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.

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.

The NHL and Rogers are set to unveil a landmark television rights deal, projected to be around $11 billion, which is more than double their current agreement. This deal not only significantly boosts the NHL's media revenue but also opens avenues for additional negotiations, including the potential for more broadcasting nights and French language rights.

In other news, the Montreal Canadiens are poised to meet with Jacob Fowler's representatives regarding his future options. Fowler, who excelled with a .940 save percentage in college, may consider returning to Boston College, delaying his entry into the NHL. The Canadiens have time to strategize, knowing they have previously signed NCAA players after their senior year.

The NHL's final month has seen Alex Ovechkin inch closer to Wayne Gretzky's historic goal record, now just four goals away after scoring his 891st in Boston. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights secured their playoff berth following a Calgary loss, marking a successful campaign in which they clinched a spot in seven of their first eight seasons. The St. Louis Blues are riding a 10-game winning streak, taking the first Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, while the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets are also vying for playoff positions, demonstrating the high stakes of this late-season push.

Rookies Ryan Leonard and Jimmy Snuggerud made their NHL debuts, creating excitement as fans look forward to their contributions. Ovechkin's performance continues to be a focal point, as his scoring prowess and charity contributions gain attention. The playoff race intensifies with teams like the Canadiens, led by Nick Suzuki's overtime winner, and the Blue Jackets, where Kirill Marchenko's hat trick underscores their offensive firepower. Betting enthusiasts should keep an eye on these developments as team rosters solidify and performance metrics come into play.