"It's all in the math, but let me see if I have this right.

The No. 14 Canadiens have 49 points in 53 games. And since a minimum of 93 likely will be needed to make the playoffs, what their 3-0 victory over Winnipeg on Sunday means is that they now need 44 more points in their remaining 29 games to reach that number.

I would suggest that's too tall an order in a season that has been nothing less than a rocky ride and, at times, embarrassing.

Here's a team that has won only 20 games. It must win at least that many in its next 29 and hope it can pick up four more points losing in overtime or the shootout.

Get the picture? Dismal is one word that comes to mind. Bleak is another."