Hockey fans across Canada are looking forward to excitement as the NHL playoffs begin Saturday, with three Canadian teams set to compete for hockey’s top prize, the Stanley Cup.
The Ottawa Senators open the playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes, marking Canada’s first post-season appearance this year.
The Montreal Canadiens are scheduled to begin their game on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, while the Edmonton Oilers will begin their series on Monday.
The Oilers, led by one of the most potent offenses in the league, are widely seen as Canada’s strongest contender heading into the post-season.
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The team, led by a high-powered offense featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, enters the playoffs having struggled through the regular season and its recent run, including trips to the Stanley Cup finals in the last two years.
Sixteen teams qualified for the playoffs, with a format based largely on divisional standings and wild card spots.
The top three teams in each division earn automatic berths, while the remaining four spots are awarded to the next highest ranked team in each conference.
Each round is played as a best-of-seven series, with teams needing four wins to advance.
In a poll by NHL.com, only one expert predicted the Canadian team would reach the final, with the Canadiens losing to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Unfortunately for Toronto Maple Leafs fans, Canada will be without representatives from its biggest hockey market this year, after the team was eliminated from playoff contention.
The opening weekend also features several US-based games, including Dallas hosting Minnesota and Pittsburgh taking on Philadelphia on Saturday.
The playoffs will continue on Sunday and Monday as the full first round schedule begins.
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