The 10 Best Moments in NHL Stanley Cup Playoff History

The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are an annual event that showcases the best teams in professional ice hockey. Over the years, there have been many memorable moments that have left fans awestruck. Here are 10 of the best moments in NHL Stanley Cup Playoff history.

1. Bobby Orr's "Flying Goal" (1970): In Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Boston Bruins defenseman Bobby Orr scored one of the most iconic goals in NHL history. After receiving a pass from teammate Derek Sanderson, Orr took flight and scored the game-winning goal in overtime, giving the Bruins their first Stanley Cup in 29 years.
2. Wayne Gretzky's Hat Trick in Game 7 (1987): In Game 7 of the 1987 Campbell Conference Finals, Wayne Gretzky scored a hat trick to lead the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. The win sent the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Finals for the third straight year, where they would go on to win their third championship in four years.
3. Mario Lemieux's Five Goals (1989): In Game 5 of the 1989 Patrick Division Finals, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Mario Lemieux scored five goals against the Philadelphia Flyers. The feat was remarkable, as no player had scored five goals in a playoff game since 1944. Lemieux's performance helped the Penguins win the game 8-5 and clinch the series.
4. Steve Yzerman's Game 7 Overtime Winner (1996): In Game 7 of the 1996 Western Conference Semifinals, Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman scored a game-winning goal in double overtime to eliminate the St. Louis Blues. The goal is considered one of the greatest in NHL history, as it came from a long shot that Yzerman launched from just inside the blue line.
5. Martin Gelinas' Series-Clinching Goal (2004): In Game 6 of the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals, Calgary Flames forward Martin Gelinas scored the game-winning goal in overtime to eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning. The goal initially went under review, as it was unclear whether the puck had crossed the goal line. However, the goal was eventually upheld, and the Flames celebrated their first championship since 1989.
6. Patrick Kane's Cup-Winning Goal (2010): In Game 6 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals, Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give the Blackhawks their first championship since 1961. The goal was initially controversial, as the puck appeared to be stuck under the padding of the net. However, upon further review, the goal was deemed valid, and the Blackhawks celebrated their historic victory.
7. Joel Ward's Overtime Winner (2012): In Game 7 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, Washington Capitals forward Joel Ward scored a game-winning goal in overtime to eliminate the Boston Bruins. The goal came just 2:57 into the extra period and sent the Capitals to the second round of the playoffs. Ward's goal was particularly memorable as he was the only Black player on the Capitals' roster, and it came amid racial tensions in the sport.
8. Alec Martinez's Double Overtime Goal (2014): In Game 5 of the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Alec Martinez scored the game-winning goal in double overtime to eliminate the New York Rangers. The goal was significant as it gave the Kings their second championship in three years and capped off a remarkable playoff run that saw the team come back from a 3-0 deficit in the first round.
9. Lars Eller's Game-Winning Goal (2018): In Game 5 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals, Washington Capitals forward Lars Eller scored the game-winning goal to give the Capitals their first championship in franchise history. Eller's goal came with just over seven minutes left in the third period and was the culmination of years of frustration for Capitals fans, who had watched their team fall short in the playoffs time and time again.
10. Cody Eakin's Controversial Major Penalty (2019): In Game 7 of the 2019 Western Conference Quarterfinals, San Jose Sharks forward Cody Eakin was assessed a controversial five-minute major penalty for cross-checking Vegas Golden Knights forward Joe Pavelski. The penalty proved to be costly, as the Sharks scored four goals during the power play to erase a 3-0 deficit and win the game 5-4 in overtime. The win was particularly significant for the Sharks, who had been eliminated from the playoffs by the Golden Knights the year before.

The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have provided fans with countless memorable moments over the years. From Bobby Orr's "flying goal" to Lars Eller's game-winner, these moments have become part of hockey lore and are sure to be remembered for generations to come. As the playoffs continue to evolve and new stars emerge, we can only hope that these moments continue to capture the hearts and minds of hockey fans around the world.