New Jersey Devils Clinch Playoff Spot with 3-0 Victory Over Montreal Canadiens
The New Jersey Devils secured a 3-0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, ending the Canadiens' eight-game winning streak and clinching a playoff spot. Jacob Markstrom recorded his first shutout of the season with 18 saves. Cody Glass, Timo Meier, and Connor Brown scored for the Devils, with Jack Hughes contributing two assists. The Devils extended their winning streak in Montreal to 11 games, the longest active streak in the NHL against a single opponent. Montreal's Jacob Fowler made 17 saves in the losing effort.
The Canadiens secured their playoff spot after Detroit's loss to Minnesota, becoming the first Canadian team to clinch a playoff berth this season. Despite a successful five-game road trip, Montreal couldn't overcome the Devils at the Bell Centre. Cole Caufield fell short of scoring his 50th goal for the second consecutive game. Meier capitalized on a rebound in the first period, Glass scored late in the second period, and Brown sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.
The Devils will face Philadelphia next, while the Canadiens will host Florida in their upcoming games. The win keeps New Jersey's slim postseason hopes alive, while Montreal looks to bounce back after the loss.