Bad weekend to be a Canadian-based team

Ottawa had a really nice comeback Saturday but couldn't pull it out in double overtime. Vancouver lost a nailbiter at home to Anaheim. And the Toronto Raptors are now down 3-1 in its series against New Jersey.

The Senators are in the best position, series tied at 1, going home for the first time in this series. The Canucks are not in good shape in its fight to stay alive, down 2-1 in the series. The Raptors are probably toast, a young, inexperienced team up against a solid ball club.

Keeping Canada's name alive in the playoffs is a tough, but noble, quest. Having Edmonton alive for as long as it was last summer was great publicity for the country. The Raptors have brought notice about Toronto and Canada to more casual basketball fans this time.

Right now, the best shot to advance to the next round is Ottawa, and they will likely have to play Buffalo, the consensus for best team in the NHL.