It's almost over.
On Tuesday evening, the Montreal Canadiens resisted as best they could, only to gently succumb in the end. In conceding the loss, they allowed the Florida Panthers to clinch the Atlantic division title; a milestone which will almost certainly be the final act of significance in which the Habs participate this season.
To make matters worse, the triumphant return to the Habs of Carey Price, P.K. Subban, and respectability has been postponed for a few months.
For tonight, and again on Saturday, fans will have to comfort themselves with the scant remains of a would-be playoff contender.