With the NHL season in full swing, it’s been a banner yr for Canadian groups. All seven franchises are proving to be aggressive and difficult opponents—a refreshing change from latest years. With the Vacation break proper across the nook, TSN Hockey analyst Bruce Boudreau joins Domino’s That’s Hockey to rank all seven Canadian groups at this level within the season in Checklist It.
With the vacation break with us, it appeared applicable on Canada’s Boxing Day to trot out the place the Canadian NHL groups rank from the perfect to the remainder heading into the brand new yr.
The First to Seventh, the Canadian Groups Ranked
Listed below are the Canadian groups from 1st to seventh on Canada’s Boxing Day.
#1 Canadian Group: Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are the perfect Canadian workforce proper now. Should you overlook their tough first 10 video games, they’ve been on an unbelievable run, and their stars are main the way in which. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are enjoying at an elite degree, and the workforce is beginning to appear like the juggernaut all of us anticipated.
The Oilers are getting strong goaltending — even when Stuart Skinner’s numbers look pedestrian — and the depth forwards are beginning to step up and produce. The workforce has too many succesful forwards to suit everybody in, they usually’ll need to make some robust choices when the workforce is wholesome, however that’s a great drawback to have. And Darnell Nurse and Brett Kulak are having profession years, even when Evan Bouchard is hit-and-miss. Ty Emberson is discovering his manner, and the Oilers are rolling.
Edmonton seems poised for an additional deep playoff push, mirroring their momentum from final yr. They’ve earned the highest spot with their latest efficiency.
#2: Winnipeg Jets
The Jets are discovering their recreation once more after a sizzling begin, then a modest stumble earlier this season. They’ve already weathered their .500 stretch and at the moment are enjoying constant, structured hockey. Winnipeg’s depth and skill to reply to adversity make them a transparent second amongst Canadian groups, with a robust likelihood of being a playoff lock.
#3: Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto continues to point out its firepower, however lingering questions on accidents—significantly in purpose and Auston Matthews—preserve them from the highest of the listing. Matthews is enjoying like a star when he’s not injured, and the workforce has the expertise to compete with anybody. Nevertheless, consistency and well being stay key for the Leafs as they appear to solidify their place among the many league’s elite.
#4:Vancouver Canucks
After a formidable 110-point season final yr, the Canucks have but to hit their full stride this season. Thatcher Demko is again in motion, and Quinn Hughes has been phenomenal, cementing himself as one of many league’s finest defensemen. Vancouver has all of the items to make a push, however they’ll want to seek out extra consistency to climb increased in these rankings.
The largest query for the Canucks is the rumors of interior turmoil. It’s a storyline that has taken over that franchise and it’s certain to grow to be a much bigger drawback than it already is that if a decision isn’t discovered.
#5: Ottawa Senators
The Senators are heating up and changing into one of many hardest groups. They’ll want to keep up their tempo—almost .700 hockey—to safe a playoff spot, however their perception in themselves is obvious. Ottawa’s youth and vitality make them a harmful opponent, and their latest play has earned them this spot. If Linus Ullmark can keep wholesome, that will significantly profit the workforce.
Groups Unlikely to Make The Playoffs
There’s nonetheless an opportunity for the subsequent two groups, however issues aren’t searching for to make the postseason this yr. Each of the next golf equipment must go on prolonged runs to place themselves again within the dialog.
#6 Canadian Group: Calgary Flames
The Flames are working exhausting and displaying glimpses of what they are often, however questions stay about their capacity to maintain their present degree of play. Whereas they’re nonetheless within the Wild Card hunt, the lengthy grind of January, February, and March will take a look at their depth and consistency. Calgary sits at #6 for now, however their work ethic is one thing to look at. Can they proceed to pattern upward?
#7 Canadian Group: Montreal Canadiens
Montreal rounds out the rankings, however that doesn’t imply they’ve been a pushover. Their rebuild is progressing, they usually’re much more aggressive than lately. Whereas consistency remains to be a problem, the Canadiens have proven flashes of promise. They won’t make the playoffs this yr, however the future is vivid for this younger workforce. Patrik Laine has been a revelation. If he isn’t severely injured, he may assist this workforce prosper.
Playoff Predictions for Canadian Groups
It’s been many seasons since 5 or extra Canadian groups clinched playoff spots in a whole season (2016-17), however it feels doable once more. Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Toronto appear like locks, whereas Ottawa can sneak in. Vancouver may additionally make it, however Calgary and Montreal may fall brief. Regardless, the robust play of Canada’s NHL groups is thrilling.
Associated: What If Laine’s Harm Was the Canadiens Hiding One thing Else?
