Which Canadian Team Will Go the Farthest?

[Goose]

As a Leafs fan, I have to begrudgingly admit Montreal is the most interesting team, though also the biggest underdog.

Everyone is expecting the Leafs to crash and burn as usual, expectations seem to be lower for Edmonton this year, Winnipeg has its own Leafs-complex of playoff mediocrity to overcome, and Ottawa, I don’t know, does anyone think they’re a dark horse, or just a happy-to-be-there team?

I’m not feeling particularly glowing over any of their chances at a cup, but I also wouldn’t be shocked to see Edmonton or Winnipeg in the finals.

 

[daver]

I think the Leafs make it the SCF. They are flying under the radar this year as many assume they will do what they do every year, again. Matthews and Marner will be solid but it will be a amazing efforts by other players that propel them to the almost the promised land.

 

[TheLegend27]

Could be the leafs by virtue of the eastern conference being weaker. Edmonton has to go through one or more of Dallas, Colorado and Vegas while the Leafs realistically only have Florida and maybe Tampa to worry about. Of course it’s in the history of the leafs to do what they usually do.

 

[Lshap]

As a Leafs fan, I have to begrudgingly admit Montreal is the most interesting team, though also the biggest underdog.

Everyone is expecting the Leafs to crash and burn as usual, expectations seem to be lower for Edmonton this year, Winnipeg has its own Leafs-complex of playoff mediocrity to overcome, and Ottawa, I don’t know, does anyone think they’re a dark horse, or just a happy-to-be-there team?

I’m not feeling particularly glowing over any of their chances at a cup, but I also wouldn’t be shocked to see Edmonton or Winnipeg in the finals.

Good summary. I don't know how many times it needs repeating: What fans expect and what actually happens are two very different things.

It wouldn't shock me to see the Leafs have a strong run - most of their playoff losses have been VERY close. If Matthews is healthy, they have as good a chance as anyone... despite the stories fans tell themselves.

Same with Montreal. Of course they're underdogs, but any real analysis reveals a team that's been top-10 since December. We've seen the Habs defy expectations before.

Edmonton is a proven contender, although getting back to the SCF means beating some western teams that look stronger.

No one can imagine Winnipeg in the SCF until they get there. No clue if this is their year, but it won't depend on what I - or anyone else - can imagine.

 

[Seb]

It's the year a Canadian team wins it right?

 

[LemonSauceD]

My money is on the Jets.

 

[bert]

It's the year a Canadian team wins it right?

Outside of the jets I don't see a team that has that make up this year. But it will be valuable playoff expereince for Montreal and Ottawa.

 

[bobholly39]

People are sleeping on Edmonton. They've pretty much been doing.....nothing all year. Safely in playoff spot...McDrai injured, taking time to return, etc.

If McDrai are healthy come playoffs I see Oilers as the favorites in the West. I know the West is very loaded, so being favorites doesn't guarantee anything - but I personally expect them to make it to finals again. McDavid has a ton of energy left for this run after a slower season.

I don't see the Jets making it out of central. They lose round 1, or round 2 max.

In the east - Ottawa won't go far.

Toronto reminds me a lot of 2018 Capitals...everyone had become numb to predicting playoff success for Caps and them failing each year, and so everyone had all but given up on them...and that's the year they finally won. I see Leafs in a similar spot. I could see them finally put a run together and go far, maybe all the way.

As for Habs? I like that they likely go in as WC2 and through central which seems more open to me. I could see them win 1 or 2 rounds, maybe more, but a lot of things have to go right.

So I'd go:

Edmonton
Montreal or Toronto
Jets
Ottawa

 

[waitin425]

Total crap shoot for everyone in here.

Logically Leafs, Jets and Oilers could all take a run.

In my heart, the Habs win the cup.

I have a suspicion we are going to see Ottawa make some noise. Tkachuk was built for the playoffs.

 

[AvatarAang]

Toronto, Winnipeg or Edmonton are the favourites on paper but anything can happen in the playoffs so it wouldn’t surprise me if a lower quality team like Montreal or Ottawa get lucky with their matchups

 

[The Management]

Have a hard time not picking Edmonton. I'm not sure they're making it back to the finals, but I don't think the three Eastern Conference teams are making it past Florida or Tampa. Winnipeg is certainly possible, but they have some playoff demons to exorcise along the way.

 

[74 others]

I’d say Toronto, I think they are going to be a problem this year.

 

[bobholly39]

Habs fans!!!! Hahahaha yeah your team is the greatest of all time. Lol. Better than the jets eh. Who have a goal differential that is 100 goals better than Montreal and 110 points to 87. Montreal has lost 14 more games. But yeah for sure better team.

