NHL round up

The GIST: Approaching the midway mark of the season, Canadian teams are either riding high or are at the bottom of the barrel, and there ain’t no in-betweens. Well, except for the Winnipeg Jets.

Eastern Conference: Despite the snow, it hasn’t been the most wonderful time of the year for Canada’s Eastern teams.

• After many injuries and COVID-19 issues, the Montreal Canadians are last in the Atlantic Division, with the Ottawa Senators sitting second-to-last. Even worse, after last night’s loss, the Canadiens are on a seven-game losing streak.

• On the flip side, the Toronto Maple Leafs — after struggling early in the season — are in a tight battle for first in the Eastern Conference. Is it a jinx to say it might finally be their year? Even artist Johnny Orlando knows this isn’t a team to sleep on.

Western Conference: Over on the West Coast, the Vancouver Canucks have won five straight after firing their general manager and head coach earlier this month. Never count out the underdogs orcas.

• Meanwhile, milestone performances fueled the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames to the top half of the Pacific Division. However, the Albertans are feeling the effects of COVID-19, with the Flames particularly burned, postponing play until at least tomorrow.