There was no playoff-clinching hockey game looming over the English debate Thursday night, only the make-or-break fortunes of four politicians vying to be the next prime minister of Canada — or simply hoping for electoral survival.

With the Montreal Canadiens securely in the playoffs (not to mention the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Winnipeg Jets and Edmonton Oilers) and the French debate safely behind them, federal party leaders got down to brass tacks as they met for a rematch before they enter the home stretch of the campaign.

The stakes were as high for all of them as for any hockey team entering the post-season.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney, a political rookie, is trying to win elected office for the first time. He is attempting to parlay his experience as the governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England into a mandate to lead Canada through the crisis of U.S President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats to turn this country into the 51st state.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who only a few months ago seemed to have the job of Canada’s next prime minister locked up, was seeking to show he is up to the task — and not just a political attack dog who will emulate Trump and his policies.

New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh was fighting for his political life, as fear over Trump’s antics reorders the political and economic landscape in Canada.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet was trying to show that a sovereignist, Quebec-first party can still be a partner to Canada’s next prime minister in confronting these challenges.

If........

© Montreal Gazette