Jets are going to crash and burn come playoffs just like they do every year.

Hellebuyck has been with you guys since 2018 and all he ever does is lose and disappoint in the playoffs. Since 2018 the Jets have by far the worst win/loss record in playoffs among Canadian teams. 18 wins 27 losses. .400 win percentage. Even Leafs are better.

Since 2018 - Jets in playoffs allows an average of 3.18 goals per game, among the worst in leage. Habs are #1 by a long shot in this metric in the NHL.

And if you don't like me looking at 2018 because it's too far back:

Since 2020 (Hellebuyck's first Vezina):

Jets are 25th among 27 total NHL teams for win percentage in playoffs (Habs are 6th)

Since 2023 (Hellebuyck's last 2 years where he's closer to "peak" form):

Jets are 18th among 19 total NHL teams for win percentage in playoffs.

Conclusion? Jets are a paper champion who are going to choke and lose in round 1 this year, just like they always do. And everyone will laugh, because it'll be hilarious.

 

[Miro4Norris]

Edmonton. Huge advantage is that they can cruise over easy Pacific again and that team is much better than it is given credit for.

Absolutely a top contender and this is the year they should win before Drai and Bouch contracts kick in

 

[MardyBum]

Edmonton. Huge advantage is that they can cruise over easy Pacific again and that team is much better than it is given credit for.

Absolutely a top contender and this is the year they should win before Drai and Bouch contracts kick in

They might not even win their first round matchup. If Kuemper doesn't fold LA is going to be a brutal out this year.

As for the topic, we'll have to see what the matchups are come playoff time, not even set yet.

 

[Miro4Norris]

They might not even win their first round matchup. If Kuemper doesn't fold LA is going to be a brutal out this year.

As for the topic, we'll have to see what the matchups are come playoff time, not even set yet.

Yeah we have seen this for what, 3 years? And Kuemper is ass although a solid regular season we will see that soon again. Only chance is if Draisaitl is not healthy but i believe he will be

 

[nerevarine]

I honestly think the oilers easily win the cup

 

[PhilJets]

I’m hoping the Jets ends the Canada’s team drought.

2nd team is Edmonton

 

[Tasteless Beaver]

There isn't a single easy out in the West this year. Every team except mayyybe Minnesota looks like a beast that can turn it on.

Winnipeg is lined up to face St. Louis now, which could be BRUTAL. They were both excellent in their last head-to-head. Injuries will play a huge role.
Dallas is lined up to face Colorado, which will be brutal. Two teams good enough to win it all fighting in the 1st round.
The Oilers always seem to get the best of the Kings, but neither is a bad team. Edmonton is explosive and LA has a suffocating defence.
Vegas is Vegas, lined up with Minnesota now. Not sure how their styles match up.

In the east, it's an easier route. Florida, Tampa and Carolina all seem to turn it on in the playoffs but they've been very inconsistent this year. Washington is a big, consistent team that will puff up for the playoffs and demolish Montreal, this is my guess for the first sweep. Toronto will get the better of Ottawa and move on, but past that it's anyone's game.

 

[TCIH]

I think the Leafs and Oilers will go deep.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Habs love being the underdog in the playoffs and Ivan Demidov is a massive X factor

Having said that I’d choose the Oilers

 

[Zenos]

Edmonton has looked "off“ pretty much all season (with the obvious exception of Draisaitl). Almost like they‘re sleep-walking though the season.

I could see a first round exit at the hands of the kings, but I could also see a deep run. On paper, they‘re a deep team. Nurse having a bounce-back year and adding Walman has really shored-up the back-end.
If guys like Arvi and Nuge can finally get going and Kane and Frederic get healthy, they could be dangerous.

 

[Crazy Cizikas]

I honestly think the oilers easily win the cup

Easily?

 

[HockeyVirus]

This is Toronto's year. They always wait until they have no choice but to do what is needed.

- Marner is a UFA and speculation is he is leaving. He wants to prove he is not a playoff choker for UFA
- Tavares contract year
- Knies contract year

Then just in general

- Actually having elite goaltending
- A real NHL coach
- First goal of the season scored by #67

Vibes are immaculate. The seas have parted they have the dream lineup to the finals.

 

[NyQuil]

The Senators have made it this far based on their defence and goaltending.

Lately, the offence has dried up a bit since Tkachuk has been on the shelf.

I wouldn't say that Ottawa is playing their best hockey at the moment but they don't have any more road games left so we'll see if they can raise their level of play before the post-season.