The NHL playoffs are set to start Saturday, with three Canadian groups hoping to finish the nation’s 33-year Stanley Cup drought.
The Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers are all within the post-season, with followers throughout the nation in search of a long-awaited championship run.
In Ottawa, pleasure is constructing because the Senators put together for the primary spherical.
“I’m actually excited. I believe Sens followers present up each time they’re within the playoffs, however I’m a lifelong Sens man,” one fan informed World. “I hope we do higher than final yr, clearly, but it surely must be enjoyable to look at.”
The Senators face a tough opening matchup towards the Carolina Hurricanes, one of many prime groups within the Jap Convention.
Montreal can also be producing optimism amongst followers, with some suggesting the Canadiens might provide Canada its finest probability at ending the drought. The final Canadian crew to win the Stanley Cup was Montreal in 1993.
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“They’ve nice components all through the crew, nice goaltending currently,” mentioned one fan. “They’re a enjoyable crew to look at.”
In Edmonton, the Oilers are as soon as once more in rivalry after coming near successful the Stanley Cup in recent times. The crew, led by captain Connor McDavid, is aiming to construct on these deep playoff runs.
“I can’t fathom the quantity of heartbreak that that poor man has felt previously two years — two Stanley Cup remaining losses,” mentioned Quinn Phillips, co-host of The Bits Podcast.
Past the groups themselves, the playoffs are anticipated to carry a lift to bars and eating places, notably if a Canadian crew advances to the later rounds.
“Second, third spherical… that’s when issues get actually nice,” mentioned Ernie Tsu of the Alberta Hospitality Affiliation.
With solely three Canadian groups within the playoffs, followers in different cities shall be watching carefully and certain cheering for a crew outdoors their dwelling market.
For a lot of, the hope stays the identical — that this yr, a Canadian crew will lastly carry the Stanley Cup again north of the border.