Adam Fantilli and Lane Hutson (Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/8a69d873-10b8-4b6d-9cf9-95564c922c08.jpeg] Adam Fantilli and Lane Hutson (Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images) Anyone who suggested prior to the season that the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets would be battling for the final playoff spot in the final days of the 2024-25 campaign might have been laughed out of the room. Vying for the No. 1 spot in the NHL draft [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/instant-reaction-nhl-central-scouting-releases-final-2025-draft-rankings] lottery? Maybe. But the playoffs? No way. But here we are in the final two days of the season with these two very promising but very flawed teams fighting for the last spot. Montreal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens] needs to get to overtime Wednesday night against Carolina [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes] to secure its ticket. Columbus [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets] needs Montreal to lose in regulation, and the Jackets need to beat the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders] in regulation Thursday night. Even though both teams have overachieved, the Blue Jackets' season will have been a success regardless of what happens. The Canadiens, on the other hand, face a lot of questions and a disastrous 2024-25 if they don't lock this down. Today's video column has more. The Columbus Blue Jackets will be a success regardless of whether they make the playoffs or not. The Canadiens' season won't be if they miss out, says Ken Campbell. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
