Canadians Totally, Definitely, Probably United For Stanley Cup Final

Edmonton Alb.

With the Stanley Cup Final dropping the puck Wednesday at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Connor McDavid and company look to avenge their defeat to the Panthers in an epic 7 game final last year. Fans across Canada are excited for them to be the team that finally brings the cup home for the first time since the 1993 Montreal Canadiens defeated Oilers legend Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings. That 1993 run saw Gretzky anger Leafs fans when he got away with a high stick in the pivotal game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, but it's been nothing but smooth sailing between he and his home nation since.

But are fans really uniting behind this talented squad? Does any Canadian team have the power to truly unite the country? Surely the palpable charisma of its leader will find a way.

In Toronto we reached out to Mitch Marner for comment but he's currently in Las Vegas visiting Golden Knights captain Mark Stone, most likely just enjoying a well earned golf vacation. Fans are of course still bitter after another epic game sever collapse, convinced that they could've asserted themselves much better in collapsing in game seven against Carolina.

In Calgary the rebuilding Flames could only watch as their northern rivals marched their way back to the final. And while it would be incredibly painful to see them hoist Lord Stanley's Mug, what else has the power to unite Canadians like Alberta?

In Ottawa there was a lengthy email sent out with details as to further discussion of the potential of the series, but then someone mentioned the word pipeline in reference to the teams future prospects, and everyone ran out of the room before making any declaratory statements.

In Montreal the warm weather and upcoming F1 race have taken precedent. The Habs made an unexpected playoff appearance and their young team has a bright future. With spirits merry and never one to be fickle, the Quebecois fans are onboard with this run. For now.

In Winnipeg another heart breaking defeat saw the teams number one goalie and potential league MVP Connor Hellebuyck questioned after another mediocre play. The Jets can't seem to get over that playoff bubble much the same way the couldn't get past the Oilers dynasty in the 1980s. But at least it's not like the commissioner is worried about the franchise.

And in Vancouver the enthusiasm of a cup run brings back fond memories of 2011 when the city joined together to celebrate their beloved Canucks in memorable fashion, the cost of which was only slightly higher than an average one bedroom apartment downtown.

#LetsGoOilers