With the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators out of contention, hockey fans across Canada are rallying behind the Montreal Canadiens as they pursue the Stanley Cup. The Canadiens, who clinched a playoff berth in early April, are the sole Canadian team remaining in the hunt for the coveted trophy, stirring a sense of national pride. Montreal's second-round series against the Buffalo Sabres began Wednesday night.
The Canadiens' success has sparked a wave of support that transcends traditional rivalries. James Obenauer-Fossett, an Edmonton Oilers fan with an Oilers tattoo, is among those cheering for Montreal. "It's been 30 years since the Cup has been back in Canada, and it would be nice to have it back," he said. "It doesn't matter which Canadian team is going for it. I'll cheer for any Canadian team". The last time a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup was in 1993, when the Canadiens defeated the Los Angeles Kings.
In Winnipeg, despite the absence of the Jets in the playoffs, Canadiens fans have been making their presence known. Tyler Evans, owner of Pregame Sports Bar and Lounge in the city's francophone St. Boniface neighbourhood, noted the strong turnout of Habs fans. The bar has been offering discounts during playoff games involving Canadian teams, further fueling the excitement. Robert Hing, a Calgary resident originally from Ontario, says he was "born with the Habs crest" and has remained a lifelong fan, highlighting the team's widespread appeal.
The Canadiens' journey has not been without its challenges. In their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, they faced a tough Game 6 loss. However, they bounced back with a decisive Game 7 victory, propelling them into the second round. Key players like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki have been instrumental in the team's success, contributing significantly to their impressive season.
