On December 1, 2024, the Canadiens were 31st in the overall standings

Last December 1st, the Canadiens had the second worst record in the National League.

The team was then eight points away from the playoffs, which is a big mountain to climb. But as we now know, it happened and the Habs are among the 16 teams that are still alive.

On December 1st, the Canadiens sat 31st in the overall standings
They have now punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/lD5qEO9wfc
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) April 17, 2025

And how did it end for them? #StanleyCup

Note that the 2007-2008 Capitals and the 1996-1997 Penguins have also achieved the feat in the last 30 years, making the playoffs after a bad start. However, neither organization made it past the first round.

But good. All that, the Habs don’t care about it.

Stéphane Robidas believed it since October and Martin St-Louis, yesterday, recalled that the Habs had only 2% chance of making the playoffs at the time of the four nations break.

Martin St-Louis reminds us that before the four nations tournament break, the @CanadiensMTL had only 2% chance of making the playoffs. And it’s true.
— Jeremy Filosa (@JeremyFilosa) April 17, 2025

And today, the team is in the playoffs.

Martin St-Louis, who thought of his parents yesterday after the game, can be proud of the work done. The team he took over in 2022 has nothing to do with the one in April 2025.

I’m sure this morning, he’s already working on his game plan to beat the Washington Capitals in the first round of the playoffs.

Because the guys in that locker room, they’re going to believe it.

Overtime

– To read.

– The bet is official.

– Vinzenz Rohrer is learning French. [20M]

– Good choice.