In this edition of the hotstove we predict how many Canadian teams will make the playoffs.
Todd Cordell I only have two Canadian teams making the playoffs: Montreal and Calgary.
Montreal has won a lot of games over the last three years and if Max Pacioretty, P.K. Subban and Carey Price stay healthy they're basically playoff locks.
As for Calgary I loved the additions of Michael Frolik as well as Dougie Hamilton and with Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau, Jiri Hudler, Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie, among others, already in place it's hard to see them on the outside looking in.
I like Winnipeg's team but I think they'll take a minor step back and are a team I could see falling out for the likes of Dallas, LA or San Jose (in wild card scenarios). Edmonton is on the right track but I don't think they're there just yet and I think Vancouver is going to be one of the worst teams in the West.
Out East I think Ottawa will finish just outside (I see five Metro teams making the playoffs). Toronto will be more competitive (though they still might not win much) than most people expect but I can't see them getting in, either.
James Tanner Edmonton and Montreal are pretty much locks to make the Playoffs. I can't believe how people are underrating the Oilers. Even if they didn't have McDavid, a healthy Hall is a top five forward in the NHL and I'd pick them to probably make it just bc of adding Sekera and Talbot. With McDavid they are for sure making it.
Calgary, Ottawa, Winnipeg are all fringe teams that have a decent chance.
Toronto and Vancouver will be competing to see who has the best chance at Auston Matthews. They have zero chance of making the Playoffs. Even if the Leafs surprise, they'll trade all their good players in March anyways. Recent posts: Predicting the Metro Division standings