Canadian teams have historically dominated the NHL, yet it has been over three decades since a Canadian team, the Montreal Canadiens, last won the Stanley Cup. The Edmonton Oilers narrowly missed the title last year, falling to the Florida Panthers in Game 7. This season, five Canadian teams qualified for the playoffs, the most since 2017. The Toronto Maple Leafs face the Ottawa Senators in a winnable series, but must overcome their first-round elimination history. The Winnipeg Jets are burdened by the pressure of being Presidents' Trophy winners and the absence of Nikolaj Ehlers due to injury. The Oilers, featuring superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, face concerns over injuries affecting their chances. The Senators are a young team still finding their way, while the Canadiens enter the playoffs with little momentum.