Canadian hockey enthusiasts have shown considerable patience awaiting the return of the Stanley Cup to Canada. Their wait might soon be over, as the Edmonton Oilers are currently competing in the Stanley Cup Final.
The last time a Canadian team lifted the trophy was on June 9, 1993, when the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Los Angeles Kings in five games. That era saw `Jurassic Park` dominating cinemas, `Roseanne` and `Home Improvement` popular TV shows, and Janet Jackson`s `That`s the Way Love Goes` leading the music charts.
For the past 32 years, the Stanley Cup has remained with U.S.-based teams.
Entering the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers are the sole remaining Canadian squad. Their playoff run has been impressive; after trailing the Los Angeles Kings 2-0 in the first round, they`ve compiled a dominant 14-2 record, eliminating the Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, and Dallas Stars in just five games each.
Edmonton`s key players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are performing exceptionally and lead all playoff scorers. The team`s defensive effort has been noteworthy, and goaltender Stuart Skinner has found his form, bouncing back after a period where he wasn`t the primary starter.
While the Oilers appear to be peaking, they face a formidable and familiar opponent in the Florida Panthers, who defeated them in last year`s seven-game final and may be even stronger this season.
Securing the final four victories will be the greatest challenge for the Oilers. However, they possess the necessary components to end the 32-year drought and bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada. Below is a look at the current Stanley Cup drought for each Canadian team.
Toronto Maple Leafs | 58 years
- Stanley Cup wins: 13
- Years won: 1967, 1964, 1963, 1962, 1951, 1949, 1948, 1947, 1945, 1942, 1932, 1922, 1918
Vancouver Canucks | 55 years
- Stanley Cup wins: 0
- Years won: N/A
Calgary Flames | 36 years
- Stanley Cup wins: 1
- Years won: 1989
Edmonton Oilers | 35 years
- Stanley Cup wins: 5
- Years won: 1990, 1988, 1987, 1985, 1984
Ottawa Senators | 33 years
- Stanley Cup wins: 0
- Years won: N/A
Montreal Canadiens | 32 years
- Stanley Cup wins: 23
- Years won: 1993, 1986, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1973, 1971, 1969, 1968, 1966, 1965, 1960, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1956, 1953, 1946, 1944, 1931, 1930, 1924, 1926
Winnipeg Jets | 14 years
- Stanley Cup wins: 0
- Years won: N/A
