Canadian Teams' Wait for the Stanley Cup Continues as Oilers Fall Short in Game 6

Canadian hockey enthusiasts have shown remarkable patience as they await the Stanley Cup’s return to Canada. Following the Edmonton Oilers’ defeat against the Florida Panthers in Game 6, fans will have to endure at least another year without the trophy.

On June 9, 1993, the Montreal Canadiens celebrated their victory, claiming the Stanley Cup by defeating the Los Angeles Kings. Back then, Jurassic Park dominated box office sales, and Roseanne and Home Improvement were fan favorites on television. Janet Jackson’s hit song, “That’s the Way Love Goes,” was at the top of the music charts.

Since then, the cup has remained in the United States, marking a 32-year absence from Canada, following the Panthers’ recent triumph. The Oilers appeared ready to reverse this trend multiple times, securing an early advantage in the finals and playing a critical Game 5 at home. However, for the second consecutive season, the Oilers fell just short of obtaining the championship.

The Oilers needed to win Game 6 to secure a chance for a decisive Game 7 at home, but the Panthers dismantled those hopes effectively. Sam Reinhart set the tone with a remarkable goal in the first period, and the Panthers finished strong, taking down the Oilers 5-1, with Reinhart netting four goals.

Now, Canadian fans’ hopes to see the Stanley Cup return hinge on the Oilers’ futures with stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl still on their roster. Along with Toronto Maple Leafs and promising teams such as Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators, optimism remains for the cup’s return in 2026.

Until then, here’s a snapshot of the Stanley Cup drought for each Canadian team:

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