from Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun,

Welcome to the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs, where the storylines — at least on this side of the border — revolve around the inclusion of Mike Babcock’s Maple Leafs, Carey Price’s Montreal Canadiens, Erik Karlsson’s Ottawa Senators, Johnny Gaudreau’s Calgary Flames and last, but certainly not least, Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers.

Admittedly there were hopes in the Great White North entering the regular season’s final day Sunday that the possibility of an Oilers-Flames and a Maple Leafs-Sens first-round matchup might come to fruition.

But when the Leafs dropped a 3-2 decision to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto bid adieu to dreams of facing the Sens and instead had to deal with the reality of meeting the Washington Capitals, the team that won the Presidents’ Trophy for finishing first overall in the NHL.

Several hours later, the Anaheim Ducks spoiled any chance of a Calgary-Edmonton showdown by beating the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in overtime. By gaining at least one point, the Ducks ensured they’ll face off against the Flames, a team they’ve defeated 25 consecutive times in Anaheim dating back to Jan. 19, 2004 — the longest such streak in NHL history.

The Flames certainly will have their hands full.

The Oilers, meanwhile, will face a San Jose Sharks team that goes up against their former coach, Todd McLellan, who now is the Edmonton bench boss. Of more interest is watching the blossoming superstar McDavid showcase his talents on the NHL playoff stage for the first time.

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