The Habs are playing their best hockey in months. That's not saying much, but the Canadiens are 5-4-1 in their past ten games, which is their best ten-game since before the winter downfall that began in December.
The win in Washington on Wednesday night did not change the fact that the Canadiens need to be looking to next season even though they sit just five points back of a playoff spot. The trading of Dale Weise sends a clear signal that management does not expect this team to make the playoffs, and will be using the remainder of the season to open up roster spots to prospects.