Call of the Wilde: Montreal Canadiens playoff hopes take hit with shutout loss to New Jersey Devils – Montreal [Video]

The traditional Super Bowl weekend of afternoon games for the Montreal Canadiens this year is a make-or-break weekend. If the Canadiens drop two games to the New Jersey Devils and Tampa Bay Lightning, that would likely signal the end of a realistic playoff push.

This means the weekend games will also set the course for the trading deadline, with the next 13 days void of hockey as the 4 Nations Face-Off takes over the NHL schedule.

The Canadiens players needed to show they wanted to stay in Montreal, making general manager Kent Hughes’ battle plan difficult to judge. However, it’s becoming clear that the free agents will be traded. The Canadiens are no longer in the mix after a 4-0 loss to the Devils on Saturday.

Wilde Horses

Head coach Martin St. Louis broke up the second line this week, leaving Patrik Laine on the fourth line. Laine may be struggling for fitness, or he may just not …