Canadiens, Red Wings vie for playoff position in clash

The Eastern Conference playoff picture changes on a daily basis. The contenders for most of the playoff spots are tightly-bunched, making every remaining game important.

The Montreal-Detroit matchup Thursday night can certainly be classified as pivotal. The Canadiens will venture into Detroit with 84 points, while the Red Wings have 82. Detroit could pull even with Montreal in the Atlantic Division via a regulation victory, though the Canadiens have a game in hand.

The Canadiens (37-20-10)...