O Canada: No time for rest as Habs, Jets approach crucial stretch of schedules

Every Tuesday, theScore's editors will examine the fortunes of the north's seven NHL franchises. Welcome to "O Canada."

Calgary Flames

Plus: Sean Monahan has arrived. The Flames' $44.6-million asset appears to have shaken off a slow start and has bounced back to the tune of 12 points over a 10-game streak.

Minus: Strangely, Calgary owns a home record of only 7-9. Even in last year's 26th place finish, it had a 22-16-4 mark at the Saddledome.

The Take: If the Flames are going to hold down a playoff position in the West, Brian Elliott needs to experience a Monahan-esque revival. Soon.

Edmonton Oilers

Plus: We all know the onus is on Connor McDavid to lead this club, and he's doing just that, but Leon Draisaitl has been a tremendous complement to the Oilers' attack. The 21-year-old's come into his own this season, recording 14 goals and 16 assists.

Minus: Jordan Eberle, meanwhile, only has one goal in his last 13 games.

The Take: It's nearly Christmas and the Oilers are tied for the Pacific Division lead in points. We haven't been able to say that much lately.

Montreal Canadiens

Plus: Despite an offense that's been depleted by injuries, the Canadiens are still finding ways to win, and sit comfortably atop the Atlantic.

Minus: Anyone that compared Carey Price's glare at Montreal's bench to the Patrick Roy situation.

The Take: Montreal having Anaheim, Minnesota, and Columbus on the slate before the holiday break is comparable to getting a giant lump of coal for Christmas, and it doesn't get easier from there. Due to the Bell Centre partly hosting the world juniors, the Habs embark on a six-game road trip starting Dec. 28.

Ottawa Senators

Plus: Mark Stone quietly has 13 points over his last 10 games, including four multi-point efforts, in easily his best stretch of the season.

Minus: When the club owner publicly addresses dwindling attendance numbers, it's not a great look.

The Take: The Atlantic Division isn't overly competitive. A strong January for the Senators could go a long way in helping secure a comfortable playoff seed.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Plus: Remember when Mike Babcock said Auston Matthews can be a dominant centerman by Christmas? He may have been on to something. The 19-year-old's potted a team-leading 15 goals, and continues to be rewarded with more ice time.

Minus: Toronto has provided opponents 23 power plays over its last five games, a recipe for disaster with an inexperienced club.

The Take: Over the past week or so, Toronto has looked dominant in terms of shot attempts and puck possession. It's somewhat moot, however, if you can't close a game and secure two points.

Vancouver Canucks

Plus: Adding franchise stalwart Mattias Ohlund to the club's Ring of Honor was a nice touch by the Canucks. Winning the game was nice, too.

Minus: On the other side of the spectrum, watching John Tortorella win his 500th game from the other bench had to sting a bit.

The Take: For the Canucks, this season is about establishing a plan for the future. They may be five points out of a playoff spot, but they're also three games below .500. It's important for Vancouver's brass to take the wins when they come, but keep the big picture at the forefront.

Winnipeg Jets

Plus: Mark Scheifele, Patrik Laine, and Nikolaj Ehlers could very well be the most dynamic line in the NHL. They each have 30, 29, and 26 points, respectively, this season.

Minus: Eight of the Jets' next 10 games will be played away from the MTS Centre. They're 5-10-2 on the road this season.

The Take: Though the club has an embarrassment of riches up front, until it gets consistent goaltending, it's tough to peg the Jets as a threat in the Central.

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