Canadiens Aim to End Canada's 33-Year Stanley Cup Drought

It’s been 33 long years since a Canadian-based NHL team won the Stanley Cup. That year, the Montreal Canadiens upset Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings, denying Mario Lemieux’s Penguins a dynasty.

Since 1993, no Canadian team has won the Cup. Vancouver, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Calgary have all come close, only to see Commissioner Gary Bettman hand the trophy to an American opponent. Toronto and Winnipeg haven't even reached that stage.

Friday night in Buffalo, the Canadiens play Game 2 against the Sabres. This young, fast, and skilled team has become a model for rebuilding through the draft, transparently engaging the NHL's most demanding fan base.

Ironically, the 'Canadiens' success comes from players across Canada, the US, Czechia, Russia, Slovakia, France, and Sweden. Their style of play is the envy of the league, and their quick rebuild sets a new standard.