Canadiens Clinch Playoffs, Streak Ends with 3-0 Loss

The Canadiens clinched a playoff spot on Sunday after a 5‑3 shootout win over the Devils, becoming the first Canadian team to secure a berth this season. The next night, New Jersey shut out Montreal 3‑0, ending the Canadiens’ eight‑game streak. Jacob Markstrom earned his first shutout of the season, while Cody Glass and Timo Meier scored for New Jersey. Montreal’s Jacob Fowler made 17 saves in the loss, and Connor Brown added an empty‑net goal.