The Stars in ’99 were the first team from a non-traditional, Southern market to win the CupGETTY IMAGES
The Stanley Cup Final is set, as the Lightning and Stars will start play on Saturday in Edmonton’s Rogers Centre, and this matchup “marks the first time in NHL history that both participants are based in southern U.S. states,” according to Callie Caplan of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. The Stars in ’99 were the “first team from a non-traditional, southern market to win the Cup,” but the Lightning, Hurricanes, Ducks and Kings have all won at least one since. However, this matchup will “show a broadening of hockey culture” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/18). The AP’s Stephen Whyno notes two of the NHL’s “southernmost teams begin a Stanley Cup Final like none other in the great white north.” It seems appropriate that teams “from nontraditional markets” will play in the Final “in the northernmost city in the NHL” (AP, 9/18).
GRAND FINALE: In Dallas, Matthew DeFranks noted Stars Owner Tom Gaglardi will be in Edmonton for the Stanley Cup Final, though he is “weighing whether to enter the NHL’s bubble and be in close contact with the team, or simply be allowed in the arena away from players and staff.” The team’s Final appearance “punctuates a wild year for the Stars.” The team started 1-7-1 and endured the firing of coach Jim Montgomery. They also hosted the Winter Classic, endured a tornado and the pandemic, all with the franchise “potentially playing in China to start next season” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/17).
