff wins (686).
The Canadiens are one of two professional hockey teams with Montreal in the name to have clinched a playoff spot to date. The other are the Montreal Victoire of the Professional Women’s Hockey League. The Victoire are in fact the best team in the PWHL with 52 points.
