Some teams enter the playoffs as favorites. Others barely scrape by, only to shock the hockey world. Every so often, a team defies expectations, battles through adversity, and carves its name into Stanley Cup lore. These runs aren’t just about winning—they’re about resilience, unforgettable moments, and rewriting history. Here’s a look back at some of the most remarkable and unforgettable playoff performances in NHL history.
1980 New York Islanders: A Dynasty Begins
Before 1980, the New York Islanders were a promising team with plenty of regular-season success but no deep playoff runs. That changed when they entered the postseason as the No. 5 seed in the Wales Conference. Led by future Hall of Famers Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, and goaltender Billy Smith, they powered past the Kings, Bruins, and Sabres to reach the Stanley Cup Final.
Facing the Philadelphia Flyers, the Islanders proved their resilience. Game 6 went into overtime, where Bob Nystrom scored one of the most iconic goals in NHL history, clinching the franchise’s first Stanley Cup. That victory sparked one of the greatest dynasties in sports, as the Islanders won four consecutive titles from 1980 to 1983.
1986 Montreal Canadiens: Patrick Roy’s Arrival
No one expected the 1985-86 Montreal Canadiens to win it all. They had talent but lacked experience, relying on a 20-year-old goaltender who had only played 47 regular-season games. That goaltender was Patrick Roy.
Roy’s performance in the playoffs was nothing short of spectacular. He posted a .923 save percentage, backstopping the Canadiens past the Bruins, Whalers, and Rangers. In the Final, Montreal faced the Calgary Flames, another upstart team chasing its first Cup. Roy stole the series, shutting down Calgary’s offense and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. The Canadiens hoisted the Cup, and Roy’s legendary career had officially begun.
1994 New York Rangers: Ending the Drought
For decades, the New York Rangers lived under the weight of one question: "When will they win the Cup?" Their last championship had come in 1940, and years of frustration followed. Entering the 1994 playoffs as the Presidents' Trophy winners, the Rangers were contenders, but nothing came easy.
Playoff hockey is unpredictable, and every shift, penalty, and faceoff can change a series. Analysts dissect every moment, breaking down goaltending performances, defensive breakdowns, and clutch scoring plays to understand how momentum shifts. This kind of detailed NHL game analysis was never more evident than during the Rangers’ grueling path to the Cup.
After rolling past the Islanders and Capitals, they faced the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Final. The series went seven games, featuring Mark Messier’s famous Game 6 guarantee, where he promised a victory and then delivered a hat trick. The Rangers won in double overtime of Game 7, thanks to Stephane Matteau’s legendary goal.
In the Final, the Rangers faced the Vancouver Canucks. After a grueling seven-game series, they emerged victorious, finally erasing 54 years of heartbreak. Messier’s leadership and Brian Leetch’s stellar play cemented this run as one of the greatest in history.
2012 Los Angeles Kings: From Eighth Seed to Champions
No team had ever won the Stanley Cup as an eighth seed before the 2012 Los Angeles Kings. They barely made the playoffs, finishing the regular season with just 95 points. However, once the postseason began, they became a completely different team.
With Jonathan Quick in net, the Kings stunned the No. 1 seed Vancouver Canucks in five games, then dominated the Blues and Coyotes. In the Final, they faced the New Jersey Devils. Los Angeles jumped out to a 3-0 series lead before finishing the job in Game 6. Quick won the Conn Smythe Trophy, and the Kings became the first eighth seed to claim hockey’s greatest prize.
2019 St. Louis Blues: Worst to First
At the start of 2019, the St. Louis Blues were dead last in the NHL standings. A midseason coaching change and the emergence of rookie goaltender Jordan Binnington turned their season around. By the playoffs, they had transformed into a powerhouse.
Major turnarounds like this don’t just surprise fans—they also capture the attention of sportsbooks. Betting markets shift throughout the season as teams gain momentum, and the Blues’ resurgence was a perfect example of how unpredictable hockey can be. What started as a forgettable season turned into a historic playoff run, with St. Louis proving that no lead—or slump—is ever truly safe.
They took down the Jets, Stars, and Sharks to reach the Stanley Cup Final against the Bruins. With each win, belief in their Cinderella story grew, and betting platforms like FanDuel SportsBook became a go-to spot for fans tracking the action. Game 7 in Boston sealed their incredible journey, with Binnington delivering a spectacular performance and Ryan O’Reilly leading the charge. The Blues secured their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, capping off one of the greatest comeback seasons the NHL has ever seen.
The Stanley Cup is More Than a Trophy
Every Stanley Cup run is special, but some leave a lasting mark on the game. Whether it’s an emerging dynasty, an underdog defying expectations, or a legendary player willing his team forward, these moments define what makes playoff hockey unforgettable. The Stanley Cup isn’t just about lifting a trophy—it’s about the stories, the struggles, and the triumphs that come with it.