10. 2011 – Boston Bruins vs. Vancouver Canucks

Result: Bruins win 4–3 MVP: Tim Thomas (G, BOS)

Why It’s Legendary: A full-throttle, physical series that turned nasty. Boston came back from a 2–0 series hole and outscored Vancouver 21–4 in its four wins. Game 7? A 4–0 Boston win, behind a legendary Tim Thomas shutout.

Iconic Moment: Vancouver fans rioting post-Game 7—mayhem after a brutal series loss.

2011 Bruins over Canucks in Game 7 of Stanley Cup Final

9. 1989 – Calgary Flames vs. Montreal Canadiens

Result: Flames win 4–2 MVP: Al MacInnis (D, CGY)

Why It’s Legendary: An elite matchup between the two top teams. The Flames became the only visiting team to win a Cup on Forum ice. Lanny McDonald’s goal in his final NHL game is the stuff of legends.

Iconic Moment: McDonald hoisting the Cup—mustache and all—after years of close calls

Classic: Flames @ Canadiens 05/25/89 | Game 6 1989 Stanley Cup Final

8. 1972 – Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers

Result: Bruins win 4–2 MVP: Bobby Orr (D, BOS)

Why It’s Legendary: Orr was untouchable. This series had finesse, firepower, and physicality. It cemented the Bruins’ place as a powerhouse of the early ’70s.

Iconic Moment: Orr’s casual two-finger lift of the Cup—domination without ego.

Remembering The Boston Bruins’ Stanley Cup Title In 1972

7. 2019 – St. Louis Blues vs. Boston Bruins

Result: Blues win 4–3 MVP: Ryan O’Reilly (C, STL)

Why It’s Legendary: From last place in January to first place in June. Jordan Binnington was unshakable in Game 7. The Blues, after 52 seasons of frustration, finally claimed the Cup.

Iconic Moment: The entire team singing “Gloria” after the win – a feel-good, underdog finish.

NHL Stanley Cup Final 2019: Blues vs. Bruins | Game 7 Extended Highlights | NBC Sports

6. 2001 – Colorado Avalanche vs. New Jersey Devils

Result: Avalanche win 4–3 MVP: Patrick Roy (G, COL)

Why It’s Legendary: A clash of titans: Brodeur vs. Roy. Sakic vs. Stevens. Game 7 in Denver was a classic, and Patrick Roy’s brilliance carried the Avs to their second Cup. The emotional centerpiece: Ray Bourque, after 22 seasons, finally lifting the Stanley Cup.

Iconic Moment: Joe Sakic handing the Cup straight to Ray Bourque without lifting it himself – absolute chills.

2001 NHL Stanley Cup Final Game 7: Colorado Avalanche 3, New Jersey Devils 1

5. 1971 – Montreal Canadiens vs. Chicago Black Hawks

Result: Canadiens win 4–3 MVP: Ken Dryden (G, MTL)

Why It’s Legendary: Dryden, a rookie, outdueled Hall of Famers like Bobby Hull and Tony Esposito. Montreal rallied from a 2–0 deficit in Game 7 on Chicago’s home ice.

Iconic Moment: Dryden holding firm in the final minutes—cool, calm, destined for greatness.

Montreal Canadiens win 1971 Stanley cup

4. 1987 – Edmonton Oilers vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Result: Oilers win 4–3 MVP: Ron Hextall (G, PHI – in defeat)

Why It’s Legendary: The Oilers, loaded with Hall of Famers, met their fiercest challenge from gritty, underdog Flyers. Ron Hextall was superhuman. Every game was high-stakes, every period edge-of-your-seat.

Iconic Moment: Gretzky: “The toughest series we ever played.” Enough said.

1987 Stanley Cup Final, Oilers vs. Flyers – ALL GAME 7 GOALS

3. 2009 – Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Detroit Red Wings

Result: Penguins win 4–3 MVP: Evgeni Malkin (C, PIT)

Why It’s Legendary: A perfect revenge arc. The Pens got their redemption from the 2008 Final. Talbot’s two goals and Fleury’s final-seconds save on Lidström sealed a memorable Game 7 win in Detroit.

Iconic Moment: Marc-André Fleury diving across the crease with the Cup on the line.

Stanley Cup Moments: Marc-Andre Fleury saves Cup for Penguins

2. 1964 – Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings

Result: Maple Leafs win 4–3 MVP: None awarded (Conn Smythe started in 1965)

Why It’s #1: A true warrior’s tale. Bob Baun returned after fracturing his ankle in Game 6 and scored the OT winner—then played through Game 7. Toronto clinched their third straight Cup in a brutally intense series.

Iconic Moment: Baun, literally dragging his leg, scoring one of the most courageous goals in NHL history.

1964 Stanley Cup Final Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings Documentry

1. 1994 – New York Rangers vs. Vancouver Canucks

Result: Rangers win 4–3 MVP: Brian Leetch (D, NYR)

Why It’s Legendary: New York’s 54-year Cup drought finally ended. Messier delivered. Richter stoned Bure. Leetch became the first American Conn Smythe winner. Game 7 at MSG was pure tension.

Iconic Moment: “Yes! Yes! Yes!”—Sam Rosen’s call as the final horn sounded.

Road to Victory The 1994 New York Rangers Story

🧊 Honorable Mentions:

• 1984: Oilers vs. Islanders – passing of the torch, Gretzky’s first Cup.

• 2006: Hurricanes vs. Oilers – surprise seven-game thriller.

• 1979: Canadiens vs. Rangers – capped Montreal’s dynasty, but not a close series.

• 2023: Golden Knights vs. Panthers – dominant Vegas run.