Hockey history is filled with jaw-dropping playoff moments that fans cherish. In this post, we’ll count down ten unforgettable NHL playoff moments that still give fans goosebumps. Each moment is paired with a piece of memorabilia that helps keep the memory alive.
Old School Classics: Heroes Take Flight
Bobby Orr’s “Flying” Cup-Winner (1970): In overtime of the 1970 Stanley Cup Final, Boston’s Bobby Orr scored and flew through the air in celebration. This iconic goal clinched the Bruins the Cup and became one of hockey’s most famous images. Fans can almost see Orr soaring whenever they look at an autographed photo of that moment. It’s a piece of history that every collector would love to display.
“Miracle on Manchester” Comeback (1982): The Los Angeles Kings pulled off the greatest comeback in playoff history. They were down 5-0 in the third period and rallied to win 6-5 in overtime. The underdog Kings stunned Wayne Gretzky’s mighty Oilers. To honor this miracle, some fans treasure a signed puck or retro jersey from that game – a reminder that no lead is safe in hockey!
1990s Legends Deliver Drama
Wayne Gretzky’s Game 7 Hat Trick (1993): Even the Great One had something to prove. In the 1993 Conference Finals, Gretzky’s Los Angeles Kings faced a do-or-die Game 7 against Toronto. Gretzky rose to the occasion with three goals (a hat trick) to send L.A. to the Stanley Cup Final. It was a storybook performance by hockey’s greatest scorer. Many collectors seek an autographed Kings jersey from Gretzky as a way to hold onto that legendary night.
Mark Messier’s Guaranteed Win (1994): The New York Rangers were on the brink of elimination in the 1994 East Finals until captain Mark Messier guaranteed a victory in Game 6. He backed it up by scoring three goals to win the game, and eventually helped end the Rangers’ 54-year Cup drought. His bold leadership made headlines and created an all-time New York sports moment. A signed Rangers jersey with Messier’s famous #11 is a prized item that reminds fans of his confident promise and clutch hat trick.
Cup Dreams and Controversies (1999–2001)
Brett Hull’s “No Goal” Controversy (1999): In triple overtime of the 1999 Stanley Cup Final, Dallas Stars forward Brett Hull scored the Cup-winning goal – but controversy followed. Hull’s skate was in the crease (illegal by the rules then), so Buffalo Sabres fans cried foul. The goal stood, giving Dallas their first championship. This moment, often called “No Goal,” lives in infamy. A signed puck by Hull from that game is a conversation piece, symbolizing one of hockey’s most debated goals.
Ray Bourque Finally Lifts the Cup (2001): After 22 seasons, Boston Bruins legend Ray Bourque had never won a Stanley Cup – until 2001 with the Colorado Avalanche. In an emotional scene, Avs captain Joe Sakic handed Bourque the Cup first, letting the veteran finally hoist it. Bourque had waited longer than any player in history to become a champion, and fans everywhere felt the joy of that moment. Collectors often display an autographed Avalanche #77 jersey or a photo of Bourque raising the Cup to celebrate perseverance paying off.
Amazing Comebacks: Personal and Team
Paul Kariya’s Comeback Goal (2003): In Game 6 of the 2003 Stanley Cup Final, Anaheim’s Paul Kariya was knocked out cold by a huge hit. Miraculously, he returned to the game just minutes later – and scored a blazing goal, as the announcer shouted, “Off the floor, on the board!” It was an electrifying moment of courage and skill. Fans who remember it might keep a signed Ducks puck or photo of Kariya’s goal as a tribute to his toughness and heart.
Bruins’ Epic Game 7 Comeback (2013): In 2013, the Boston Bruins were down 4-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third period of Game 7. It looked hopeless, but Boston scored three goals in the final 10 minutes to tie the game, then won 5-4 in overtime. Patrice Bergeron had the tying goal and the OT winner, completing one of the most improbable comebacks ever. Bruins fans still get chills thinking about “It was 4-1!” and many proudly display an autographed Bergeron puck to remember that anything can happen in Game 7.
Ending Long Droughts with Historic Goals
Patrick Kane’s Phantom OT Goal (2010): The Chicago Blackhawks hadn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1961. That changed when Patrick Kane scored a sneaky overtime goal in Game 6 of the 2010 Final. The puck slipped into the net and got stuck, so for a moment no one but Kane realized it was a goal. Suddenly, Kane started celebrating and the Blackhawks exploded with joy. That goal ended a 49-year Cup drought for Chicago. Today, fans cherish autographed Blackhawks jerseys and photos of Kane celebrating, remembering the goal that “only Kane saw” and the championship it secured.
Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals Win it All (2018): The Washington Capitals finally won their first Stanley Cup in 2018 after years of playoff heartbreak. In the clinching game, captain Alex Ovechkin scored, and teammate Lars Eller put the Caps ahead for good with a third-period goal to seal the Cup. When the final horn sounded, Ovechkin’s triumphant roar and him lifting the Cup became an instant classic image. Caps fans love to own an autographed Ovechkin jersey or a celebratory photo, remembering the night their team became champions for the first time. Ovi’s joyous face says it all – dreams do come true!
Conclusion: Keep the Playoff Spirit Alive
These memorable moments show why the NHL playoffs are so special. They inspire fans to rewatch the highlights and maybe even collect a piece of the history for themselves. Whether it’s a signed jersey, a commemorative puck, or a classic photo, memorabilia helps keep those memories alive at home. More importantly, these stories remind us why we love hockey – the passion, the drama, and the possibility that anything can happen. Feel free to share your own favorite playoff moments with fellow fans. Who knows – the next time you tune in, you might witness a new moment worth remembering and celebrating forever!