Bill Simmons takes savage Stanley Cup dig at Canada post their Copa America win against Venezuela

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Jul 06, 2024 20:27 GMT

The Ringer’s Bill Simmons threw some Stanley Cup shade following Canada’s upset win over Venezuela at the Copa America. The Canadian side drew 1-1 with the South American squad before pulling out a major victory in penalty kicks.

Simmons posted the following comment on X after the match:

“Canada may have taken men’s soccer from us, but hey, at least we have the last 31 Stanley Cups. USA! USA! USA!”

Canada’s recent success on the soccer pitch has drawn Simmons’ ire, particularly when compared to the United States’ elimination at the Copa America.

However, Simmons is no stranger to controversy. For instance, he famously feuded with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith over comments the latter made regarding former NFL quarterback Tom Brady.

Similarly, he has gotten into social media spats with Pat McAfee and NBA coach Doc Rivers.

Now, it seems that Bill Simmons has turned his attention to hockey. He is right to point out that US-based teams have won the last 30 Stanley Cups. However, he doesn't mention the fact that these clubs are comprised predominantly of Canadian and European players.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if a Canadian-based team can bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada for the first time since 1993. The Edmonton Oilers got close this past season and will look to return to the Final again in the next.

Which Canadian team has the best odds to win the Stanley Cup in 2025?

ESPN recently ran a piece listing the Stanley Cup odds for next season. Topping the list were the Florida Panthers at 9-1 along with the Dallas Stars. The Carolina Hurricanes rounded out the top three with 10-1 odds.

Interestingly, ESPN listed the Edmonton Oilers as the best Canadian team with 10-1 odds. The Oilers ranked ahead of the Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers, who were listed at 12-1 odds.

The next best Canadian team was the Toronto Maple Leafs with 16-1 odds, tied with the Vegas Golden Knights. Then, the Vancouver Canucks came in with 20-1 odds, the Winnipeg Jets at 22-1, the Ottawa Senators at 50-1, Calgary Flames at 75-1, and Montreal Canadiens at 100-1 to win the Stanley Cup.

Overall, it seems the Oilers and Maple Leafs represent Canada’s best chance to bring the Cup back north of the border. Nevertheless, these odds must be taken with a grain of salt as free agency and trades can change the dynamics of each team’s performance.

Moreover, these are off-season Stanley Cup odds. Things can change very quickly once the season begins. While the Oilers proved it’s possible to overcome a slow start, experience has also shown that teams can start the season hot, but fade away as the year wears on.