In that time, I have always been a fan of the Montreal Canadiens. But they aren't the only team that I cheer.
Here are my Top 5 favorite franchises:
- Montreal Canadiens -- I can speak at lengths about the team, but I think I already have. If you don't know about my history with the franchise, then read #GoHabsGo from last month.
- Vancouver Canucks -- I will cheer any team that can bring the Stanley Cup to Canada to end this extended drought, and the only team to have had two opportunities in that duration has been Vancouver Canucks. First, they had the chance in 1994, in one of the best series finals of all time. Most recently, they celebrated their 40th anniversary with a near perfect season, winning the President's Trophy for best season record and the Western Division for the opportunity to win the Stanley Cup. They had two chances, but they lost both games by giving up a 3-2 series lead.
- New York Rangers -- I love Madison Square Garden, so it's a natural for the New York Rangers to be one of my favorite teams. Add to that the fact that the first full season of hockey I watched, I predicted the New York Rangers would win the Stanley Cup, and they did.
- Toronto Maple Leafs -- Regardless which team wins the Stanley Cup in June, the Stanley Cup's permanent address is in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Therefore, I would love it if Toronto could be the team to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada after this long drought. Unfortunately, the team has not won the Stanley Cup since 1967 and it has not even been in the playoffs since 2004. Regardless, both facts add to the story should the team finally get a deep playoff run.
- Los Angeles Kings -- It seems potentially ironic for them to be my favorite United States NHL team, considering I was rooting against them when Montreal won its latest Stanley Cup. However, I have a soft spot for most things LA and that extends into hockey. Granted, the franchise would not necessarily be ranked so high, except right now I'm very impressed by their young goalie Jonathan Quick and I hope that he can get them to the Stanley Cup within a few years. Additionally, I have a very pretty neighbor who's a long-time LA Kings fan, which certainly earns them more devotional points.
Likewise, here are my least favorite franchises for no particular reasons, although I have to admit that the Coyotes team for 2011-12 have won me over for this season, so keep in mind the difference between franchises and teams.
- New Jersey Devils
- Boston Bruins
- Detroit Red Wings
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Phoenix Coyotes
