The Montreal Canadiens are currently facing a challenging race for the playoffs, despite improvements this season compared to last. They are showcasing a stronger roster and are likely to earn more points, yet they find themselves only three points ahead of Columbus, who sits just outside of playoff contention. This unexpected turn of events comes after the Canadiens suffered narrow defeats at home to San Jose and Anaheim, putting additional pressure on their postseason ambitions.

Amidst this competitive environment, the internal fight for roster spots has intensified. Juraj Slafkovský experienced this firsthand during a practice where Brendan Gallagher's hard hit underscored the physical nature of the competition within the team. As the regular season nears its conclusion with just sixteen games left, the Canadiens must navigate both external competition from teams like Columbus and Ottawa, as well as internal challenges to secure their place in the playoffs.

While certain players like Martin Pospíšil and Šimon Nemec are making headlines for their contributions to their respective teams (Calgary and New Jersey), the focus remains firmly on the Canadiens as they strive to capitalize on their improved form and scrape together enough points to clench a playoff spot. The dynamic nature of the NHL means that anything is possible, and for Montreal, the stakes have never been higher in this tight-knit race.