The Ottawa Senators woke up on Tuesday as Canada’s flag bearer.

Coming off a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night to wrap up the California portion of a lengthy seven-game trip, the Senators were the only Canadian team sitting in a playoff position in the National Hockey League on Tuesday morning.

While the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets are within striking distance, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames have their work cut out for them if they want to be part of the NHL’s big dance in the spring.

Thursday is American Thanksgiving and, historically, this is a pivotal time of year because of an old saying: If you’re not in the NHL’s playoff picture at this point in the season, the odds of securing a spot are stacked against

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