One of the most exciting things about sports is when an underdog upsets a heavily favored team. The National Hockey League (NHL) has seen its share of these upsets over the years. Here are some of the biggest ones:
In 1942, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were heavy underdogs, upset the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals.
In 1975, the Philadelphia Flyers, who were considered to be underdogs, upset the Boston Bruins in the semifinals of the playoffs.
In 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks, who were considered to be underdogs, upset the San Jose Sharks in the second round of the playoffs.
In 2013, the Los Angeles Kings, who were considered to be underdogs, upset the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round of the playoffs.
In 2014, the Los Angeles Kings, who were considered to be underdogs, upset the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the playoffs.
Longest overtime in nhl
The NHL’s longest overtime game was a 6-hour, 54-minute affair between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames on May 1, 2004. The game ended with a goal by Oilers defenseman Steve Staios, giving Edmonton the victory after 241 minutes and 38 seconds of hockey.
There have been several other long overtime games in NHL history. On February 5, 2009, the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets played for five hours and 22 minutes before Detroit finally won, 3-2. The Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche went six hours and 34 minutes before Colorado emerged victorious, 4-3, on November 8, 2003.
The Boston Bruins defeating the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs in 2011
The Boston Bruins defeating the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs in 2011 is often considered to be one of the biggest upsets in NHL history The Canadiens were the defending Stanley Cup champions and had won the previous two meetings between the teams, but Boston came out on top this time, sweeping Montreal in four games.
The Los Angeles Kings defeating the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the playoffs in 2011
The Los Angeles Kings defeating the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the playoffs in 2011 is another iconic upset in NHL history. The Canucks were the Presidents’ Trophy winners – awarded to the team with the best regular-season record – and were considered to be the heavy favorites in this series, but Los Angeles came out on top, winning four games to one.
The Philadelphia Flyers defeating the Boston Bruins in the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals
The Philadelphia Flyers defeating the Boston Bruins in the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals is another memorable upset in NHL history. The Bruins were heavily favored to win this series, but Philadelphia came out on top, upsetting Boston in seven games. This series was also notable for the fact that it produced the only four-overtime game in NHL playoff history.
The Montreal Canadiens defeating the Washington Capitals in 2010 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
The Montreal Canadiens defeating the Washington Capitals in 2010 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals is another shocking upset in NHL history. The Capitals were considered to be the heavy favorites in this series, but Montreal came out on top, upsetting Washington in seven games.
The Anaheim Ducks defeating the San Jose Sharks in 2007 Western Conference Semifinals
The Anaheim Ducks defeating the San Jose Sharks in 2007 Western Conference Semifinals is another surprising upset in NHL history. The Sharks were the heavy favorites in this series, but Anaheim came out on top, upsetting San Jose in six games.
These are just a few of the biggest upsets in NHL history. There have been many others, and it’s always exciting to see an underdog upset the favorite and pull off an amazing playoff victory.
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