2011 NHL Playoffs: Power Ranking the Fanbases for the Remaining Teams

Now that the Stanley Cup quarterfinals are over, it is time to take a look at the fans of the eight remaining Stanley Cup contenders.

The fans have such a large impact on a team, even more so in the postseason. There are so many factors that have an impact on a game during the playoffs. The size of the arena, the location and the atmosphere of the fanbase all play roles during the course of the game.

The eight remaining teams have some of the most passionate fans in the sport. The question remains, however, which fanbase will remain supreme, as I power rank the fanbases for the remaining Stanley Cup contenders.

* NOTE: Before you comment on how I misrepresented your team or screwed up the list, please realize I am only human. I don't attempt to belittle or offend your team in anyway. I appreciate you taking the time to read this.

8. Nashville Predators

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NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 24: Fans of the Nashville Predators cheer during a timeout in a game against the Anaheim Ducks in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on April 24, 2011 in Na

The Nashville Predators had a great season by making the playoffs. Pekka Rinne had a great year in goal and that is why he is considered for the Vezina Trophy.

The Predators don't quite have the largest fanbase out of the remaining teams vying for the Stanley Cup. They have made hockey work in a small market where many thought it wouldn't be successful.

They gained some national attention this season when Carrie Underwood became a mainstay at the Bridgestone Arena, cheering on her husband Mike Fisher. TMZ made a big deal about when the trade was made and it got some people talking about Nashville. The Music City faithful can certainly get loud when they want too.

I love the heart of the Predators fanbase, but they don't match up with powerhouses like Vancouver and Detroit.

7. Tampa Bay Lightning

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TAMPA, FL - APRIL 25: The Tampa Bay Lightning salute the fans after a 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the St. Pete Times Forum on April 25, 2011 in Tampa,

The Tampa Bay Lightning play in the warm state of Florida. When you think Florida, immediately thoughts of beaches, water parks and Disney World pop into your head. Bottom line, hockey is not an immediate thought.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have a tough enough time getting people in the building even with stars Steven Stamkos, Marty St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier.  Years of lackluster performance after their Stanley Cup win in 2003-04 turned some fans away. The Lightning are a great team and I can't imagine why people wouldn't flock to the St. Pete Times Forum

The Tampa Bay Lightning have certainly rebuilt with the help of new GM Steve Yzerman, so maybe this statistic will change by next season.

6) San Jose Sharks

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SAN JOSE - NOVEMBER 7: Milan Michalek #9 of the San Jose Sharks skates into the arena during the NHL game against the Dallas Stars at HP Pavilion on November 7, 2007 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The Sharks suffer from a similar issue that the Lighting do. However, the Sharks have done well attendance wise in an area many thought hockey would die. The Sharks have had good regular season numbers, and fans and rich celebrities love going to see a team that can win each and every night.  

After years of lackluster playoff performances, with the exception of last year, I think the Sharks have finally broke through the glass ceiling and have what it takes to get to the Finals. With that said, hockey will continue to flourish and there will be sellout crowds in San Jose as long as Jumbo Joe scores clutch goals like he did in Game 6. 

5) Washington Capitals

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WASHINGTON , DC - APRIL 23: Fans of the Washington Capitals cheer their team on following a 3-1 win over the New York Rangers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Verizon Center on April 23,

The Verizon Center is one of the loudest arena's in the NHL. Their fans are even louder. The loud music, fans, and overall ambiance makes it an intimidating building. The Caps fans also color coordinate well. During the first round series against the Rangers, they had a red out and all you could see on television was a sea of red Capitals jerseys.

The fans are also very passionate and rowdy and can have an effect on the game itself. Everyone remembers the infamous beer pouring incident involving Rangers bench boss John Tortorella two years ago.

Words of advice to opposing coaches when their team is at the Verizon Center:pack a poncho you might get wet.

4) Boston Bruins

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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 23: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his goal with teammates Mark Recchi #28 and Patrice Bergeron #37 in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April

The TD Garden is a busy arena in Boston. Between the Bruins and Celtics, there is always a very active and passionate atmosphere in the air. The Boston Bruins faithful had a lot to cheer for with players like Tim Thomas making awe inspiring saves.

Original Six Teams always have fan bases full of intensity and passion and this team is no different. The Bruins always can rely on the crowd to help give them an edge when they need it. The Bruins are one of the favorites to win the cup this year, and the fans let them know it with their booming chants of "We Want The Cup!" This fan base is one of the best in the league, and even more so during the playoffs.

3) Philadelphia Flyers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: Philadelphia Flyers fans celebrate during the second period of their game against the Buffalo Sabres in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on Apri

The Broad Street Bullies have one of the craziest and most passionate fans bases. For years, opposing teams never wanted to play in Philadelphia because of all the energy the Flyers feed off of due to their incredibly active fan base. The Spectrum was one of the most intimidating building in all of sports.

A sea of orange has been known to be in full display at the Wells Fargo Center, which helps limit the effectiveness of opposing fans.

Fans also have been known to throw up the fisticuffs with other passionate fans who sport a different sweater. It is a hostile atmosphere that makes for some aggressive playoff hockey.

This season the Flyers finished second in the Eastern Conference and played extremely well. This team made it to the Finals last year, and their massive fan base was on the world stage and are a force not to be reckoned with.

2) Vancouver Canucks

Attendance wise, the Vancouver Canucks hold the longest sell-out streak in the National Hockey League The fans at the Rogers Arena are enjoying the playoff atmosphere. 

The Vancouver Canucks have some of the most passionate fans in NHL history. Can you imagine what would have happened had the Canucks been eliminated by the Blackhawks? The video above tells it all what happens when the fans are unhappy with the outcome.

The fans also have a nice way of entertaining members of the opposing team who happen to take a penalty. The Green Men have their own special way to show their appreciation. When you take all these variables, you have a very passionate fan base who will make an impact no matter what the outcome is.

The Presidents Trophy winner's fans sure have a lot to be loud and proud about after the season the Canucks have had thus far.

1) Detroit Red Wings

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GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 20: Fans of the Detroit Red Wings celebrate in the final moments of Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.com Arena on April 20, 2011 in Glend

This was a no brainer, as Hockey Town is definitely the home of the largest, most passionate, and knowledgeable fan base out of the remaining teams in the Stanley Cup hunt. Hockey Town  has been living, eating, sleeping, and breathing hockey for over 50 years.

The Joe Lewis Arena is a great arena full of so many traditions. 

The "Legend of the Octopus" is a sports tradition during Detroit Red Wings playoff games, in which an octopus is thrown onto the ice surface for good luck.

During the playoffs, Joe Louis Arena is generally adorned with a giant octopus with red eyes, nicknamed "Al" after Joe Louis Arena head ice manager Al Sobotka.

Any team with such a rich history, a passionate fan base, and an epic playoff tradition definitely earns the top spot in this countdown.

Comments, Questions, Concerns, Gripes

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 26: Danny Briere #48 of the Philadelphia Flyers shakes hands with Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres after the Flyers defeated the Sabres 5 to 2 in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley

Before you comment on how I miss represented your team, or screwed up the list, please realize I am only human. I appreciate you taking the time to read this.

Comments, Questions, Concerns?

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