In a thrilling matchup, the Montreal Canadiens faced a heart-wrenching 4-3 shootout loss against the Chicago Blackhawks, a game that was poised to be a celebratory occasion with Ivan Demidov's dazzling debut. Demidov, the 19-year-old Russian prodigy, made an immediate impact by assisting on a goal and scoring shortly thereafter. The Canadiens were riding high on a two-goal lead early in the game, but the Blackhawks surged back, undermining Montreal's playoff aspirations. This defeat marked the third missed opportunity for the Canadiens to secure a playoff spot, leaving them desperate for a victory in their final regular-season game. Despite the disappointment, players like Cole Caufield and coach Martin St. Louis emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence and composure under pressure, particularly for a young team in the playoff race. The Canadiens currently sit with 89 points, and their playoff fate lies in their hands as they face the Carolina Hurricanes next. Can they gather momentum to secure a wild-card spot and make a playoff run?