Matt at On the Wings - unlike myself (particularly these days!) - writes plenty of great material about the NHL. But I need to take issue with this one comment he made about Oilers’ fans in his game 6 recap:

I have to say, though, that their chant, “We want the Cup!” toward the end was pretty lame. As far as I’m concerned, you only cheer that during a clinching game or between the end of the game and the actual presentation. You don’t cheer it in Game 6 when the series is going back to the other city. […]

I understand the sentiment but it’s just obnoxious.

Now personally, I’ve got a nearly-painful antipathy towards this freaking Oilers team - and I’m full of rampant hostility towards their damn fans - but I think some of us need to take a step back here. Maybe cut them some slack.

[More After the Jump]

Those Edmonton fans - as spoiled as they were through their City of Champions era - are enjoying a resurrection after a long dry spell. Not only did they make it into the post-season by a hair, but their team has shown unexpected perseverance throughout these playoffs. Personally, I thought the bastards would be slaughtered in the first round, but they’ve endured.

Chanting “We Want the Cup!” several times during this post-season, is, I think, a tribute to their team’s success and their own excitement. After all, the Oilers are now just a heartbeat away from the grandest prize in hockey: Game #7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. It’s “winner takes all” and that’s gotta feel amazing (*not that I can much remember - geez).

Yeah, I sort of hate that team, but even I can appreciate why Edmonton’s fans are going a bit mental right now. And if it was Vancouver in that situation, I’d be ashamed if our fans didn’t get crazy and excited in a moment like that. Isn’t that what being a fan is all about? It’s not just about the winning, it’s about the hope. Speaking as a Canucks fan, I should know.

Hell, I plan on chanting “We want the Cup!” next time Vancouver even makes the damn playoffs!

Postscript:
Oh dear god. I just spent 15 minutes of my life standing up for Oilers fans. What have I become? I obviously need some sleep. Later.