Famous Upsets: When Underdogs Became Stanley Cup Finalists
Famous Upsets: When Underdogs Became Stanley Cup Finalists
Throughout the history of the National Hockey League (NHL), the Stanley Cup Final has often showcased the dominance of powerful teams, yet some underdogs have defied expectations and made it to the championship game. These underdog stories not only captivate fans but also resonate as powerful reminders that anything can happen in sports. Here, we explore the most famous upsets that led NHL teams to unexpected Stanley Cup Finals.
1. The 1995-96 Florida Panthers
One of the biggest Cinderella stories unfolded during the 1995-96 NHL season when the Florida Panthers, an expansion team just three years old, made their first-ever Stanley Cup Finals appearance. The Panthers finished the regular season with a modest record of 38-34-10, clinching the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
In the playoffs, Florida shocked the world by defeating the Boston Bruins in the first round, sweeping them in four games. The Panthers continued their unexpected surge by ousting the Philadelphia Flyers and then the Pittsburgh Penguins, each time defying odds and expectations. In the Stanley Cup Final, they faced the Colorado Avalanche, a team loaded with future Hall of Famers like Joe Sakic and Patrick Roy. Ultimately, the Panthers were overwhelmed, losing the series 4-0, but their run remains one of hockey’s greatest upsets.
2. The 2005-06 Carolina Hurricanes
The 2005-06 Carolina Hurricanes entered the Stanley Cup playoffs as a formidable force but weren’t seen as favorites to win it all. After a very competitive regular season, the Hurricanes finished first in the Southeast Division with a record of 52-22-8. However, many pundits believed teams like the San Jose Sharks or the Ottawa Senators would sweep the postseason.
In the playoffs, Carolina faced a challenging path, beginning with a first-round matchup against the Montreal Canadiens. The Hurricanes survived a seven-game series, then defeated the New Jersey Devils and the Edmonton Oilers to reach the finals. The culmination of their upset journey came in the finals against the Oilers, where the Hurricanes showcased resilience, winning the series 4-3 and capturing their first Stanley Cup. This success put Carolina on the hockey map, solidifying their position among the elite.
3. The 2009-10 Philadelphia Flyers
The 2009-10 Philadelphia Flyers entered the Stanley Cup playoffs as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, sparking skepticism about their chances. After fighting hard to secure the final playoff spot on the last day of the regular season, the Flyers faced the New Jersey Devils in the first round. Most expected a quick exit, but Philadelphia had a surprise in store. The Flyers upset the Devils in five games, igniting a remarkable playoff run.
What followed was a series of grueling encounters against the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens. Each series pushed Philadelphia to the brink, and they displayed extraordinary determination to emerge victorious. Their journey culminated in a Stanley Cup Final matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. Although the Flyers ultimately lost in a dramatic six-game series, their incredible ride as an eighth seed remains one of the most memorable tales in NHL history.
4. The 2011-12 Los Angeles Kings
In the 2011-12 season, the Los Angeles Kings had a season marked by ups and downs that positioned them as an unlikely representative in the Stanley Cup Final. Entering the playoffs as an eighth seed, the Kings carved their path to the finals through sheer determination and skill. They faced the Vancouver Canucks in the first round, where they pulled off a stunning upset, winning the series in five games.
Next, they defeated the St. Louis Blues and the Phoenix Coyotes without losing a single game in overtime. The Kings’ well-rounded team and exceptional goaltending from Jonathan Quick became pivotal factors in their playoff success. In the Stanley Cup Final, they faced the New Jersey Devils, winning the series in six games. The Kings’ underdog status and their headline-making playoff run resonated with fans, showcasing how resilience could lead to monumental success.
5. The 2013-14 New York Rangers
The New York Rangers entered the 2013-14 Stanley Cup playoffs with uncertainty, despite having a solid regular-season performance. Finishing with 96 points, they were third in the Metropolitan Division. They faced tough competition in every round, starting with the Philadelphia Flyers, where they had to go to seven games to advance.
The Rangers then matched up against the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens. Each series was closely contested, showcasing their tenacity and will to win. Finally, the Rangers found themselves in the Stanley Cup Final against the Los Angeles Kings, who were also deep into their underdog narrative after their previous run. After a dramatic series that extended into double overtime in Game 2, the Rangers fell in five games, but their journey captured the heart of loyal fans and embodied the essence of determination and grit.
6. The 2019 St. Louis Blues
The 2018-19 St. Louis Blues experienced a season like no other, with their cup run marking an incredible turnaround. Starting the season poorly, the Blues were last in the NHL standings at January’s mid-point. However, a change in coaching and a renewed passionate performance sparked a campaign for redemption.
As the regular season progressed, the Blues became a force to reckon with, claiming a playoff spot as the third seed in the Central Division. Their path to the Stanley Cup Final included stunning defeats of the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks. The Blues faced the Boston Bruins in the finals, where they were seen as underdogs by many despite their fierce season turnaround. In a dramatic seven-game series, the Blues claimed their first ever Stanley Cup, capping off an unforgettable season.
7. The 2020 Dallas Stars
In the 2019-20 NHL season, the Dallas Stars entered the playoffs as a middle seed but emerged as the surprising representatives of the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Final. After a modest performance in the regular season, finishing third in a competitive Central Division, their playoff journey began with a rocky start.
The Stars faced the Calgary Flames in the first round, edging through a competitive series before defeating the Colorado Avalanche in the second round. They continued to dig deep, overcoming the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Final, portraying themselves as tenacious competitors. Their journey to the Stanley Cup Final added a new chapter to the history of Dallas hockey, where they eventually faced the Tampa Bay Lightning, ultimately succumbing in six games. Nonetheless, the Stars’ unexpected run will be remembered as a testament to their resilience and character.
8. The 2021 Montreal Canadiens
In yet another stunning display of underdog prowess, the Montreal Canadiens captured fan attention during the 2020-21 season. Snagging the fourth seed in the North Division, many doubted their ability to compete for the illustrious Cup. Yet, their playoff performance was remarkable. Starting their run against the Toronto Maple Leafs, they completed a dramatic comeback from a 3-1 series deficit, showcasing their ability to thrive under pressure.
The Canadiens continued their impressive march by knocking out the Winnipeg Jets and sweeping the Vegas Golden Knights to reach the Stanley Cup Final. Facing the Tampa Bay Lightning, who were defending champions, the Canadiens operated as underdogs throughout the series but ultimately fell short. The Canadiens’ unexpected journey embedded their name in the lore of hockey underdogs.
These underdog stories remind fans that perseverance, teamwork, and a bit of luck can lead to greatness, transforming the NHL landscape, one unforgettable playoff run at a time.