Trends Face-Off: What Canadians are Searching for This Playoff Season
The ice is ready, the brackets are set, and Canadians are officially in a hockey frenzy. With the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Edmonton Oilers securing their spots in the 2026 NHL Playoffs, the excitement is palpable across the country. In fact: Search interest in hockey and hockey players has hit an all-time high in Canada in 2026.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just joining the hype, here is what’s skating to the top of the search charts this past month.
History-making performances in Montreal
This year, Montreal’s own Cole Caufield has Quebec fans watching the scoreboard and the history books. Searches for “But de Cole Caufield” (Cole Caufield’s goal) are topping the charts as he became the first Montreal Canadien to hit the 50-goal mark in over 35 years. Don't be surprised to see plenty of #13 jerseys as fans track his quest to join the ranks of legends like Maurice Richard.
And for those following the team’s leadership, searches for Nick Suzuki are soaring. After becoming the first Hab to reach a historic 100-point milestone in four decades, the Captain’s stats and contract details are a top priority for fans as he cements his status as a franchise cornerstone.
But the curiosity doesn't stop in Quebec. With hockey search interest hitting an all-time high across the country, fans are diving into every detail of the game.
Ottawa’s Comeback
For the first time in eight years, the Ottawa Senators are back in the playoffs. The tension in the capital was high, with “Ottawa Senators playoff chances” and “are the Sens in the playoffs” becoming breakout searches this month. Once the spot was secured, interest shifted instantly to the logistics, with “Senators playoff schedule” and “playoff tickets” also hitting breakout status.
High Stakes and Health Checks in Edmonton
Out west, the Edmonton Oilers are keeping fans on edge. Following back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses in 2024 and 2025, the fan base is fully embracing a "third time’s a charm" narrative. This eagerness for the upcoming run is evident in logistical searches, with queries for the "Oilers playoff schedule" rising by 1,100% and "Edmonton Oilers 50/50 tickets" jumping by 3,350%.
However, this excitement is coupled with significant concern over the team's health, highlighted by a 4,650% surge in fans checking on Leon Draisaitl's injury status, alongside a massive 5,000% increase in search interest for Max Jones.
What Canadians want to know
While many fans are laser-focused on scores and schedules, the Search trends reveal that fans are also asking behind-the-scenes questions. A major source of curiosity revolves around quirky player habits on the bench, with "why do hockey players spit?" becoming a breakout search. Similarly, fans are highly intrigued by sideline rituals, leading to breakout searches for "why do hockey players use smelling salts?" and a 190% spike for "what do hockey players sniff?"
