Hockey fans across Canada lean into excitement because the NHL playoffs begin Saturday, with three Canadian teams set to compete for hockey’s top prize, the Stanley Cup.
The Ottawa Senators opened the playoffs on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes, marking the primary Canadian appearance on this yr’s post-season.
The Montreal Canadiens are scheduled to start their run Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, while the Edmonton Oilers are set to open their series Monday.
The Oilers, led by considered one of the league’s most potent offences, are widely seen as Canada’s strongest contender heading into the post-season.
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The team, led by a high-powered offence featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, enters the playoffs after struggling through the regular season and deep recent runs, including a visit to the Stanley Cup final the last two years.
Sixteen teams qualify for the playoffs, with the format based largely on divisional standings and wild-card spots.
The highest three teams in each division earn automatic berths, while the remaining 4 spots go to the subsequent highest-ranked teams in each conference.
Each round is played as a best-of-seven series, with teams needing 4 wins to advance.
In a poll by NHL.com, just one expert predicted a Canadian team would reach the ultimate, with the Canadiens losing to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Unfortunately for Toronto Maple Leafs fans, Canada will likely be without representation from its largest hockey market this yr, after the team was eliminated from playoff contention.
The opening weekend also features several U.S.-based matchups, including Dallas hosting Minnesota and Pittsburgh facing Philadelphia on Saturday.
The playoffs will proceed Sunday and Monday as the total first-round schedule gets underway.
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