THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – As of Monday, April 6, Montreal is the only Canadian NHL team that has officially clinched a playoff berth. The Canadiens locked up their spot after Detroit’s loss on Sunday, and they sit at 45-22-10 for 100 points, currently third in the Atlantic Division.
Here is how the rest of the Canadian teams are sitting right now:
- Edmonton Oilers: Edmonton is in the strongest position among the remaining Canadian clubs. The Oilers are first in the Pacific Division with 87 points in 77 games, tied with Anaheim in points but ahead on regulation wins. They have not clinched yet, but they are very much in control of their own path.
- Ottawa Senators: Ottawa is in a playoff spot right now, holding the second Eastern Conference wild-card berth with 90 points in 77 games. The Senators helped themselves in a big way with Sunday’s 6-3 win over Carolina, but the margin is slim: the Islanders are one point back, while Detroit and Columbus are two points back. Ottawa is alive and in position, but not safe yet.
- Winnipeg Jets: Winnipeg is outside the playoff line in the West. The Jets have 78 points in 76 games, trailing Nashville and Los Angeles, who each have 81 points, and also sitting behind San Jose at 79 points. Winnipeg is still alive, but it needs a strong finish and help from teams ahead of it.
- Calgary Flames: Calgary is still mathematically alive, but the road is getting steep. The Flames sit at 75 points in 75 games, which leaves them six points back of Nashville for the final Western wild-card spot, though Calgary does have a game in hand. That gives them a pulse, but not much room for error.
- Toronto Maple Leafs: Toronto has been eliminated from playoff contention. The Leafs are marked out in the standings and will miss the postseason this spring.
- Vancouver Canucks: Vancouver has also been eliminated. The Canucks are marked out in the current standings as well.
So the Canadian snapshot is straightforward: Montreal is in, Edmonton is close, Ottawa is on the line but currently inside, Winnipeg and Calgary are chasing, and Toronto and Vancouver are finished.
