Several Fan Bases Have Waited Long Enough
Winning the Stanley Cup is never easy, but certain passionate NHL fan bases have endured far more disappointment than others. Some teams haven’t celebrated a championship in decades, while others haven't even won one yet at all! Here are just five NHL teams overdue for a win.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967, which means fans are desperately waiting for another win. They have the longest active championship drought in the NHL despite having one of hockey’s largest and most passionate fan bases.
2. Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres entered the NHL in 1970 and, to this day, are still searching for their first Stanley Cup championship. They did reach the Stanley Cup Final in 1975 and 1999, but both appearances ended in defeat. Buffalo’s loyal supporters definitely deserve the opportunity to celebrate a winning team after years of frustrating results.
3. Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks have reached the Stanley Cup Final three times, but still haven't been able to lock in the championship. Their heartbreaking seven-game loss to the Boston Bruins in 2011 remains especially difficult for longtime supporters.
4. Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg has never celebrated a Stanley Cup championship, whether fans were supporting the original Jets or the current franchise. The modern team has had several strong regular seasons, but they haven't yet managed to complete a championship run.
Lisa Gansky from New York, NY, USA on Wikimedia
5. Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild joined the NHL in 2000 and have yet to reach the Stanley Cup Final. Although the team has made numerous playoff appearances, they haven't been able to pull it together to advance past initial rounds.
