How Canadiens can clinch playoff spot

The math is simple for the Montreal Canadiens.

After failing to wrap up a playoff spot the past three nights, the Canadiens can book their post-season ticket with a win over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.

The Canadiens missed chances to seal the deal with losses against the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday and Saturday, respectively. Another chance came and went Sunday when Columbus beat the Washington Capitals, keeping the Blue Jackets alive for at least one more day.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers need a regulation win over the visiting Los Angeles Kings on Monday to maintain their hopes of having home-ice advantage in the first-round series between the two teams. The Oilers and Kings are set to square off in the first round for the fourth year in a row.

Elsewhere, the Tampa Bay Lightning will clinch a top-two finish in the Atlantic Divison and home ice in the first round if the Florida Panthers lose to the New York Rangers in regulation time on Monday.