Canadian hockey fans continue their significant wait for the Stanley Cup to make its way back north of the border. Following the Edmonton Oilers` loss in Game 6 of the final series, that wait is now guaranteed to last for at least one more year.
The last time a team based in Canada lifted the Stanley Cup was on June 9, 1993. On that date, the Montreal Canadiens celebrated their victory over the Los Angeles Kings in five games. This era was marked by different pop culture trends, such as `Jurassic Park` drawing massive crowds at cinemas and Janet Jackson holding the top spot on music charts.
Since that 1993 win, the Stanley Cup has remained exclusively in the United States for 32 consecutive years, a streak extended by the Florida Panthers` recent championship. The Edmonton Oilers had several chances to end this drought during the recent final, including taking an early 1-0 series lead and hosting a crucial Game 5 with the series tied 2-2. Despite these opportunities, they fell short of winning hockey`s top prize for the second consecutive season.
Edmonton needed a win in Game 6 to force a deciding Game 7 back home. However, Florida quickly extinguished that possibility. Sam Reinhart scored a skillful goal early in the first period, setting the tone as the Panthers dominated the rest of the game. Florida ultimately secured the championship by defeating the Oilers comfortably with a 5-1 score in Game 6.
Canadian fan bases must now look forward to another year hoping for the Cup`s return. With elite players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers are expected to remain strong contenders in upcoming seasons. Combined with other Canadian teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and developing clubs like the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators, there is optimism that the long drought could potentially conclude in 2026 or in the near future.
Current Stanley Cup Drought Lengths for Canadian NHL Teams
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
