Montreal pulled level with Boston in the Atlantic, while Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary remained outside playoff positions after Nov. 7

By NetNewsLedger Sports  |  November 8 2026

Saturday’s 12-game slate shifted each division race and left several Canadian clubs chasing playoff positions

Thunder Bay – Hockey Town Update – The Carolina Hurricanes ended Saturday night with the NHL’s best record, while the Edmonton Oilers held the Pacific Division lead and the Montreal Canadiens moved level with Boston in the Atlantic.

Carolina’s 9-2 win over Chicago lifted the Hurricanes to 14-3-2 and 30 points. Minnesota earned one point in an overtime loss to Tampa Bay and remained first in the Central at 12-3-4 for 28 points. Edmonton’s 4-2 victory over Vancouver put the Oilers at 12-3-3 for 27 points.

Boston and Montreal each have 25 points in the Atlantic. The Bruins remain first on the regulation-wins tiebreaker, while the Canadiens sit second at 11-3-3. Tampa Bay is one point back at 24, and Ottawa moved to 23 after beating Utah 4-2.

The picture is less comfortable for Toronto. The Maple Leafs are 8-8-2 with 18 points, two behind Florida for the second Eastern wild-card position. Buffalo has 19 points, and Washington is also on 18, leaving little room for another losing stretch.

In the West, Edmonton leads Vegas by three points in the Pacific. Calgary is fifth in the division with 15 points, four behind both Seattle and Anaheim. Winnipeg also has 15 points and sits seventh in a crowded Central, six points behind the 21-point group formed by Nashville and Utah.

These are early-season standings, so games in hand and tiebreakers can change the order quickly. Still, the separation is beginning to matter: Carolina, Minnesota and Edmonton have built cushions, while Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary are already chasing the playoff line.

Records and point totals in this summary include all games completed on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, and exclude Sunday’s schedule.

Division leaders after Nov. 7

Priority Canadian teams