Why (Teams From)Canada Just Can’t Win the Cup

[Humperdink]

http://www.wsj.com/articles/stanley-cup ... 1434039104" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mostly plain vanilla stuff, but some interesting snippets as well:

"... the Canadian dollar rebounded. But labor strife between the league and its union led to a lockout, the cancellation of the 2004-05 season and the implementation of a salary cap. Canadian teams now had more money, but less opportunity to spend it.

"The Canadiens haven’t won for 22 years, the Edmonton Oilers for 25, the Calgary Flames for 26, the Leafs for 48, the longest current drought in the NHL. The Canucks and Winnipeg Jets have never won, nor has the modern Ottawa Senators franchise."

"Teams that lose for a year or two tinker their way back to success. Those that lose for 20—especially those with fans desperate for victory, as is the case across Canada—throw Hail Mary after Hail Mary and lose worse, and longer." (hello Leafs)

[Penspal]

With only 7 out of 30 teams based in Canada, odds are stacked against them. Factor in the widely held belief that the hockey gods are cruel and unusual. The "Canadian SC curse" was almost lifted in 2004, Calgary scored a goal in game 6 vs Tampa that replays show was in the net. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Stanley_Cup_Finals Outcome changed, Calgary wins if that goals counts... curse over.... nah.

The 2006 Oiler's cinderella story ends in a game 7 loss to Carolina where the unbeatable goalie Duane Roloson was injured in game 1.