The Montreal Canadiens triumphed over the Boston Bruins, securing a 4-1 victory fueled by the contributions of Brendan Gallagher, who scored a goal and assisted another.

Cole Caufield netted his 35th goal of the season, while Christian Dvorak added to the tally, and Nick Suzuki sealed the win with an empty-net goal. Montreal's Sam Montembeault showcased his skills with 18 saves, while Elias Lindholm's third-period goal for Boston prevented a shutout.

This win marked the Canadiens' third consecutive victory, maintaining their hold on the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot, while the Bruins extended their winless streak to 10 games, a franchise first since 2009-10.

Brendan Gallagher's stellar performance, featuring a goal and an assist, propelled the Montreal Canadiens to a decisive 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins in a fierce rivalry matchup. Cole Caufield, with his team-leading 35th goal, and Christian Dvorak added to the score, while Nick Suzuki sealed the game with an empty-netter. This win marked the Canadiens' third consecutive victory, keeping them firmly in the playoff race.

On the other hand, the Bruins struggled, extending their winless streak to ten games, with their last regulation win dating back to 1996-97. Despite a valiant effort from Jeremy Swayman, who recorded 27 saves, Boston was outshot significantly, especially in the second period where they managed just two shots. Tensions flared throughout the match, culminating in a fight between Kaiden Guhle and Cole Koepke, showcasing the heated nature of this longstanding rivalry.

As Alex Ovechkin approaches Wayne Gretzky's seemingly unbreakable all-time goals record, the question of who might succeed him as the NHL's next great goal-scorer arises. Four prominent names surface in this debate due to their impressive scoring capabilities and potential longevity in the league.

Auston Matthews, at just 27, has netted 397 goals in 622 games, consistently scoring at least 34 goals per season. If he maintains this pace, he could reach 800 goals. Connor McDavid, while an elite playmaker with 361 goals in 708 games, may struggle to reach the record unless he significantly boosts his goal tally as he ages. Leon Draisaitl, with 399 goals in 789 games and a history of 50+ goal seasons, emerges as a dark horse. Meanwhile, David Pastrnak, with 385 goals in 749 games, would need to replicate his 61-goal season more frequently to stay in contention.

The NHL playoff race heats up as the last two weeks of the regular season approach, with five teams vying for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Currently, the Montreal Canadiens occupy the second wild-card position with 79 points and will face the Boston Bruins, while the Columbus Blue Jackets, trailing slightly with 77 points, will host the Colorado Avalanche. The New York Rangers sit tied with Montreal on points but have a higher regulation win count, making them a formidable contender.

The Stathletes projection model indicates the Canadiens have a 51.7% chance to secure a playoff spot, followed by the Blue Jackets at 25.5%. The idle Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders are also in the mix, albeit with lower odds. With the regular season concluding on April 17, every game counts, especially for these playoff hopefuls.

Brad Marchand's recent trade to the Florida Panthers has raised eyebrows across the NHL. Known for his time as a Boston Bruin, Marchand's switch to a division rival marks a significant shift in the league's landscape. His cheeky character shone through during his introductory press conference, as he quipped about his new Panthers cap and poked fun at his teammate Sam Bennett. Marchand, a veteran pest with a remarkable scoring record, has transitioned to a team that eliminated the Bruins in consecutive playoff runs, stirring up emotions among fans and players alike.

In the wake of his departure, the Bruins are undergoing a retooling phase, shedding several key players alongside the beloved Marchand, who was the last remnant of their 2011 Stanley Cup victory. With his competitive edge and proven ability to rile opponents, Marchand aims to establish a new identity with the Panthers, joining forces with established pests like Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk. As he approaches the twilight of his career, Marchand is determined to prove that he still has much to offer on the ice, especially in a playoff context.