Win of the Devils: the Habs are assured to be in the top-8 of the East tomorrow morning

With the Canadiens at the height of the playoff race in the East, we’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening with the team’s rivals. And this afternoon, the Rangers’ game against the Devils was a crucial one to watch.

Remember that, unlike the Blue Jackets, the Rangers hold the tiebreaker over the Canadiens (and that’s not likely to change by the end of the season). They’re therefore the biggest threat to the Habs right now.

The Tricolore really needed the Devils to win… and Martin St-Louis’ men can thank Sheldon Keefe’s team this afternoon.

In the second period, the Devils took advantage of two powerplays to score two goals.

Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt found the back of the net.

March Meier brings April fire. #NJDevils | @Mikes_Amazing pic.twitter.com/lrqaZQrIfH

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 5, 2025

BrattGPT, show me a filthy goal. pic.twitter.com/GeZ671NA2d

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 5, 2025

The rest of the game was Jacob Markström’s show, as he was solid in net. The Devils’ goalie turned away all the Rangers’ shots en route to a shutout.

He probably gained some fans in Montreal today.

And in the third, Meier added a second goal to his tally to make it 3-0. Nico Hischier followed suit a few seconds later (this time into an empty net) to add a fourth goal.

That officially put an end to the Rangers’ comeback hopes, who were defeated by a score of 4-0.

No quit in Timo. pic.twitter.com/hHnkBuf9Q3

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 5, 2025

Nico
Jesper
Dagger pic.twitter.com/uQ0rq8ADfZ

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 5, 2025

This is an important win for the Canadiens, as their main rival in the playoff race didn’t pick up any points this afternoon.

Now it’s up to the Habs to do their part and beat the Flyers in a few hours.

Overtime

With the Rangers’ loss today, the Habs are guaranteed to wake up tomorrow as the second wild-card team in the East. No other team can catch them today… and Martin St-Louis’ team will have the opportunity to distance themselves from the Rangers with a win tonight.

The other big rival of the Canadiens in the playoff race, the Blue Jackets, are facing the Maple Leafs tonight. Feel free to decide if you dare to hope for a win from the Toronto rival.