NHL playoffs – News, Research and Analysis – The Conversation

Edmonton Oilers fans react to the loss against the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup final. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

June 25, 2024

Even if they fell short, the Edmonton Oilers defied regionalism to unite Canadians in the Stanley Cup final

John Valentine, MacEwan University

Although the Edmonton Oilers lost the Stanley Cup final, they managed to win the support of many Canadians during the playoffs. How did they do it?

A mathematical approach known as ‘true score theory’ can assess the contribution of luck to a team’s overall success. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

April 18, 2024

The luck of the puck in the Stanley Cup – why chance plays such a big role in hockey

Mark Robert Rank, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis

With low-scoring games and a preponderance of deflected shots, randomness is much more likely to color NHL teams’ records than those of squads in the other four major US pro sports leagues.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague celebrates after scoring against the Edmonton Oilers during Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series on May 12 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

May 28, 2023

As teams from the U.S. Sun Belt proceed to the Stanley Cup finals, has the NHL forgotten its Canadian fans?

John Valentine, MacEwan University

Should Canadian hockey fans be frustrated with the success of non-traditional hockey markets at the expense of Canadian teams?

Toronto Maple Leafs fans and players celebrate a goal during the second round playoff series against the Florida Panthers. (Michael Laughlin/AP Photo)

May 10, 2023

Plastic rats and playoff beards: Superstitious behaviours in hockey fans and players increase during the playoffs

Terry Eddy, University of Windsor

Superstitions have a role in helping hockey fans and players feel more in control of the game.

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares celebrates his game-winning goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 of the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs on April 29 in Tampa, Fla. It’s the Leafs first playoff series win since 2004. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

May 7, 2023

Leafs and Oilers in the NHL playoffs: Can I cheer on a team I usually hate?

Taylor McKee, Brock University

Why do many Canadian hockey fans feel the urge to support teams they would ordinarily delight in rooting against?

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