Hockey fans across Canada are leaning into the excitement as NHL playoffs begin Saturday, with three Canadian teams set to compete for hockey’s top prize, the Stanley Cup.
of Ottawa Senators opened the playoffs on the road against the Carolina Hurricanes, marking the Canadiens’ first postseason appearance this year.
of Montreal Canadiens are scheduled to begin their run on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, while Edmonton Oilers are set to open their series on Monday.
The Oilers, led by one of the league’s most potent offenses, are widely seen as Canada’s strongest contender heading into the postseason.
Get the latest national news
Get the latest Canadian news in your inbox as it happens, so you never miss a trending story.
The team, led by a potent offense featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, enters the playoffs after regular-season struggles and deep recent runs, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals the past two years.
Sixteen teams qualify for the playoffs, with the format based primarily on division standings and wild-card spots.
The top three teams in each division earn automatic berths, while the remaining four spots go to the next highest ranked teams 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.comonly one pundit predicted a Canadian team would reach the finals, with the Canadians losing to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Unfortunately for Toronto Maple Leafs fans, Canada will be without representation from its largest 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 facing Philadelphia on Saturday.
The play-off matches will continue on Sunday and Monday, while the full schedule of the first round has started.
© 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
