Ever since I was a kid, I’ve found that Canadian media trips all over itself to anoint “Canada’s team” as the playoffs begin.



I’m going to level with you: I think most of it is bullshit.



I don’t use that word because I think it’s wrong for fans to cheer for teams outside their home markets. To me, it’s perfectly acceptable for fans to support whoever they like, whenever they like, however seriously or casually they like. You’re a human being and you have your life to lead. Do with it what you will – I support you.



I call it bullshit because, over the past several years (which we’ll define as since the 2004-05 NHL lockout), so few Canadian teams have been legitimately good enough to go all the way. I count six.



In 2006, Edmonton had great underlying numbers but limped into the playoffs seeded eighth in the West and had no way of knowing that Dwayne Roloson was about to play the best...