Reliving the 25 most unforgettable Stanley Cup clinching moments in NHL history
Bobby Orr's airborne celebration (Credit: Le Studio du Hockey/Hockey Hall of Fame)
Nothing in hockey compares to the sudden-death tension of a Cup-clinching overtime goal. The first ever came in 1933, when Bill Cook's OT winner gave the Rangers their first championship.
Seven years later, Bryan Hextall's double-overtime dagger extended New York's glory. The 1950 Final saw Pete Babando become an unlikely hero. Scored in the second OT of Game 7 to crown Detroit, also modern eras have added to the lore, in 1996, Uwe Krupp's triple-overtime goal ended the longest Cup-clinching game in history. Patrick Kane's sneaky 2010 winner left even his teammates confused before celebrations erupted.
Alec Martinez's 2014 rebound in double OT cemented the Kings' dynasty. These moments didn't just win championships; they became immortal.
Goaltenders who stole the show when it mattered most
Great goalies define legacies in Game 7s and elimination nights. Rookie Ken Dryden's 1971 Conn Smythe performance stunned Chicago, proving Montreal's faith in him was justified. Patrick Roy's 63-save masterpiece in 1996; a triple-OT shutout; showcased his clutch gene.
Tim Thomas' 2011 shutout in Vancouver was a masterclass, stopping 37 shots to silence a hostile crowd.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Keep Your Home Efficient with This Plug-In
elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill
Learn More
Undo
Rookie Jordan Binnington's 2019 Game 7 brilliance ended St. Louis' 52-year drought, outdueling Boston's veterans. Even backups left marks; Cam Ward's 2006 Cinderella run earned him playoff MVP as Carolina triumphed. When the pressure peaked, these netminders delivered.
NHL Unforgettable Moments
Unexpected heroes who rose to the occasion
The Stanley Cup has a way of turning role players into legends. In 2003, fourth-liner Mike Rupp scored his first playoff goal; the Cup winner; in New Jersey's Game 7 shutout.
Ruslan Fedotenko, a quiet contributor, netted both goals in Tampa's tense 2004 clincher. Max Talbot, known for grit, scored both in Pittsburgh's 2009 Game 7 upset over Detroit.
Lanny McDonald's 1989 storybook ending; a goal in his final game; etched his name in Flames lore. Bobby Nystrom, a checking-line forward, became an Islanders icon with his 1980 OT winner. These moments prove championships aren't just won by stars, but by those who seize their chance.
From early pioneers like Cook and Hextall to modern icons like Kane and Binnington. These moments transcend eras, and they capture desperation, skill, and sheer will. Henri Richard's 1971 Game 7 rally, Bobby Orr's airborne celebration. And Jonathan Toews feeding Bryan Bickell for Chicago's 17-second comeback in 2013.
Read more:
Florida Man energy meets Canadian pride as Stanley Cup final becomes a battleground beyond the rink
The Cup isn't just won; it's etched into history by those who refuse to let the moment overwhelm them. Whether through a goalie's brilliance, an underdog's grit, or a disputed call, these 25 snapshots remind us why hockey's ultimate prize carries such weight. Decades from now, new names will join this list; but the magic of a Cup-clinching moment will never fade.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Can Wayne Gretzky's secret to NHL success help decide the Stanley Cup Final between Oilers and Panthers?
What does Wayne Gretzky know about NHL team success that today's Stanley Cup finalists should embrace? (Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers are riding high after a thrilling overtime victory in Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers. With that gritty win, they've seized early momentum and taken a crucial 1-0 lead in the series. While both teams have seen changes in their rosters since last season, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky believes their success stems from something far more powerful than stats or signings—team chemistry. How could Wayne Gretzky's secret to team success reshape the battle between the Oilers and Panthers? Wayne Gretzky, who attended Game 1 and spoke on The Pat McAfee Show, emphasized the power of unity in the locker room. 'We're always together, I mean, especially when you're playing, it's 20 guys and you go to dinner together,' he shared. 'The teams who do that are more successful. The teams where four guys go one place and three guys go to another place... they're not a team.' For him, the camaraderie seen in both the Oilers and Panthers reflects the hallmark of true contenders. Gretzky highlighted that teams like Edmonton, Florida, and even past dynasties like Tampa Bay all share one thing—they stick together off the ice as much as they do on it. 'They'll go through a wall for each other, and you gotta have that in our sport,' he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo But Gretzky didn't stop there. He openly backed Edmonton to end Canada's 31-year Stanley Cup drought. Not since the Montreal Canadiens hoisted the Cup in 1993 has a Canadian team stood atop the NHL world. Now, with a unique blend of speed, grit, and unity, the Oilers have a real shot at rewriting history. 'This is the team to do it,' Gretzky said, reaffirming his belief. 'I don't think Florida has played a team that is as physical as Edmonton. The speed of Edmonton matches Carolina, but Edmonton's a little more physical.' He acknowledged the toll Florida's consecutive deep playoff runs have likely taken. 'When you get to three championship series in a row, you're physically beat up,' he noted. While he expects the Panthers to push back hard, Gretzky believes Edmonton's hunger and chemistry give them the edge. 'Edmonton feels it. That's all anyone talks about,' he concluded. As the series progresses, the Oilers aren't just chasing a trophy—they're carrying the hopes of an entire nation. And with the Great One's blessing, the Cup might finally come home to Canada. Also Read: Florida Panthers star Sam Bennett makes headlines with record-breaking playoff performance on the road
