For the first time in NHL history, the final four teams were located south of the Mason-Dixon line in communities where Canadian snowbirds usually go to escape the snow and ice, not play on it. After defeating the Carolina Hurricanes, the Florida Panthers will now square off against the Vegas Golden Knights or the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup final. The success of these four teams also lengthens the three-decade gap since a Canadian team won the cup.

What does it mean for the NHL?

Today in The Conversation Canada, John Valentine from MacEwan University talks about the NHL’s southward push and its significance for the league and its Canadian fans.

“Many Canadians might feel frustrated this year with four unconventional hockey markets left to compete for the Stanley Cup,” Valentine writes. “But as the old adage in sports goes: just wait until next year.”

Also today:

All the best,

Ibrahim Daair

Culture + Society Editor
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