Stakes are getting higher for remaining Canadian teams in the playoffs

The GIST: The round one stakes have never been higher, with all series heading for win-or-go-home showdowns. Here’s where Canada’s teams find themselves, plus highlights from a couple other notable series.

Edmonton Oilers: Superstar Connor McDavid and the Oilers followed up Sunday’s epic Game 4 comeback with a pivotal 6–3 Game 5 win last night, securing a 3-2 series lead over the LA Kings. Shoutout to Nick Bjugstad, who led the Oilers with two goals. Now they’ll have a chance to rest up before (hopefully) sealing the deal on Saturday.

Toronto Maple Leafs: After Monday’s thrilling 5–4 overtime comeback Game 4 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning — thank you, center Alexander Kerfoot and defenseman Morgan Rielly — the Leafs may actually advance to the second round for the first time since 2004 (!!!) tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET. Could this be their year?

Winnipeg Jets: The Jets sputtered in their Game 4, losing 4–2 to the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday. Down 3-1 in the series, it’ll be an uphill battle to get back in it, especially without center Mark Scheifele. They’ll try to lift themselves out of this hole tomorrow at 10 p.m. ET.

Elsewhere: The Carolina Hurricanes couldn’t secure the series dub, losing 3–2 to the NY Islanders in last night’s Game 5, so the history-making Boston Bruins could become the first team to advance to the second round when they take on the Florida Panthers tonight at 7 p.m. ET.