The NHL playoffs begin this weekend, with Canadian teams once again chasing a long-awaited Stanley Cup victory.
The opening game will see the Ottawa Senators face the Carolina Hurricanes, with Ottawa entering the season weakened despite recent strong form.
The Hurricanes finished on top of the league, but the Senators have held the lead since March, setting up a potentially competitive series.
The Montreal Canadiens will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in another closely watched matchup.
Both teams finished the regular season with 106 points each, although Tampa Bay held the lead due to stronger results in regulation and more playoff experience.
The Lightning remain a formidable team with star players and a recent history of deep playoff runs.
However, Montreal’s youth center has emerged as a major storyline.
Captain Nick Suzuki reached 100 points this season, while Cole Coffield scored 51 goals, highlighting the team’s growing attacking strength.
In the Western Conference, the Edmonton Oilers are aiming for a third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. With star forward Leon Draisaitl expected to return from injury, Edmonton will look to take advantage.
