Last night, the Edmonton Oilers’ dream of making history came to a disappointing end in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Despite a valiant effort, the Oilers fell short against the Florida Panthers, missing out on their first championship in 34 years.

For the first time in history, the Florida Panthers are Stanley Cup champions.

Florida won a 2-1 Game 7 thriller on Monday night over the Edmonton Oilers to secure a 4-3 series victory in the Stanley Cup Final.

(Yahoo! Sports, June 25, 2024)

A dream deferred

No baseball team in the World Series, no basketball team in the NBA Finals, and only one hockey team in the Stanley Cup Finals has come back from being down three games to zero. The Toronto Maple Leafs first achieved this dubious feat against the Detroit Red Wings in 1942. It’s dubious because you’d have to admit that it was as much a Detroit meltdown as it was a Toronto triumph.

In this case, the Oilers thoroughly dominated the Panthers after their Game 3 defeat, outscoring Florida 18-5 over the next 3 games. Indeed, the Oilers seemed as destined to win this championship series as baseball’s Chicago Cubs seemed to win their first World Series in 2016 after 108 years.

In short, Edmonton was on the brink of a historic comeback.  But, alas, it was not meant to be.

Rooting for the underdog

I’m no hockey fan. In fact, tonight’s game was the first I watched in years. So, I feel obliged to explain my support for Edmonton.

I live in the United States, but I am a proud native of The Bahamas, a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Canada is a fellow member. Foremost, that explains my support.

But Canada, like The Bahamas, often plays the underdog in the grand theatre of international sports. So watching Canada reclaim its hockey birthright is akin to watching the 1992 Dream Team restore America’s basketball dominance. That also inspired my support.

Besides, a win would’ve meant more than just a victory for the Oilers; it would’ve been a symbolic reclaiming of Canada’s place in the wide world of sports. After all, with all due respect to the Egyptians and Ethiopians, Canada invented and developed the modern hockey game.

Moreover, this underdog triumph would’ve been a sweet reminder that the hegemon US can be humbled – at least on ice.

A noble effort

The Oilers fell short. But their efforts were nothing short of heroic. This series reminded us all of the unpredictability and excitement of sports. The Oilers showcased the true spirit of hockey and gave us a series to remember.

They are the pride of the Commonwealth, and a reminder that even in defeat, the heart of an underdog beats strong.

That said, here’s to the Panthers for holding on to win this series – by the tip of their claws.