Flyers, Canadiens to determine Penguins’ playoff chances

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Nashville Predators 4-2 Monday night to stay in playoff race.

Now that race is out of their hands.

The Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers must win tonight in order for the Penguins to stay in playoff contention.

The Detroit Red Wings take on the Montreal Canadiens at 7 p.m. tomorrow in Habs territory.

Puck drop comes less than 24 hours after Lucas Raymond scored a late tying goal, then another in extra time, to lift the Wings to a 5-4 overtime comeback victory over the Canadiens.

Can the Habs pull off a revenge victory to give the Penguins a shot at the second wild card spot?

Pro: The Canadiens may be out of the playoffs, but this team has pride to play for. This game marks the Habs’ season and home finale and will be the last time they play at Bell Centre in 2023-24.

Another Pro: Monday marked the third time this season series has gone to overtime (the Canadiens won 3-2 in OT on Nov. 9, then lost 5-4 in OT Dec. 2.) But even if the Wings push the Canadiens to an extra period tomorrow, the Pens’ playoff hopes could survive— as long as the Habs hold them to just one point.

Con: The Red Wings dominated the Canadiens during the final minutes of Monday night’s late collapse.

The Washington Capitals are also taking on the latter half of a back-to-back with a road game against the Philadelphia Flyers tonight at 7 p.m.

Can the Flyers defeat a Capitals team tired from last night’s shutout of the Boston Bruins?

Pro: The Flyers have their own playoff berth to play for, even if chances are slim. If this team wants any chance of making the postseason, they need at minimum two points in regulation.

Con: Although Capitals starting goaltender Charlie Lindgren shut out the Bruins last night, he only needed to make 16 saves to do so. That means Lindgren could be ready to go for a second straight start tonight against the Flyers.

Even if everything goes the Penguins’ way tomorrow, the Pens would still need at least one point Wednesday against the New York Islanders to secure the playoff spot.

We’ll find out if that game is going to matter after the dust settles following the contests tonight.