Marty Biron plants seeds of hope for Canada's first Stanley Cup since 1993 by nominating 5 Canadian franchises to make NHL playoffs

Hockey analyst Marty Biron has given Canadian hockey fans hope of winning a Stanley Cup this season by naming five teams that could make the NHL playoffs. He believes the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs are "guarantee in" to make it. For the remaining spots, Biron sees Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa and Montreal competing.

While Montreal’s chances may be slim, it still has a shot if it keeps playing well. During TSN's "Hot or Not" on Wednesday, Biron said two of these teams will join the other three in the playoffs.

"I'm looking at the Edmonton Oilers, the Winnipeg Jets, the Toronto Maple Leafs that guarantee in, and one of Vancouver, Calgary is going to get in, and one of Ottawa and Montreal," Biron said. "I just said, I don't think Montreal is making it, but still might, like if they push so it's going to be one of those.

"So I'm looking at five teams from the Canadian teams getting into the playoffs this year. It will be fun, and that will allow the teams to get further along, and potentially win a Stanley Cup the first one, since 93 In Canada."

Biron's prediction suggests Canada could win its first Stanley Cup since 1993. That year, the Montreal Canadiens won after defeating the Los Angeles Kings. Since then, Montreal has struggled in the playoffs. The Canadiens reached the finals again in 2021 but did not win.

It was the last time a Canadian team claimed the title. Biron hopes one of the five teams he mentioned will bring the Cup back to Canada. Fans across the country are hopeful that the long wait for a Stanley Cup will soon be over.

Edmonton Oilers are hungry for Stanley Cup

The Edmonton Oilers are committed to winning the Stanley Cup this season after losing to the Florida Panthers 2-1 in Game 7 of the finals in June. They have a record of 22-12-3 and are placed third in the Pacific Division. Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid have been performing well, with 56 and 54 points, respectively. Draisaitl has scored 27 goals, and McDavid has provided 39 helpers.

In 2024's last game, the Oilers won 4-1 against the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday. McDavid and Draisaitl each extended their point streaks to 12 games. Mattias Ekholm had a goal and an assist. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Troy Stecher and Draisaitl also scored. Stuart Skinner made 26 saves.

Connor McDavid passed Mark Messier for third on the Oilers' all-time scoring list with 1,036 points. McDavid also reached 180 points in 2024, and Skinner recorded 50 wins in a calendar year.