Jeff Marek Delivers Bad News for Canadian Teams Heading into the Playoffs
NHL analyst Jeff Marek shared some unfortunate predictions for the Stanley Cup, as he mentioned that no Canadian team is good enough to face the best in the league.
While it's a great sign that several Canadian NHL teams are vying for a deep playoff run, with Edmonton, Toronto, and Winnipeg expected to make a run for the Cup, but they face some pretty stiff competition.
That's what has NHL analyst Jeff Marek concerned, and he shared on with the Daily Faceoff, that it may be wishful thinking to see a Canadian team raise Lord Stanley this season:
I can't see, with all due respect Winnipeg, with all due respect Toronto; and I would love to be proven wrong, I can't see any Canadian team hanging with the big dogs [Florida, Vegas, Dallas, Washington].
I don't see Toronto being able to hang with Florida or Tampa Bay, I don't know if I can see Winnipeg hanging around with two or three Central teams.
I don't think it's exclusive to Toronto, I think that all the Canadian teams are going to have a hard time if there's you know, Stanley Cup aspirations for any of them, and that includes Edmonton.
I don't see Toronto being able to hang with Florida or Tampa Bay, I don't know if I can see Winnipeg hanging around with two or three Central teams.
I don't think it's exclusive to Toronto, I think that all the Canadian teams are going to have a hard time if there's you know, Stanley Cup aspirations for any of them, and that includes Edmonton.
Oh, Canada: Jeff Marek Believes Stanley Cup Goes To America Once Again
Marek isn't necessarily unpatriotic in his predictions, but the Canadian teams do have a different feel to them this season.
While Toronto may not be the strongest team, they are starkly different than previous years and could make a surprise run if things fall into place.
Winnipeg is without question the Western Conference's best team, and are only two points behind Washington for most points.
Led by presumed Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck, potential Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski, and a collection of extremely talented players; it's their playoffs to lose.
Edmonton made a run to the Finals last season but came up short against Florida, however with a run of good luck (and avoiding any serious injuries to their star players), they could very well find themselves in the chase yet again, though perhaps with a bit of a tougher time this go round.
But Florida, Tampa Bay, Vegas, Washington et al are very, very good teams that are built for deep playoff runs. Those teams have all found massive amounts of success in recent seasons, and Canada hasn't won a Stanley Cup since 1993.
We would love to see 30+ years of history swing in the Canadians favor however, history has shown that it's been tough for teams to even reach the Finals let alone win the whole thing.
Montreal in a shortened 2021 season, Vancouver a decade previous to that. Their best stretch was 2004-2008 (including the lockout) where three teams made the Finals but came up short (Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa).
It's not going to be easy, and if the Canadian teams want any chance at winning it all, they need to step up and put the entirety of the country on their back.
No matter who makes it to the Cup Finals; if it's a Canadian team, then expect fans all over the country to stand in solidarity with one phrase in mind:
Oh Canada!
| POLL | ||
MARS 24 | 492 ANSWERS Jeff Marek Delivers Bad News for Canadian Teams Heading into the Playoffs Which Canadian NHL team do you think has the best chance at winning the Stanley Cup? | ||
| Toronto | 150 | 30.5 % |
| Edmonton | 81 | 16.5 % |
| Winnipeg | 246 | 50 % |
| Ottawa | 15 | 3 % |
| List of polls | ||