As the NHL regular season draws to a close, four of Canada’s seven teams are in contention for a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Montreal Canadiens have already secured their place, while the Edmonton Oilers are on the verge of qualification. The Ottawa Senators are also making a strong push, but the Winnipeg Jets find themselves in a precarious situation, needing both strong performances and favourable outcomes from others.
Canadiens Clinch Playoff Berth
The Montreal Canadiens have successfully clinched their second consecutive playoff spot, achieving this milestone over the past weekend. Currently, they are locked in a fierce battle for positioning in the Atlantic Division alongside the Buffalo Sabres and the Tampa Bay Lightning. At present, the Sabres lead with 106 points, closely followed by the Canadiens at 104 and the Lightning at 102.
With each team having several games left in the regular season, the stakes are high. Despite falling to the Washington Capitals in the first round last year, the Canadiens are now looking at potential first-round matchups against either the Sabres, Lightning, Ottawa Senators, or Boston Bruins.
Oilers Poised for Another Post-Season
On the other side of the country, the Edmonton Oilers are on track to make the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year. This impressive streak includes two recent appearances in the Stanley Cup finals against the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025.
Currently leading the Pacific Division with 90 points, the Oilers are just ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks, each of whom also have three games left to play. Captain Connor McDavid recently described the division race as a “pillow fight,” highlighting its less-than-exciting finish. Yet, with a staggering 99.98 per cent chance of making the playoffs according to MoneyPuck.com, the Oilers are all but assured of a place in the post-season. If they manage to secure the division title, they could face the Utah Mammoth in the first round.
Senators Surge Towards Playoff Contention
The Ottawa Senators are enjoying a late-season surge, having won four of their last five games in regulation. This impressive run has boosted their chances of making the playoffs to an encouraging 92.1 per cent. Currently positioned in the Eastern Conference’s second wild-card spot with 94 points, the Senators are just two points behind the Boston Bruins for the first wild-card position.
With three games remaining, the Senators are poised to make their second consecutive playoff appearance after breaking a five-year drought last season. A potential first-round matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes looms, adding to the excitement surrounding the franchise.
Jets on the Brink
In stark contrast, the Winnipeg Jets face a daunting challenge. After sitting at the bottom of the league standings in early January, the team has shown resilience with a record of 20-9-7 in the latter half of the season. Despite this improvement, they currently hold 82 points, sitting three points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the second wild-card position in the Western Conference.
With four games remaining, the Jets still have a glimmer of hope, although their playoff chances are estimated at just 12.6 per cent. They will need both strong performances in their remaining games and some assistance from other teams to have any hope of making it to the post-season, where a likely first-round matchup against the formidable Colorado Avalanche awaits.
Why it Matters
The upcoming weeks are crucial for the Canadian NHL teams vying for playoff positions. With the Canadiens and Oilers firmly in the mix, the excitement builds for fans across the nation. The Senators’ resurgence adds an additional layer of intrigue, offering a chance for a renewed rivalry in the playoffs. Conversely, the Jets’ struggle highlights the unpredictability of the NHL, reminding us that while some teams thrive, others must battle against the odds to find success. As the playoff landscape takes shape, the stakes could not be higher – for teams, players, and their loyal supporters.
