Are the Senators the biggest surprise among Canadian teams?

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) celebrates after scoring his first goal against the Arizona Coyotes. (Rick Scuteri/AP)

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A year after all seven Canadian NHL teams missed the playoffs for the first time since 1970, five are now in position to make the post-season.

With so many impressive turnarounds, it’s hard to pinpoint which team has been the biggest surprise this year.

Sportsnet Hotstove host Dan Riccio was joined by Ryan Dixon and Dan Robson and they debated which Canadian team’s revival was the most unexpected.

“Based on where they are, probably Ottawa, given that they could actually win its division, that’s the biggest surprise of the teams that are in,” Dixon said. “Obviously when were living in a world where Erik Karlsson is leading shot-blocker in the NHL, something has changed in Ottawa.”

 
Breaking down Canadian playoff contenders
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The Senators are currently one point behind the Montreal Canadiens with a game in hand. The two teams kick off game one of a home-and-home series tonight in Ottawa that could change the complexion of the Atlantic Division.

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