In the wake of the Edmonton Oilers securing a place in the Stanley Cup Final, all eyes turned to Connor McDavid, with hopes of ending Canada’s lengthy Stanley Cup drought. The reporter’s question to McDavid about being “Canada’s team” highlights the desire for a Canadian team to win the championship after more than three decades. A Boston Pizza commercial emphasizes the disappointment felt by Canadian teams over the years, urging fans to unite and support the last Canadian team standing.
While some fans across Canada may be rooting for the Oilers, the majority of die-hard hockey fans are unlikely to support a rival team. A social media poll from Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver revealed that over 70 percent of voters would be cheering for the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final, rather than the Oilers. The deep-rooted rivalries and animosity between Canadian teams make it difficult for fans to switch allegiances, even when national pride is at stake.
The idea of embracing the last Canadian team standing for national pride is a recurring theme each time a Canadian team makes it to the playoffs. However, the reality is that rivalries and historical animosities often prevent fans from fully supporting a team that is not their own. Even when the CN Tower in Toronto was lit up in honor of the Montreal Canadiens’ Stanley Cup Final appearance, it sparked controversy and highlighted the challenges of uniting Canadian hockey fans.
Comparing the Oilers’ current run to the Toronto Raptors’ NBA Championship victory in 2019 shows the stark contrast in national support. The Raptors’ success brought the entire country together, with large viewing parties held across Canada. However, the Oilers’ journey to the Stanley Cup Final lacks the same nationwide appeal, with fewer initiatives like viewing parties or special events planned to unite fans from coast to coast.
While an Oilers championship would end Canada’s Stanley Cup drought, it would not provide solace to other fan bases in the country. Each city has its own unique history and rivalry, and an Edmonton victory would not alleviate the frustrations of fans in other cities. Ultimately, the “Canada’s Team” narrative surrounding the Oilers may not resonate with all Canadian fans, as allegiances and rivalries run deep, making it challenging for fans to fully support a team that is not their own.
