Kent Hughes’ inaction at the NHL trade deadline is starting to hurt at the end of the season. It’s a point that’s starting to be criticized by several experts, as the Canadiens truly seem to be lacking depth at the moment.

However, there is some good news.

Unlike the past few weeks, finally, Martin St-Louis’ squad is getting help from other clubs.

The Canadiens Are Finally Getting Help in Their Playoff Race

Yes, Montreal is losing, but at least their closest chasers are losing too.

It’s wild because just a few weeks ago, while the Habs were winning nearly all their games, the Islanders, Rangers, and Blue Jackets were also winning a lot.

However, now that the Habs are losing almost every game, the Islanders, Rangers, and Blue Jackets are also, fortunately, losing the majority of their games.

So finally, the Canadiens are getting a bit of help from other teams.

Yesterday, on the Habs’ side, we got help from the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Ottawa Senators, who defeated the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets respectively.. in regulation no less!

“The Canadiens are temporarily back in a wildcard spot and in the playoffs, as the Columbus Blue Jackets lost in regulation to the Ottawa Senators.”

– HabsOnReddit

The New York Rangers Overtake the Montreal Canadiens in the Standings

It didn’t last long, as the New York Rangers unsurprisingly beat the San Jose Sharks late in the evening, but overall, the Canadiens got a lot of help yesterday!

“The Rangers move into WC2 with everyone chasing them owning two games in hand, except for the Red Wings, who will only have one game in hand.”

– Eric Engels

That means a win by the Montreal Canadiens against the Florida Panthers, a bit later today (at 1:00 PM), could allow them to reclaim their playoff spot. Wow.

Given the circumstances, that’s fantastic!