CREDIT: MARK GIORDANO BY SARAH A. ON FLICKR (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Mark Giordano is the most underrated defenseman in the league and captaining the Calgary Flames to the playoffs for the first time in five years.

Ever since the NHL implemented the salary cap system in 2005, it has pushed for league-wide parity. This year, we are seeing it in full force.

While some teams have taken the approach to tank for a higher draft pick (ahem, Leafs, Oilers), we are seeing a greater number of teams compete for playoff spots that had no business doing so based on preseason projections.

Teams like the Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators have all overcome expert predictions of failure to put themselves in the playoff conversation.

As a result, two of the NHL’s most successful teams, the Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins, are currently on the cusp of missing the playoffs for the first time in six and eight years respectively.

Let’s take a look at some Canadian teams that have come seemingly out of nowhere for a chance to compete for Lord Stanley’s Cup:

Calgary Flames

The Flames have been hockey’s Cinderella-team all season long. Captained by one of the most underrated defenseman in the game, Mark Giordano, who is out for the remainder of the season, the Flames are looking to end a five-year playoff drought.

A big reason for Calgary’s success this season can be credited to the emergence of center Sean Monahan and winger Johnny Gaudreau. In particular, Monahan has taken a giant step forward in terms of responsibility on the ice where he is frequently lined up against the opposition’s top two lines. Meanwhile, Gaudreau has emerged as legitimate top six talent who has adapted to the rigors of an NHL season despite his 5 ft. 9 in., 160-pound frame.

The Flames will have its defensive depth tested in the playoffs with the loss of Giordano, but the combination of Kris Russell, Dennis Wideman and Chatham-born T.J. Brodie will surely be up to the task.

Ottawa Senators

A glorious debut by Andrew Hammond – affectionately dubbed The Hamburglar – has vaulted the Ottawa Senators into playoff contention. Currently the hottest team in the NHL, Ottawa is in a tight playoff battle with the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers for the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference.

Aside from Hammond, Ottawa can thank their captain, Erik Karlsson, along with youngsters Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman for their success this season.

With six of their final seven games coming against teams that have already locked up playoff spots, the Sens are looking to reach the playoffs after missing the dance last year. A few more lights out performances from Hammond might do the trick.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets have overcome a season of adversity to put themselves right in the thick of a playoff spot. After having sustained injuries to four of their top six defenseman, Winnipeg is starting to get healthy and find their team identity.

Trade deadline acquisition Tyler Myers and standout defenseman Dustin Byfuglien have been instrumental to the Jets recent success. Whether or not they can contend in the playoffs will depend on the goalie tandem of Michael Hutchinson and Ondrej Pavelec.

The final two weeks of the NHL regular season will be full of drama and suspense as multiple teams fight for the remaining wildcard spots.

Students should check out Monday Night Hockey at the Out Back Shack for an important game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Chicago Blackhawks. The event includes a chance to win NHL and London Knights jerseys.