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Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs Lead Fandom 250

By Dave Stevenson

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 07: Pittsburgh Penguins fans dressed for 'Star Wars Night' look on during the game against the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena on December 7, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 07: Pittsburgh Penguins fans dressed for 'Star Wars Night' look on during the game against the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena on December 7, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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The NHL has eight teams in the most recent Fandom 250 ranking, led by the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Each year at FanSided, a Fandom 250 is created. It honors the greatest and most passionate fanbases in the world. Not just sports either. It’s an honor to be included in it. 2017 features eight NHL teams among the top fan bases in the world. The Pittsburgh Penguins are the top NHL fanbase, ranking 14th overall. Ranking second among hockey teams are the Toronto Maple Leafs, who rank 68th overall.

The Chicago Blackhawks round out the top 100, finishing 77th. As much as people complain about the attention they get, the size of their fanbase warrants it. They consistently get great ratings, which is a testament to how devoted their fans are.

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Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens finished fourth among all NHL teams, ranking 120th overall. They probably should have been ranked higher, considering how expensive it is to get tickets to their home games. The Bell Centre is constantly packed with Canadiens fans.

One more Canadian team made the list – the Edmonton Oilers. They rank fifth among all hockey teams and 175th overall. Perhaps Connor McDavid and a recent return to the postseason for the first time in a decade played a role in this.

The Nashville Predators got ranked for the first time in their history. They rank sixth among NHL teams, and 198th overall. It’s safe to say the Predators fans rank first in catfish tossing though, which was suspiciously not included in voting.

Finishing seventh among hockey teams (and 224th overall) are the New York Rangers. They are among the most popular teams in the league and are a part of the infamous Original Six. Games at Madison Square Garden are constantly sold out. Also, “let’s go Rangers” chants echo in just about every arena the Rangers play in, even on the road.

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Lastly, the Detroit Red Wings finished 238th overall. Penguins center Sidney Crosby finished 16th among the athlete fanbases and 201st overall. Hockey’s growing as a sport and it’s evident in this year’s Fandom 250.

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