NHL: Canadiens, entering finale vs. Flyers, eye home ice in playoffs

The Montreal Canadiens are looking to secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs as they visit the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday in the regular-season finale for both teams. Both teams have already clinched postseason spots, but Montreal (48-23-10, 106 points) has a chance to finish second in the Atlantic Division with a win, combined with a loss by the Tampa Bay Lightning to the New York Rangers on Wednesday.

Montreal's victory over the New York Islanders on Sunday, in which they triumphed 4-1, placed them level on points with Tampa Bay. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki played a pivotal role, registering a goal and an assist to reach the 100-point milestone for the first time in his career. Suzuki's 29 goals and 72 assists have earned him a place in Montreal's rich history, becoming only the fifth player in the team's 108-year history to surpass the 100-point mark.

"I mean, it's pretty cool," Suzuki said. "As a little kid, you think of doing things like this, and that's definitely special, especially with this organization. I'm so proud to be part of the group that came before me."

Suzuki has been the epitome of consistency this season, having appeared in all 81 games thus far and being held without a point just 18 times. His growth has been evident, as he has increased his point totals every year, moving from 41 points in his first two seasons to his current 100-point mark.

"It's fantastic to see a player make such great progress year after year," said Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis. "I'm thrilled to see Nick reach 100 points."

The Flyers (42-27-12, 96 points) will also enter the postseason, having clinched the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with a dramatic 3-2 shootout victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. Despite trailing 2-0 after the first period, Philadelphia rallied back to secure the win, earning them third place in the Metropolitan Division and a first-round matchup with their rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"It's incredible," said Flyers forward Trevor Zegras. "We were down early against a top team, but we fought back, and getting it done in the shootout was pretty special."

The win secured the Flyers' first playoff appearance since 2020, and the team has been on a strong run since the Olympic break, posting a 17-7-1 record. Their late-season surge helped them overcome a nine-point deficit, securing third place in the division.

"I'm really proud of this group," said Flyers coach Rick Tocchet. "A lot of people counted us out before the season even started, but they proved everyone wrong. It was all them."

With both teams heading to the playoffs, the match will serve as an important final test before the postseason begins. The Canadiens, looking to position themselves for home-ice advantage, will face a determined Flyers squad aiming to carry their strong late-season form into the playoffs.

-Field Level Media