The Stanley Cup playoffs are set to commence this weekend, bringing renewed hope to Canadian hockey fans. For the 2026 season, the representation of Canadian teams is notably dwindling, with only the Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators in the mix. This year's playoffs mark the smallest number of Canadian teams participating since 2021. In an effort to gauge fan sentiment, Angus Reid conducted a poll among hockey enthusiasts, revealing the deep-seated loyalties and preferences that vary significantly between Eastern and Western Canada.
In Western Canada, a dominant 55 percent of surveyed fans express their desire to see the Edmonton Oilers lift the Cup. Conversely, fans in Eastern Canada show a stark preference for the Montreal Canadiens, echoing a historical allegiance to the storied franchise. Despite this regional divide, when examining support across the entire country, the Canadiens lead with 46 percent support, while the Oilers receive backing from 34 percent of poll participants. The Ottawa Senators trail significantly, drawing just 15 percent of the national support.
While fans display a temporary allegiance for the 2026 playoffs, they are also looking ahead to future seasons. When asked about which team is most likely to end the Cup drought, the poll indicates a surge in optimism for the Canadiens, with 31 percent of respondents believing they are the team most likely to succeed. This figure marks a substantial increase from the mere 14 percent who felt confident about the Canadiens in 2025. Meanwhile, the Oilers have also experienced a rise in confidence, with 27 percent of fans considering them the next strongest contender, up from 16 percent last year.
As the poll further delved into the potential of other Canadian teams, results showed a diminishing yet notable hope for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with 8 percent of fans believing they have a chance to end the drought. The Vancouver Canucks followed with a modest 5 percent support, while 4 percent of respondents think the Senators could achieve this feat. Interestingly, both the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames trailed behind all other contenders, each garnering merely 3 percent support, signaling a broader concern among fans about the prospects of any Canadian team claiming the Cup in the near future.
This year’s playoffs are critical not only for determining which team may have the upper hand in lifting the coveted Stanley Cup but also for reinforcing fan loyalties that have been passed down through generations. With the Canadian hockey landscape shifting, the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs promise to be a noteworthy chapter in the ongoing narrative of Canadian teams striving to break their championship drought.
To explore the findings and demographics of the Angus Reid survey in greater detail, visit the source of the full breakdown.
