My favorite time of the year is near — NHL playoff hockey, baby. Although my beloved Columbus Blue Jackets will not be participating (again), let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the top 10 playoff hockey moments in NHL history.
1. Bobby Orr’s Flying Goal
In Game 4 of the 1970 Stanley Cup Final, Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins scored what is widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in NHL history. Orr flew through the air after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime, capturing the Stanley Cup and cementing his place in hockey immortality.
2. Miracle on Manchester
The Los Angeles Kings staged an improbable comeback against the Edmonton Oilers in the 1982 Smythe Division Semifinals, erasing a 5-0 deficit to win 6-5 in overtime. Dubbed the “Miracle on Manchester,” this historic comeback remains one of the most stunning moments in NHL playoff history.
3. Mario Lemieux’s Five Goals
Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins delivered a virtuoso performance in Game 5 of the 1989 Patrick Division Semifinals, scoring five goals in five different ways (even-strength, power play, shorthanded, penalty shot, and empty net). His unparalleled display of skill and dominance solidified his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
4. Steve Yzerman’s Double-Overtime Winner
In Game 7 of the 1996 Western Conference Semifinals, Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman scored a dramatic double-overtime goal against the St. Louis Blues, sending his team to the Western Conference Finals and igniting the Joe Louis Arena crowd into a frenzy.
5. The Penguin Slide
In Game 6 of the 1991 Stanley Cup Final, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Mario Lemieux made a stunning move known as the “Penguin Slide.” Lemieux split the defense of the Minnesota North Stars and scored a memorable goal while sliding on his stomach across the ice, showcasing his extraordinary skill and agility.
6. The Save by Patrick Roy
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Patrick Roy made a legendary save against the Calgary Flames in Game 3 of the 1986 Stanley Cup Final, robbing Doug Gilmour with a sprawling glove save that preserved the Canadiens’ lead and ultimately helped them capture the Stanley Cup.
7. Brett Hull’s Triple-Overtime Goal
Brett Hull of the Dallas Stars scored the (controversial) triple-overtime game-winning goal against the Buffalo Sabres in Game 6 of the 1999 Stanley Cup Final, securing the first and only Stanley Cup in franchise history in dramatic fashion.
8. LaFontaine’s Overtime Winner
In Game 7 of the 1987 Patrick Division Semifinals, Pat LaFontaine of the New York Islanders scored a memorable overtime goal against the Washington Capitals. LaFontaine’s goal clinched the series victory for the Islanders and remains one of the most iconic overtime goals in NHL playoff history.
9. Ray Bourque’s Stanley Cup Victory
After 22 seasons in the NHL, Ray Bourque finally hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001. His emotional celebration following the Avalanche’s championship victory was a heartwarming moment that resonated with hockey fans around the world.
10. Longest NHL Playoff Game
The longest NHL playoff game in terms of total game time occurred on May 4-5, 2000, between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins. This legendary match, dubbed the “Five-Overtime Thriller,” took place in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The game lasted a staggering 92 minutes and 1 second of overtime play before Keith Primeau of the Philadelphia Flyers netted the game-winning goal, securing a 2-1 victory for his team.