The Canadiens, who went 10-0-2 in their final 12 home games, had lost in three straight opportunities to clinch (0-1-2) before securing the last playoff spot available in their final regular-season game. They will face the Washington Capitals in the first round of the playoffs, which begin Saturday.

MONTREAL (AP) — Kaiden Guhle scored twice and the Montreal Canadiens wrapped up the last Eastern Conference playoff spot with a 4-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night in their regular-season finale. The Canadiens needed at least a point to eliminate Columbus from playoff contention. They will face Washington in the first round.

Kaiden Guhle watched with tremendous stress as the Columbus Blue Jackets rolled to yet another victory Tuesday night. The Montreal defenceman woke up the next day determined not to let them control the Canadiens' destiny.