Gary Bettman addressed conspiracy theories of American-team favoritism during his time as NHL commish

Since Gary Bettman assumed the role of NHL Commissioner in 1992, there has been a sentiment and conspiracy theories among some fans, especially those supporting Canadian teams, that the league under his leadership may not favor a Canadian team winning the Stanley Cup.

Fans have their ideas about this sentiment, whether it's because of salary cap concerns or other factors. In a recent interview with TSN, Gary Bettman, the NHL Commissioner, addressed some conspiracy theories about favoritism towards American teams during his time in office.

When it comes to the Canadian Cup drought, Bettman dismissed these claims. He made a point of emphasizing the importance of the Florida Panthers' historic win of the Stanley Cup, as it marked the first time the team had achieved this remarkable feat.

The NHL Commissioner firmly denied these claims, asserting the league's dedication to fair play and dispelling any notions of NHL interference in determining the winner.

"It will also be historic because if the Panthers win, they've never won the Cup. You know, my first year as commissioner, the Montreal Canadiens won the Cup. And you know, they're not true, but there are conspiracy theorists who think that we have something to do with that, and we don't," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

Bettman's statement emphasized the NHL as a multi-country league with teams in both the United States and Canada. He rejected the notion of viewing the league as two separate entities based on nationality, highlighting that the passion for hockey in Canada is exceptionally strong.

Gary Bettman reiterated that ultimately, it is the teams themselves that determine their success on the ice, emphasizing that the country in which they play should not significantly impact their performance.

"We're really a multi-country league. We have teams in the US, we have teams in Canada, and I don't view that as us being two different leagues. And I understand that passion for the game in Canada is off the charts incredible. But ultimately, it's up to the teams to decide what happens on the ice. And I don't think what country they play in has much to do with it," he added.

The Edmonton Oilers became the most recent Canadian team to lose in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final while Gary Bettman was the NHL commissioner. The Oilers were defeated by the Florida Panthers 2-1 in Game 7 to win their first Stanley Cup in 30 years of their inception.

Canadian teams are 0-7 in Stanley Cup Final since Gary Bettman became NHL commish

Since Gary Bettman took over as NHL commissioner in 1992, the Montreal Canadiens are the only Canadian team to have won the Stanley Cup during his tenure, and they are also the first and last to do so.

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Including the Edmonton Oilers, the Canadian teams have gone winless, with a record of 0-7 in the Stanley Cup Final. Other Canadian teams to lose in the Cup Final: Montreal Canadiens (2021), Vancouver Canucks (2011 and 1994), Ottawa Senators (2007), Edmonton Oilers (2006), and Calgary Flames (2004).

The Canadian teams' Cup drought under Bettman stands at 31 years.