The Montreal Canadiens sit 10 points out of the 8th playoff spot.  At the deadline you would've thought the Habs would've sold their team for draft picks in the upcoming draft, but they decided to fight harder.  The current 8-seed in the East have played 7 more games than the Canadiens, but the upcoming schedule for the home team is rough.  12/18 of the remaining schedule is against some of the top teams already in the playoffs. 

"We have a rough stretch ahead," GM Tomayko stated, "but if we can take 11/14 points in our next 7, there is no doubt we are fighters in the division and the league.  We made some veteran moves for this season's end.  We've also encountered some bad luck with health for our players.  18 games remain in 29 days.  We're going to continue pushing to earn at least the 8 spot in consecutive years."

The Canadiens start their last long month tomorrow night against 2nd place Thrashers (who defeated the Habs 3-2 in OT early in the season).  The next night, they travel to Buffalo to face the top team in the league.  GM Tomayko also included that Jonathan Quick will officially become the starter for the remainder of the season to add some pressure on DiPietro to strive harder each game.