The 29 most hopeless fan bases in professional sports

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 13, 2015: Cleveland Browns fans hold up signs reading 'HELP' during a game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 13, 2015 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland won 24-10. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 31: Philadelphia Flyers alumni Eric Lindros /

19. Philadelphia Flyers

Last championship: 1975

Last winning season: 2015-16

Something that gets overlooked regularly is that no sports franchise — not the Dodgers, Sixers, Bills, or Vikings — has lost more consecutive Finals appearances than the Philadelphia Flyers. After winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1974-75, the Flyers fell, in order, to the Montreal Canadiens (1976), New Islanders (1980), Edmonton Oilers (twice: 1985 and 1987), Detroit Red Wings (1997), and Chicago Blackhawks (2010). That’s a murderer’s row of dynasties and mini dynasties, proving that without a shadow of a doubt the Flyers had some of the worst timing in sports history.

The worst part about it all: The Flyers are almost always good. They have the second best winning percentage in NHL history, having made the playoffs 38 times in their 49 seasons. Pelle Lindbergh, 1985 Vezina Trophy winner, drunk drove his Porsche into a brick wall and died at the start of the 85-86 season. Eric Lindros was touted as the next great in the league, then failed to deliver on that promise and split acrimoniously with the team. Meanwhile, the main guy traded to get Lindros, Peter Forsberg, won two Stanley Cups and went on to a Hall of Fame career — as a member of the Colorado Avalanche.

The Flyers have a huge, passionate following that rivals any American team. Yet, they have been trolled into not only bearing the cross of let down after let down, but a Cup-less streak that’s been further agitated by having to witness its biggest rival — Pittsburgh — lift the Stanley Cup twice in the last seven years.

Next: 18. Cincinnati Bengals