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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.
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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.
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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.
