How Canadian NHL teams are faring with playoffs looming
The GIST: With only 17 days until the puck drops on the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the clinching scenarios are in full swing. As a refresher, the top three teams in each division plus the next two best teams in each conference advance to the postseason for a total of 16 squads. Here’s how Canada’s teams are stacking up against the competition.
Who’s already clinched: Against all odds, the Vancouver Canucks are the first Canadian team to punch their postseason ticket, returning to the playoffs for the first time in four years behind the formidable play of centers J.T. Miller, Elias Pettersson, and captain Quinn Hughes. No doubt that’ll be the hottest ticket in town.
Who’s almost there: Sticking with the Pacific Division, the Edmonton Oilers have turned their abysmal season start around and can clinch their fourth straight playoff appearance as soon as this week. Over in the Central Division, the recently struggling Winnipeg Jets are clinging to third after falling from their spot at the top of the standings last month.
- And in the Eastern Conference, center Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs are starting to get healthy again — a good sign for the third-in-the-Atlantic-Division Buds who can book their playoff spot today.
Who’s all-but-eliminated: While the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and Calgary Flames aren’t statistically eliminated just yet, they all sit too far out of contention to make a run. Better luck next year.
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