In a candid and raw reaction, longtime Toronto Maple Leafs insider Sam McKee (via Edmonton Journal’s David Staples) admitted he simply couldn’t bring himself to celebrate after watching the rival Edmonton Oilers win a dramatic overtime battle in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final . His reaction—“Oh God, that hurt”—speaks volumes about the emotional stakes when Ontario roots against Alberta in a high-stakes hockey showdown.
💔 Brutal Rivalry Pain
- Sam McKee, a veteran voice on Leafs coverage, conveyed deep confliction:
“I get it. I feel his pain.”
Despite acknowledging the brilliance of Edmonton’s performance, the emotional weight of seeing the Oilers triumph in OT overshadowed any celebratory impulse. - Shared broadly by media insiders—David Staples on LinkedIn and The Cult of Hockey on X—the sentiment echoed across hockey platforms: victory for one team brings heartbreak to the other
🏒 Why It Cuts Deep
- Historical bitterness: Toronto and Edmonton have harbored a decade-long rivalry. Any playoff or Finals clash reopens old wounds.
- Game significance: The Oilers’ comeback in overtime not only tied the series 2–2 but slammed it home in spectacular fashion—making it exceptionally hard for fans and insiders alike to cheer for the opponent.
- Insider guilt: McKee’s stake in the Leafs’ narrative makes it emotionally tough to begrudgingly applaud the opposition.
🧭 What It Signals
This moment underscores how sports narratives aren’t just about wins and losses—they’re defined by emotional allegiance. Even neutral observers or professional media insiders rooted in one franchise can’t escape the psychological toll of seeing a hated rival succeed at your team’s expense.
🎥 Scene-Setter
The OT was wild:
- Oilers rallied after trailing, eventually sealing the 5‑4 win late in extra time—leaving Leafs fans across the country aching
- The depth of the victory—chasing a comeback from behind in multiple periods—added salt to the pain.
✅ Final Word
Even professionals like McKee, who normally view the game with objectivity, are human at the core. His emotional reaction is a reminder: in rivalries this intense, there’s no cheering for the other side—even when the performance is nothing short of spectacular.
