The Ottawa Senators – with a great mix of talent, goaltending and muscle, plus the return of Brady Tkachuk – appear to be the Canadian team with the best chance of making the NHL playoffs, writes columnist Fred MacDonald. ContributedArticle contentThe NHL is starting to resemble the NFL in that any team can beat any other team on a given night.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentRight now, the Ottawa Senators – with a great mix of talent, goaltending and muscle, plus the return of Brady Tkachuk – appear to be the Canadian team with the best chance of making the playoffs.Article contentArticle contentThe Maple Leafs rebounded with two big road wins in Florida, getting great goaltending from Joseph Woll and much-needed secondary scoring while the Canadiens played poorly in a mid-week loss to Ottawa, noticeably struggling in their own end. Defending in their own end of the rink may be Montreal’s Achilles heel.Article contentArticle contentI watched the Detroit Red Wings last week, and they have lots of offence. But, as has been the case with Steve Yzerman’s Motor City club for the past decade, the Wings get pushed around.Article contentWhat they need back on the blue-line, or even up front, is a player that’s nasty like ex-Charlottetown junior and senior standout Mike Kennedy. Heading into the playoffs with talent and no grit is a sure recipe for an early exit.Article contentOn the local front, the Charlottetown Islanders posted an impressive 8-2 win in Saint John on Nov. 28 and will need to be just as sharp this weekend in a pair of games against Gord Dwyer’s Newfoundland Regiment in St. John’s.Article contentAs for hockey’s UPEI Panthers, losing to sad-sack Dalhouise in Halifax last week may come back to haunt them when it comes to the playoffs and seeding.Article contentNFLArticle contentThe NFL heads into Week 14 and after last week’s surprising finishes and upsets, the Sports Profit will have to dust off his crystal ball.Article contentArticle contentI never like betting on the Miami Dolphins coming north in December – they never do well. This week, the Fish travel to frigid New York to meet the Jets and they’re favoured. Play the Jets to win by at least a TD.Article contentThe red-hot Houston Texans, a dome team that plays under ideal conditions, travel to ice-cold Kansas City. Expect a wind chill at Arrowhead of -30 C. I believe Houston is the better club, but I’m going against my head and playing a hunch – it’s a must-win game for the Chiefs, the cold and Patrick Mahomes tip the scales for the Chiefs.Article contentThe first-place Chicago Bears, the surprise of the NFC, travel to Green Bay to play a team that I regard as the best overall in the NFL. Everything is clicking for the Packers. The Bears have two top running backs, and QB Caleb Williams is exceeding first-round pick expectations. A nail-biter but Green Bay wins.
Especially with Brady Tkachuk now back
