Martin St-Louis’ squad just received excellent news in their race for a playoff spot in the National Hockey League.

Friends, we can really start to believe.

Thanks to Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins’ win last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets continue to fall further behind the Montreal Canadiens in the overall standings.

As a result, the Habs’ chances of making the playoffs are drastically increasing, which is amazing.

The Canadiens now have a 45% chance of making the playoffs

You read that right.

“Thank you to Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins for defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets and helping the Canadiens in their playoff hopes.”

HabsOnReddit

The Penguins won by a score of 6-3.

As of today, here’s the current picture:

OTTAWA (In the playoffs) – 77 points in 68 games
MONTREAL (In the playoffs) – 74 points in 68 games
ISLANDERS (Out of the playoffs) – 72 points in 68 games
RANGERS (Out of the playoffs) – 72 points in 70 games
BLUE JACKETS (Out of the playoffs) – 71 points in 69 games
RED WINGS (Out of the playoffs) – 70 points in 68 games

We can really start to believe:

“According to Money Puck, the Habs have a 45% chance of making the playoffs. A win tomorrow would put them at 55%.”

– David Calabretta, The Fourth Period

It’s really exciting!

What’s your prediction for tonight’s game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche?

It’ll be another hugely important game in the Eastern Conference playoff race.