India Today
3 hours ago
- India Today
News Menu, June 7: Bengaluru stampede fallout; Bangladesh's poll meltdown
Good morning. On June 7, 1893, a young Mahatma Gandhi, then a lawyer in South Africa, was forcibly removed from a first-class train compartment despite holding a valid ticket, solely because of his race. This incident sparked his lifelong commitment to civil disobedience and the fight against injustice, shaping India's freedom Today presents a news menu flavoured with faith, tragedy, and transformation, reflecting a nation balancing celebration and Cup: Bengaluru Stampede Fallout A complaint has been filed against Virat Kohli by Karnataka activist HM Venkatesh at Cubbon Park police station, alleging negligence in the Bengaluru stampede that killed 11 during RCB's IPL victory celebration. Anger against the organisers is justified, but how is a player responsible for mismanagement of a crowd? But such blame-games have a precedent. In December 2024, actor Allu Arvind was arrested for a stampede outside a Hyderabad theatre screening his Bengaluru Police arrested RCB's marketing head, Nikhil Sosale, and detained three DNA Entertainment staff members following the stampede. Sosale, arrested at Bengaluru airport en route to Mumbai, has moved the Karnataka High Court, calling his arrest 'illegal.' Three FIRs target RCB management, KSCA, and DNA Entertainment for poor crowd control. India Today tracks this tragic fallout of filed against RCB, KSCA, and others. Bengaluru bureau to Kahwa: Katra-Srinagar Vande BharatThe Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat train begins commercial operations today, following its inauguration by PM Narendra Modi yesterday. The service marks a significant boost to Jammu and Kashmir's connectivity, reducing the travel time to Srinagar dramatically. The challenge, however, would be the security of passengers, especially in the wake of the recent terror attack on tourists in Flavour: Eid-ul-Azha PreparationsEid-ul-Azha begins today, with Delhi, UP, and Mumbai police ensuring peaceful celebrations through heightened security and community engagements. Delhi's advisory bans illegal animal sacrifices, mandating designated locations and hygiene protocols, with a prohibition on sharing sacrificial media Ghee: Bangladesh Election DatesBangladesh's interim government advisor, Dr Md Yunus, announced national elections for the first half of April 2026, outlining a democratic roadmap in a national address. With polls almost a year away, this seems like a desperate attempt to signal the return of democracy amid political chaos and Tadka: Canada's G7 InviteCanadian PM Mark Carney invites PM Narendra Modi to the G7 Summit, signalling bilateral ties are on the mend since the exit of Justin Morsel: Monkey Heist RecoveredadvertisementIn Mathura, police recovered jewellery worth Rs 20 lakh stolen by a monkey from a tourist, bringing a quirky resolution to a high-value theft. What would have the monkey done with all the glitter? There's some serious monkey business happening in the holy Bite: Mahatma's OrdealThis is how Mahatma Gandhi described his ordeal in South Africa in his autobiography: 'The constable came. He took me by the hand and pushed me out. My luggage was also taken out. I refused to go to the other compartment and the train steamed away. It was winter, and winter in the higher regions of South Africa is severely cold. Maritzburg being at a high altitude, the cold was extremely bitter. My overcoat was in my luggage, but I did not dare to ask for it lest I should be insulted again, so I sat and shivered.'Tune InMust Watch
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Florida Panthers star Sam Bennett makes headlines with record-breaking playoff performance on the road
Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett makes NHL history with epic 12th road goal in the 2025 playoffs (Imagn Images) When it comes to postseason performance, few players have elevated their game quite like Sam Bennett has for the Florida Panthers. The 28-year-old center has been on an absolute tear, and his latest feat has carved his name into the NHL record books. In Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, Bennett notched his 12th goal on the road during this year's playoffs. That goal—a power-play strike just 2:07 into the opening period—helped set the tone early for Florida. More importantly, it made NHL history. Sam Bennett's 12th road goal rewrites NHL playoff history According to Sportsnet Stats, Sam Bennett now holds the record for the most road goals in a single postseason, surpassing Mark Scheifele's previous mark of 11, set in 2018 with the Winnipeg Jets. Bennett's historic run is no accident. With 13 goals and 19 points through 19 playoff games, the former No. 4 overall pick has been a consistent force for Florida. 'He's playing the best hockey of his career,' noted Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, and the numbers certainly back that up. What makes his dominance even more impressive is where he's doing it. While the Panthers have posted a stellar 8-3 record on the road this postseason, outscoring opponents 51-24, it's Bennett who's led the charge away from home. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo Remarkably, 12 of his 13 postseason goals have come on enemy ice—proving he's not just a top performer, but a clutch one in hostile environments. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2014, Bennett put up a career-high 51 points during the regular season. But this playoff surge has come at an ideal moment. Set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, Bennett has not only boosted his value—he's likely vaulted himself to the top of every team's radar. Whether Florida locks him down or he finds a new home, one thing is clear: Sam Bennett's 2025 postseason is one for the ages, and the road to the Stanley Cup now runs directly through him. Also Read: Why is Matthew Tkachuk so sure the 2025 Stanley Cup will be better than last year's intense finale?
