Sean Whyte kicked three field goals and the Montreal Alouettes offence did just enough to earn a 23-17 win over the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday.
After starting the season with seven losses in their first eight games, the Alouettes (8-8) have caught fire with five straight wins and just one loss in their past eight.
They currently sit alone in first place in the East Division and a playoff berth that seemed highly unlikely two months ago is creeping ever closer to becoming reality.
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The Redblacks (2-14) missed an opportunity to put a bump in Montreal's road to the playoffs, but they did provide an interesting end to a game that appeared as though it might be over early.
An 11-yard touchdown pass from Jonathan Crompton to S.J. Green four minutes into the third quarter and an 11-yard field goal from Whyte at 6:29 gave the Alouettes a 23-7 lead, and apparent control of the game.
A 22-yard field goal from Brett Maher late in the third quarter cut that lead to 23-10, but the Alouettes still maintained a comfortable two-score lead to start the fourth quarter.