Jun 13, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Stanley Cup is on the ice after the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Rangers in second overtime during game five of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
When commissioner Gary Bettman haded the Stanley Cup to Los Angeles Kings’ captain Dustin Brown on Friday night, it marked the 20th time the Cup has been won and the team was not Canadian-based. The Montreal Canadiens’ startling run in 1993 capped a run of 8 championships in 19 years for Canada following the New York Islanders’ dynasty.
Since the Habs’ last lifted the Cup, 12 different franchises have won the final game played – New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils (3), Colorado Avalanche (2), Detroit Red Wings (4), Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks (2), Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings (2).
Canadian teams have had their opportunities, with Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Vancouver (twice) all reaching the Final over that time frame. This season, just one team made the post-season from the Great White North, an all new low that hasn’t been seen since the days of the Original Six.
So, how long will the streak go, and which Canadian will snap the 21 year drought?