CUP DREAMS ARE BACK IN CANADA

FORGET THE PAINFUL PLAYOFF MEMORIES OF LAST YEAR. OUR NHL TEAMS LOOK GREAT AT THE MIDPOINT, MIKE ZEISBERGER WRITES.

Carey Price has led the Montreal Canadiens to an impressive lead over the Atlantic Division. Lightning, they say, doesn’t strike twice. For NHL fans in the Great White North, they hope the same holds true for a spring without NHL post-season hockey played in Canada.

As documented in Postmedia’s five-part series No Canada, that was the case last April, when for the first time since 1970, the NHL playoffs did not feature a single Canadian team. But now, at the halfway point of the 2016-17 season, there is optimism for supporters in this country, with all seven Canadian teams at least within four points of a playoff spot.

“I’m mostly worried about my own team but, when I put my fan hat on, it was tough in Canadian markets last spring,” Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving said Thursday night. “But you look now and there is plenty of reason for hope in all those places given the way all of the teams are doing.”

Here’s Postmedia’s breakdown of all seven Canadian teams at the midway point of the 2016-17 campaign. son, despite the best efforts from Condon. Up front, Bobby Ryan recently was made a healthy scratch by Boucher, who is using some tough love in an attempt to kick-start the talented winger.

Boucher’s system seems to be effective, especially in the type of close games that could be the determining factor that pushes Ottawa into the post-season. Consider that the Sens are holding down a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division despite having an even goal differential. were. They now own a wild card spot in the Western Conference. Full marks to general manager Brad Treliving and first-year Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan for sticking with the plan.

Despite an unflattering goal differential of minus-4, this team continues to find ways to win. Part of the credit must go to goalie Chad Johnson, who started the season as Brian Elliott’s backup but has grabbed the No. 1 job and ran with it. Rookie Matthew Tkachuk, with his unique blend of grit and scoring touch, is the real deal. Coming off a forgettable first season as a Flame, defenceman Dougie Hamilton is on a roll and is well on his way to 50 points.

Young stars Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan are a combined minus-27, the types of growing pains that will give management ulcers. Elliott was acquired from St. Louis to be the starting goalie but has looked uncomfortable from the get-go.

Once Gaudreau and Monahan find their groove as expected, this roster has all the makings of a post-season team.