The NHL playoff odds picture is still volatile at 19 games into the season, but Thursday’s 5–2 win gave the Montréal Canadiens a notable early-season result over the Boston Bruins. Montréal improved to 12-7 and sits in the 70–80% playoff band; Boston fell to 13-6, with an 80–90% band, as its four-game winning streak ended.
Montréal Canadiens beat Boston Bruins 5–2
The Canadiens’ win extended their point streak to 12 games (9-0-3), according to the game report. It puts their 101-point projection within four of Boston’s 105, though the Bruins retain the higher playoff band. The early-season model has room to move; neither result nor projection settles the race.
Thursday’s other close finish came in Ottawa, where the Ottawa Senators beat the Colorado Avalanche 4–3. Ottawa is 12-8 with a 50–60% playoff band and 96 projected points; Colorado is 11-9, but its 90–100% band and 105-point projection remain stronger. The Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar left with lower-body injuries, with no return timeline reported by the NHL.
Thursday’s other NHL results
- The Chicago Blackhawks edged the Buffalo Sabres 3–2. Chicago is 5-14 with a 0–10% playoff band; Buffalo is 8-11 and 20–30%, with 88 projected points.
- The Florida Panthers beat the Detroit Red Wings 5–4 in the night’s highest-scoring close game. Florida is 11-9 and 50–60%; Detroit is 7-13 and 0–10%.
- The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3–1. Tampa Bay’s 13-6 record and 90–100% band contrast with Columbus at 7-10 and 10–20%.
- The New Jersey Devils beat the Washington Capitals 5–2. New Jersey is 14-6 with an 80–90% band; Washington is 10-7 and 60–70%.
- The Minnesota Wild won 5–2 over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Minnesota is 14-7 and 90–100%; Toronto is 8-13 and 10–20%.
- The Carolina Hurricanes handled the Seattle Kraken 4–1. Carolina is 15-5 with a 90–100% band, while Seattle is 9-8 and 40–50%.
Next matchup to watch: Montréal Canadiens and Boston Bruins
Their next meeting will carry a useful test of whether Thursday’s result reflects a durable shift or an early-season interruption. For now, Montréal’s 12-game point streak and Boston’s stronger projection make the contrast clear; no upcoming date was provided.
Research sources
Additional reporting checked 2026-11-13T14:01:07.526Z.
