If no Canadian team pushes into a playoff spot by the time the regular season ends less than three months from now, it would be the first time since 1969-70 - a span of 45 playoff seasons - that Canada would not have a representative in the postseason.

Of course, in 1970 there were only two Canadian franchises: Toronto and Montreal.

Since the NHL expanded to include six Canadian cities in 1979-80 - Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Winnipeg - at least one Canadian-based franchise has qualified every season.

-Frank Seravalli of TSN where you can read more on this topic.