CANADIAN CLUBS IN THE BIG DANCE

NHL / Hockey

Written by Chase Howard

With the NHL playoffs about to start, let's take a look at how we expect the three Canadian Clubs to perform in the big dance.

Source (Background Photo): NHL

1. Calgary Flames

There are not many holes to poke in the fortress that is the 2022 Calgary Flames, and the brand of hockey they play bodes quite well for the playoffs - Aggressive on the boards, tough on the puck, and capable at both ends of the ice. The Flames finished the season third in goals against and sixth in goals for. They have the best defensive rating in the Western, allowing an NHL low 139 goals at even strength. A huge part of this was the play of Vezina's favourite Jacob Markstrom who went 37-15-9 in 63 starts, with a 2.22 goals-against average, .922 save percentage and led the NHL with nine shutouts. Perhaps more importantly there are some specific stats that should bode well for this team in the playoffs. Firstly, they sit second in the league in differential at + 85. They are also an astounding 40-1-2 when leading a game after two periods, the best in the NHL. They're the only team with four 35 goal scorers, allow the fifth least shots per game, and had the best road record in the west (25-12-4) a key element of playoff hockey where winning on the road is essential. Overall Elite defense, a potent offense, an incredibly good goaltender featuring experienced coaching is a very good recipe for a championship quality team

2. Toronto Maple Leafs

If this were a different team, most importantly in a different city, optimism would be running wild. However, a fair amount of Maple Leafs' band seems rather subdued likely due to the last past decade of first-round exits that have plagued the minds of Maple Leaf fans. Yet there is a reason for hope, as it would have been very easy for the Maple Leafs to regress after blowing last year's 3-1 lead in the first round against Montreal. Instead, the Leafs set records both individually and collectively, winning more games (53) and earning more points (113) than ever before in team history. Auston Matthews set new career highs in both goals and points, in doing so becoming the first American Born player to score 60 while breaking the previous Leafs record of 54. Mitch Marner set new career marks for goals (35) and points (97), while Morgan Reilly set a new best for assists (58). Perhaps most importantly the Leafs have the deepest blue line in recent memory led by Reilly and recent trade acquisition Mark Giordano. This team is no longer all finesse with genuine sandpaper elements Wayne Simmonds, Kyle Clifford, and Michael Bunting, this team finally seems built for the playoffs. On top of all this we know this team is motivated and playing with a big chip on their shoulder, overall it makes me a little nervous to say this but the Leafs look ready to make a run.

3. Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton easily had the most difficult path to the playoffs of any of the Canadian teams to make it this year. As for the third straight season, they started 16-5-0, then a 2-11-2 slide from Dec. 3-Jan. 20 had the season in jeopardy before going 26-9-3 after Jay Woodcroft became head coach. Under Woodcroft, the Oilers started paying attention to key defensive details. Before his hiring Edmonton had been outscored 102-88 at even strength, while after being brought on the Oilers have since outscored opponents 93 to 73. Woodcroft insisted McDavid and Drasaitl play on separate lines allowing the Oilers to be incredibly deep at center with those two players and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins centering the third line. Overall Edmonton’s depth and balance have been enhanced this season, not only because of the above moves but some good additions as well. Summer signing Zach Hyman has 54 points this season. Evander Kane who has 39 points in 43 games since he was signed in late January has also been big. As long as the Oilers' goaltending can hold up, which is currently being led by a 40-year-old but surprisingly agile Mike Smith, this team has a good shot to make some noise.