The Fifth Liners

Whilst in the midst of a busy workday this saturday just gone, Mike pointed out a fact which is not only fascinating but deeply puzzling, he said "You know a Canadian team hasn't lifted the cup for 20 years?" This is a damn good point and one that ultimately leaves us baffled- but what is the reason for this current drought? Let's have a look in more detail, Cast your mind back to the night of June 9th 1993 where the Montreal Canadiens swept aside a Wayne Gretzky inspired Los Angeles Kings by four games to ones to claim their 24th Stanley Cup win and as Habs Captain Guy Carbonneau hoisted the cup at the Montreal Forum, little did we know that this would the be the last time to date that a Canadian team would be engraved on the trophy!  Since then the cup has been an all American affair and in between these twenty years we have seen four deserved wins by Detroit Red Wings , three Scott Stevens inspired cup wins by the New Jersey Devils and two cup wins each b...

With John Tortorella on the unemployment list, the rumour mill is currently churning out the various names to replace him as Head Coach of the New York Rangers, but as of yesterday according to NHL.Com , two very unlikely candidates have been forwarded in the form of Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier , who according to various New York sources have expressed an interest in the role! Both are undisputed legends of the playing game, both have donned the blue Ranger shirts at different stages of their career, but so far only 'The Great One' has ventured into management with a brief stint in charge of the Phoenix Coyote's in 2005. Messier is still a true favourite of the Broadway Blue faithful and currently serves as Special Adviser to Rangers GM Glen Sather! So could the Rangers have an icon standing on the bench anytime soon? There has been no comment from Glen Sather on this matter yet but it has been confirmed that Dallas Eakins , who is coach of Minor League Toronto Ma...