The Edmonton Oilers can clinch a playoff spot if they get at least one point against the San Jose Sharks on Friday (9:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. MT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+) or if the rival Calgary Flames lose to the Minnesota Wild (10 p.m. ET/8 p.m. MT on Sportsnet West and Sportsnet+) in any fashion.
Additionally, the Wild will clinch a spot with a win over the Flames in any fashion.
Canadian teams are already well-represented in the playoffs with the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators locked into spot. If the Montreal Canadiens and Oilers join them it would be the first time in a non-pandemic season that five Canadian teams will be in the playoffs since 2016-17 (Senators, Oilers, Canadiens, Maple Leafs and Flames).
Canadiens battle Senators on Sportsnet
The Montreal Canadiens can book a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a regulation win over the Ottawa Senators on Friday night. Watch the game nationally on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.
Broadcast schedule
The Canadiens missed a chance to book a spot earlier Friday when they lost 5-2 to the Ottawa Senators. Montreal gets another shot to wrap it up Saturday in Toronto against the Leafs.
If the Canadiens secure a spot, it would be an impressive turnaround after missing the playoffs for the last four years. The team has been led by career seasons from Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and rookie Lane Hutson, and has won six games in a row heading into Friday's big game with the Senators.
The Oilers have battled injuries and slipped to third in the Pacific Division but are looking to return to the playoffs and go on a run after coming within one win of winning the Stanley Cup last spring.
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