Can all seven get in? Ranking the likelihood of each Canadian NHL team to make the playoffs

Although hockey is Canada's national pastime, a Canadian NHL team hasn't won the Stanley Cup since 1993 (Montreal Canadiens). 

Currently, however, all seven teams are firmly in the playoff hunt as the calendar turns to April. If they were to all make the postseason, it would be the first time since the 1985-86 season. 

Can they do it? Let's take a look at each team's chances.

Winnipeg Jets: already clinched

The Jets, along with the Capitals, are one of two teams that have already clinched a playoff spot. They'll spend the rest of their season battling Washington for the President's Trophy (the Capitals are currently one point ahead with a game in hand). 

Come playoff time, they'll look to get past their postseason woes, as they haven't made it to the conference finals since 2018 and haven't won a playoff round since 2021. 

Toronto Maple Leafs: all but certain

The Maple Leafs haven't clinched a playoff spot yet, but given the fact that they have a 14-point lead on the second wild-card team, it's safe to say that Toronto is postseason bound. 

As April begins, the Leafs will focus their efforts on clinching the Atlantic Division title. Their last division-winning season came in the COVID-shortened 2021 season, which they played in the all-Canadian "North" division; prior to that, they had last won in 1999-2000. As of Thursday, the Maple Leafs are tied with the Panthers for first place, each with 11 games remaining.

Edmonton Oilers: all but certain

Similar to Toronto, it would take an epic collapse for the Oilers to miss the playoffs, as they sit in third place in the Pacific Division and are seven points up on the next closest team (Vancouver). 

With Vegas firmly on top of the Pacific, Edmonton will focus its efforts on securing home-ice advantage in a likely matchup versus the Los Angeles Kings; this would be the fourth year in a row the two teams met in the first round. However, with injuries to superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, it'll be facing a tough uphill battle.

Ottawa Senators: more likely than not

Ottawa currently occupies the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and has a four-point lead over the next team (Montreal). With 12 games left, that should be good enough to get it into the postseason, especially given its solid play of late (7-3-0 in its last 10). 

The Senators also have the second-easiest remaining strength of schedule, including nine of their last 12 games at home. Additionally, trade-deadline acquisition Dylan Cozens has been excellent for Ottawa, with eight points in nine games. It should be able to secure a wild-card spot come the end of the season.

Vancouver Canucks: it's still possible

Vancouver has had an up-and-down season but still remains in the playoff hunt (three points out with 10 games remaining). The Canucks also have former Vezina finalist Thatcher Demko back in net and Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Quinn Hughes, who was injured in early March, has been back in the lineup consistently.

It will be a battle, though, for the West's wild-card spots; Minnesota has struggled as of late but may be getting back star forwards Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek. St. Louis is surging with a seven-game winning streak. Right now, the Canucks' playoff chances could go either way.

Montreal Canadiens: 50/50 chance

Montreal is a surprise playoff contender this late in the season, but a five-game winning streak from Feb. 22 to March 3 has propelled it into the second wild-card spot in the East.

Recently, though, the Canadiens have lost three in a row and have an upcoming road trip against Philadelphia, Carolina and Florida. With a young team that many thought would still be rebuilding, they may struggle down the stretch.

Calgary Flames: need some help

Calgary, which had been projected to be a bottom-five team this season, has been another surprise. With 12 games left, the Flames are four points out of the second wild-card spot in the West.

Much of this is because of the stellar play of rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf, who should be a Calder Trophy finalist at the end of the year. They'll need some losses from the teams in front of them, though. With Vancouver playing well and St. Louis as the hottest team in the league, it may be too much to overcome.