There’s nothing quite like watching comebacks unfold in the first round of the NHL playoffs. Change in momentum is often gradual. Sometimes, on rare occasions, the tide can turn in a single seismic moment.
No matter how it happens, the momentum shift is often palpable. And it sends shivers down your spine, for better or worse.
Here are the seven best first-round comebacks in playoff history.
NHL Playoffs: Best First-Round Comebacks of All Time
7. Rangers vs. Penguins (2022)
Sidney Crosby’s injury was the turning point of the 2022 first-round series between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers.
Midway through Game 5, Crosby sustained a concussion on Jacob Trouba’s hit. He didn’t return and missed Game 6, which the Rangers won 5-3. The Blueshirts won Game 7 in overtime despite Crosby’s return to the lineup, completing the 3-1 series comeback.
6. Canadiens vs. Capitals (2010)
The Montreal Canadiens lost three straight by a combined 17-9, leaving them down 3-1 in the series and on the brink of elimination.
After being benched in Game 4, Jaroslav Halák returned to the crease, putting on a show for the ages.
The Habs’ goaltender allowed one goal in each of the final three games, stopping 131 of 134 shots for a .978 save percentage against a Washington Capitals team that boasted the league’s best regular-season offence and had the shortest Stanley Cup odds. I also featured this matchup in my list of the seven biggest NHL first-round upsets.
5. Canucks vs. Flames (1994)
Kirk McLean’s save that stopped time broke Flames’ hearts in the first session of Game 7 overtime, and Pavel Bure ploughed the final nail into Calgary’s coffin the following period.
Before one of the most exciting Game 7s in the history of the first round, The Canucks dug themselves a 3-1 series hole.
Three straight overtime victories, including the already mentioned Game 7 clincher, ensured the Canucks enjoyed one of the most epic, heart-wrenching first-round comebacks.
The Canucks eventually lost in the Stanley Cup Final to the New York Rangers.
4. Capitals vs. Flyers (1988)
Not only did the Capitals overcome a 3-1 series deficit, but they also overturned a three-goal disadvantage in Game 7.
Dale Hunter scored in overtime of the decider, putting the final touches on one of the most improbable first-round comebacks.
3. Panthers vs. Bruins (2023)
While it’s impossible to know the impact this comeback had on the Florida Panthers’ future, it’s not far-fetched to suggest they may not have won consecutive Stanley Cups had it not happened.
Against the hockey odds favourites and the best regular-season team in history, the Panthers mounted a comeback from 3-1 down. Matthew Tkachuk’s Game 5 overtime goal was the catalyst, and Carter Verhaeghe’s Game 7 overtime winner completed the comeback.
Not only did the Boston Bruins hold a two-game stranglehold, but they were also up a goal with one minute remaining in Game 7.
The Panthers lost the Stanley Cup Final to Vegas but went on to win the following two.
2. Sharks vs. Golden Knights (2019)
Depending on which side of the fence you sit, it was either the most infamous or famous five minutes in the history of the first round.
The Golden Knights trailed 3-1 in the series and 3-0 in Game 7 midway through the third period. Cody Eakin was controversially handed a five-minute major for cross-checking Joe Pavelski. The Sharks made the Golden Knights pay and then some, scoring four power-play goals in just over four minutes to take the lead.
The Golden Knights tied the game with under a minute remaining, but lost in overtime.
1. Kings vs. Sharks (2014)
The Los Angeles Kings are the only team to overcome a 3-0 series deficit in the first round. They accomplished the astonishing feat against the Sharks, allowing just two goals over the final three games.
The Kings never looked back, riding the tidal wave of momentum to win their second Stanley Cup. During the Cup run, the Kings won three Game 7s.
What Is the Best Comeback in the Stanley Cup Final?
In 1942, the Toronto Maple Leafs overturned a three-game deficit against the Detroit Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup Final.
How Many NHL Teams Have Come Back From 3-0 Series Deficit?
Only four teams have come back from a 3-0 series deficit, with only one (Kings vs. Sharks in 2014) occurring in the first round.
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