Over the years, I have lamented about the Stanley Cup drought for Canadian based hockey teams including the Edmonton Oilers falling to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup last year despite forcing a Game 7 after trailing 3-0.
Now the Oilers and Panthers will have a Stanley Cup rematch starting Wednesday night in Edmonton.
The fact that no Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup for 32 years looms large. But given the current political climate in Canada as a result of a Florida Man coveting it as the 51st state and the fomenting of Alberta separatism by Premier Danielle Smith in the wake of the Liberal re-election last month, this Stanley Cup takes on a whole other meaning.
This was, of course, evident during the Four Nations Face-Off back in February in which Canada bested the United States on an OT goal by Oilers center Conor McDavid. I have no doubt similar passions shall arise.
Should the Oilers triumph, it will boost not only Canadian pride but boost Albertan pride in Canada. There will be no Western alienation to be found despite the efforts of the provincial government.
In the meantime, elbows up.
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