And then there were four.
After a couple of thrilling Game sevens and one of the most unforeseeable sweeps in years, hockey fans are left to cheer for four remaining teams: the Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues and San Jose Sharks. Two of the teams have lifted the cup within the last 15 years while the other two are still in search of their first hoist. For hockey fans north of the border, your teams are out and if you haven’t already, it’s time to hop onto another team’s bandwagon. With that in mind, here's a reason why you should, and shouldn’t cheer for a team to help you with you decision.
SAN JOSE SHARKS
Why you should: Joe Thornton
Let’s get started off with the easy one, shall we? If you’re a hockey fan with a pulse then a part of you obviously wants to see Jumbo Joe Thornton lift his first Stanley Cup. The 39-year-old came close in 2016 after losing 4-2 in the Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins but with Crosby out of the playoffs and the door never more wide open, could this be the year he finally gets his ring?
Time will tell.
Why you shouldn’t: The Curse
This one’s tough. San Jose is a likeable team with plenty of strong hockey players, buttttttttt, some fans will probably find some satisfaction in seeing one of the NHL’s longer cup droughts continue. Let’s face it; despite having some great teams, those Sharks have been cursed throughout the years!
ST. LOUIS BLUES
Why you should: From last to first
How on earth have the Blues not won a Cup yet? It seems like this team is in the thick of things every year and just can’t get it done. Well, the Sharks are the only team in their way of getting there and they have the core to beat them. Ryan O’Reilly and Jordan Binnington have been MASSIVE differences this time around and now more than ever, “The St. Louis Blues are Stanley Cup champions” doesn’t seem all that farfetched. What a story it would be if the Blues, who were in last place in January, could find a way to finish on top.
Why you shouldn’t: They’re kind of boring.
No offence Blues fans, but your core just doesn’t stick out all that much on paper. Don’t get us wrong, it’s very strong, but it doesn’t feature some of the bigger names such as Joe Thornton or Zdeno Chara from other teams. Overall, though, a very solid core.
CAROLINA HURRICANES
Why you should: Rod Brind’Amour/ Storm Surge
Rod ‘The Bod’ Brind’Amour has been an absolute horse in his first full season as Hurricanes head coach. We’re not talking about the weight room, although we’re sure he’s dominating in there as well. But what else is there to say about his job so far on the bench? Carolina somehow has more than $16 million in cap space but have cruised their way so far to an 8-4 overall record. Brind’Amour knows what it takes as a player, but can he get it done as a head coach?
Oh, and a ‘Storm Surge’ after winning the Stanley Cup would also be INSANE.
Why you shouldn’t: Small market
Sorry Caniacs, but there have been much, MUCH harder fans waiting for their team to win a Cup, especially north of the border. Everyone appreciates how much you’ve backed your team this season but you still ranked 28th in the league with an average attendance of 14,322.
BOSTON BRUINS
Why you should: The Triple Crown
Not talking about horse racing here people. Yes, I get everyone hates the Bruins. But imagine if the Patriots, Red Sox AND Bruins managed to win championships in less than a one year span? It’s really too bad the Celtics couldn’t figure it out (despite having a stacked roster) because that would have been SOMETHING.
Why you shouldn’t: They’re the Bruins
Enough said.
So hockey fans… Have I convinced you to hop on one of these team’s bandwagons (or off of it)?
