Habs Win Sans Top-Line Magic - Playoff Omen

The Canadiens pull off a gritty victory on a night when their big guns go quiet, a rarity that whispers volumes about their playoff readiness. Montreal's depth players step up big in a tight scrap against Columbus, showing the kind of bottom-six backbone that separates contenders from pretenders come spring. With a brutal final stretch looming - eight games against playoff locks - this win signals the Habs can grind out results even when stars like Caufield cool off.