Eighteen years after their last appearance in the Finals, the Edmonton Oilers have another opportunity to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada, and it may not be to everyone’s liking.

Obviously, the most ardent Flames fans in Calgary certainly won’t want Alberta’s arch-nemesis to lift the trophy. Elsewhere in the country, a reporter told Oilers forward Zach Hyman at the conclusion of Sunday’s Western Conference final that Ottawa would support Edmonton in his quest. However, the player has doubts about Toronto and the Maple Leafs, his former team.

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“I don’t know if Toronto is behind us, but it’s good to know that Ottawa is behind us,” he said with a laugh during the press scrum.

The Leafs must indeed regret letting Hyman leave as a free agent in 2021. The right winger flourished with the Oilers and easily reached the 50-goal mark this season. He kept the pace in the playoffs with 14 goals and 18 points in 18 games.

Since the Oilers lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2006 final, several Canadian teams have had their chance. However, the Ottawa Senators (2007), the Vancouver Canucks (2011) and the Montreal Canadiens (2021) failed in their respective attempts.

Since the Habs conquered the country in 1993, no team north of the border has won the precious trophy.

“Hockey is so important to Canada and Canadians, and it’s been a long time since a Canadian team has won the Cup. That would be huge for Canadians, whether they’re Oilers fans or not. It would give Americans a little pride,” admitted Hyman, who is originally from Toronto.

The final series against the Florida Panthers begins on Saturday at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.

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