The 10 Greatest Comebacks in NHL History: A Walk Down Memory Lane
The NHL has given us countless memories throughout its storied history—iconic goals, stunning saves, unforgettable plays, and of course, the indomitable spirit of comebacks. When the chips are down and a team is trailing, there’s nothing quite like a dramatic turnaround to electrify the crowd and etch a moment in the annals of hockey history.
Here, we will delve into ten of the greatest comebacks the NHL has ever witnessed. These instances go beyond a simple reversal of fortune; they are inspiring tales of resilience, skill, and the never-say-die attitude that makes hockey a revered sport worldwide.
1. 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs: The Ultimate Stanley Cup Final Comeback
Down 3-0 against the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals, the Toronto Maple Leafs faced seemingly insurmountable odds. Yet, they accomplished the impossible, storming back to win four straight games to clinch the Stanley Cup. It’s an achievement that has yet to be replicated in a Finals series to this day.
2. Miracle on Manchester: Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers (1982)
The Los Angeles Kings found themselves down 5-0 at the end of the second period in a playoff game against the highly favored Edmonton Oilers. A loss seemed inevitable until the Kings authored one of the most improbable comebacks in history. Scoring five goals in the third period to tie the game, they won 6-5 in overtime, forever sealing this moment as the “Miracle on Manchester.”
3. 2010 Philadelphia Flyers: Down but Not Out
In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Boston Bruins had the Philadelphia Flyers on the ropes with a 3-0 series lead. Miraculously, the Flyers came back to win four straight games, becoming just the third NHL team to do so in a seven-game series. Their stunning victory was capped off by a 4-3 win in Game 7.
4. St. Louis Blues: 2019 Cinderella Story
Starting 2019 at the bottom of the NHL standings, the St. Louis Blues embarked on a miraculous journey that ended in lifting the Stanley Cup. They defeated the Boston Bruins in seven games, completing one of the most extraordinary in-season turnarounds in sports history.
5. The Easter Epic: 1987 Islanders vs. Capitals
This historic game stretched into four overtimes, making it the longest Game 7 in NHL history. The Washington Capitals led the series 3-1, but the Islanders clawed back to force a decisive Game 7. Pat LaFontaine’s famous “Spinorama” goal ended the game, marking an epic comeback and a momentous victory for the Islanders.
6. 1975 New York Islanders: A Feat of Endurance
Down 3-0 in their quarterfinal series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Islanders showed remarkable resilience by winning four straight games to take the series. They repeated the feat in the semifinals against the Philadelphia Flyers but eventually lost in Game 7, yet their back-to-back series comebacks have never been replicated.
7. Mario Lemieux’s Five Goals in Five Ways: 1988
Though not a team comeback, Mario Lemieux’s individual performance against the New Jersey Devils on New Year’s Eve in 1988 was nothing short of spectacular. Lemieux scored five goals in five different ways— even-handed, power play, shorthanded, penalty shot, and empty net—a feat still unmatched to this day.
8. 2000 New Jersey Devils: The A-Line Rises
In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Devils were down 3-1 against the Philadelphia Flyers. With their “A-Line” of Jason Arnott, Patrik Elias, and Petr Sykora clicking at just the right moment, the Devils won three straight games to reach the Stanley Cup Finals, which they eventually won against the Dallas Stars.
9. 1994 Vancouver Canucks: An Underdog Story
The Vancouver Canucks found themselves down 3-1 against the Calgary Flames in the first round of the 1994 playoffs. The Canucks battled back, winning three straight games, all of them in overtime, to advance to the next round. Although they eventually lost to the New York Rangers in the Finals, their resilience became the stuff of legends.
10. 2009 Washington Capitals: The Young Guns Surge
Down 3-1 against the New York Rangers in the first round, the Washington Capitals orchestrated a remarkable comeback led by their young stars Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Mike Green. The Capitals won three consecutive games, reversing the series deficit and cementing their place in the history books.
There you have it, the ten greatest comebacks in NHL history, each a stirring reminder that in the game of hockey, it’s never over until the final buzzer sounds. These unforgettable moments showcase the resilience, talent, and spirit that make the NHL a league where anything is possible. And as long as the NHL continues to exist, one can only imagine how many more incredible comebacks we’re yet to witness.