The Montreal Canadiens secured the final playoff spot in the NHL's Eastern Conference by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2. The Hurricanes, already qualified for the playoffs, rested key players in the game.
With a total of 91 points, the Canadiens clinched the East's second wild card and eliminated the Columbus Blue Jackets from playoff contention. The Jackets' impressive late-season push fell short as they can only reach 89 points with a win in their final game against the New York Islanders.