Best Stanley Cup Finals Series of All Time

How Finals Are Ranked

Criteria for greatest championship series:

Drama Factors:

• Number of Game 7s and overtime games
• Lead changes and comeback victories
• Series momentum swings

Star Power:

• Hall of Famers involved
• Marquee matchups
• Elite goaltending duels

Historical Stakes:

• Ending long droughts
• Dynasty implications
• Legendary players seeking first or last Cup

Cultural Impact:

• Iconic images and moments
• Long-term narrative weight
• Fan and media reaction

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#1: 1994 Rangers vs. Canucks

Mark Messier ends 54-year drought:

Series Result: Rangers win 4-3

Why It's #1:

1. Drought Narrative: Rangers hadn't won since 1940 (54 years). New York City desperate for championship.

2. Game 7 at MSG: Winner-take-all at Madison Square Garden created electric atmosphere.

3. Mark Messier's Leadership: Captain guaranteed Game 6 victory, then delivered hat trick.

4. Vancouver's Fight: Pavel Bure and Trevor Linden became legends despite losing.

5. Cultural Impact: "Now I can die in peace" became rallying cry for Rangers fans.

Conn Smythe: Brian Leetch

This series represents perfect blend of individual heroics, team drought, and Game 7 drama.

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#2: 2001 Avalanche vs. Devils

Ray Bourque's emotional finale:

Series Result: Avalanche win 4-3

Why It's Elite:

1. Ray Bourque's Quest: Legendary defenseman in final season seeking first Cup after 22 years.

2. Goalie Duel: Patrick Roy vs. Martin Brodeur, two all-time greats in nets.

3. Game 7 in Denver: Winner-take-all with Bourque storyline at peak.

4. Emotional Payoff: Joe Sakic immediately hands Cup to Bourque for first lift.

5. Elite Teams: Two legitimate championship contenders, high-quality hockey.

Conn Smythe: Patrick Roy

Bourque's 22-year wait created narrative that transcended hockey.

#3: 2011 Bruins vs. Canucks

Physical, controversial, unforgettable:

Series Result: Bruins win 4-3

Why It's Memorable:

1. Physical Play: Nasty, violent series with big hits and fights.

2. Goalie Battle: Tim Thomas vs. Roberto Luongo created compelling matchup.

3. Series Swings: Multiple blowouts and overtime games created drama.

4. Vancouver Riots: Post-Game 7 riots added controversial element.

5. Tim Thomas's Dominance: .967 save percentage in series, Conn Smythe performance.

Conn Smythe: Tim Thomas

Highly polarizing series that remains debated today.

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#4: 1987 Oilers vs. Flyers

Seven-game classic at dynasty peak:

Series Result: Oilers win 4-3

Why It's Great:

1. Seven Games: Series went distance with Edmonton dynasty on line.

2. Ron Hextall's Heroics: Flyers goalie nearly won Cup despite losing, Conn Smythe in defeat.

3. Peak Gretzky/Messier: Edmonton's stars at absolute peak competing with determined opponent.

4. Enormous Tension: Every game felt pivotal with both teams capable of winning.

5. Quality Hockey: Elite offensive and defensive play throughout.

Conn Smythe: Ron Hextall (despite losing)

Hextall's Conn Smythe in defeat shows how dominant he was.

#5: 2013 Blackhawks vs. Bruins

17-second comeback defines series:

Series Result: Blackhawks win 4-2

Why It's Legendary:

1. Game 6 Comeback: Chicago scored two goals in 17 seconds late in third period, won in overtime.

2. Elite Teams: Two legitimate championship contenders with star power.

3. Multiple Overtime Games: Several games went to OT, creating maximum drama.

4. All-Time Finish: 17-second comeback is one of greatest comebacks in sports history.

5. Star Performances: Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrice Bergeron all elite.

Conn Smythe: Patrick Kane

Game 6's 17-second comeback ensures this series is never forgotten.

Read more: Best Canadian NHL Players of All Time (By Era)

#6: 2019 Blues vs. Bruins

From last place to champions:

Series Result: Blues win 4-3

Why It Matters:

1. Worst-to-First: St. Louis in last place in January, Cup champions in June.

2. Franchise First: First Stanley Cup in Blues' 52-year history.

3. Jordan Binnington: Rookie goalie's breakout playoff performance.

4. Game 7 in Boston: Blues won on road in winner-take-all.

5. Ryan O'Reilly: Conn Smythe performance throughout playoffs.

Conn Smythe: Ryan O'Reilly

Ultimate underdog story in modern NHL.

#7: 1970 Bruins vs. Blues

Bobby Orr's flying goal:

Series Result: Bruins win 4-0

Why It's Iconic:

1. Bobby Orr's Goal: Game 4 overtime winner captured in iconic flying photo.

2. Orr's Dominance: Revolutionary defenseman at peak leading Boston to Cup.

3. First Cup Since 1941: Ended 29-year drought for Bruins.

4. Cultural Impact: Orr's flying photo became one of most famous sports images ever.

Conn Smythe: Bobby Orr

Short series but iconic moment defines it.

#8: 1954 Red Wings vs. Canadiens

Early dynasty clash:

Series Result: Red Wings win 4-3

Why It's Historic:

1. Game 7 Overtime: Winner-take-all went to OT, maximum drama.

2. Dynasty Stakes: Detroit vs. Montreal set tone for decade of battles.

3. Elite Goaltending: Terry Sawchuk vs. Jacques Plante showcased position.

4. Rocket Richard: Maurice Richard's legendary status enhanced despite loss.

This series established Red Wings-Canadiens rivalry.

Read more: Hart Trophy: What It Is & Every Winner

#9: 1982 Islanders vs. Canucks

Dynasty at peak:

Series Result: Islanders win 4-0

Why It Matters:

1. Islanders' Third Cup: Midpoint of four consecutive championships.

2. Vancouver's First Finals: Canucks reached first Finals in franchise history.

3. Dynasty Dominance: Islanders at absolute peak, overwhelming opponent.

4. Mike Bossy: Goal-scoring legend dominated series.

Short series but showcased dynasty at height.

#10: 2009 Penguins vs. Red Wings

Crosby's first Cup:

Series Result: Penguins win 4-3

Why It's Important:

1. Crosby Wins First Cup: Sidney Crosby captured first championship at 21.

2. Rematch of 2008 Finals: Pittsburgh avenged previous year's loss to Detroit.

3. Game 7: Winner-take-all created maximum drama.

4. Generational Talent: Crosby, Malkin established themselves as elite.

Conn Smythe: Evgeni Malkin

Crosby's first Cup established him as elite playoff performer.

Honorable Mentions

Other memorable Finals:

• 1972 Bruins vs. Rangers: Orr vs. Brad Park, elite defensive matchup.
• 2018 Capitals vs. Golden Knights: Ovechkin finally wins Cup, Vegas's expansion magic ends.
• 2022 Avalanche vs. Lightning: Colorado ended Tampa's three-peat bid.

Read more: Conn Smythe Trophy: What It Is & Every Winner

The Verdict

The 1994 Rangers-Canucks series represents the perfect Finals: 54-year drought, Mark Messier's guarantee, Game 7 at MSG, and cultural impact that transcended hockey. Ray Bourque's 2001 emotional Cup win and the 2011 Bruins-Canucks physical battle round out the top three.

Modern candidates like 2022 Colorado-Tampa and 2024 Florida's first Cup may enter all-time conversation as time passes and nostalgia builds.

The best Finals combine elite play with emotional storylines, creating moments that define careers and franchises.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

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