For the first time since 1973, there is just one Canadian team in the NHL playoffs. The Canadiens represent the nation's only hope of ending a 21-year Stanley Cup drought.

"It's not fun, for sure," said Flames forward Mike Cammalleri, who spent parts of three seasons with Montreal. "The players on the team, I can tell you for sure, feel it. It weighs a lot on you, no doubt.

"That's part of also what makes it so special to play in a Canadian market. When it goes the other way, there's no more rewarding feeling."