The Best NHL Playoff Rounds of All-Time

Here we are: the NHL playoffs. From today until mid-late June, every game counts. The competition is fierce, and every team gives it their all as they try to take home the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup. Over the years, there have been many playoff rounds that have gone down in history as some of the greatest. In this blog post, we will look at the top 5 best NHL playoff rounds of all time.

1994 Stanley Cup Final - The New York Rangers vs. The Vancouver Canucks

The 1994 Stanley Cup Final is often lauded as one of the most exciting playoff rounds in NHL history. It featured two teams with passionate fan bases that hadn't seen their team raise the Cup in over 50 years. After a grueling 7-game series, the Rangers prevailed, bringing the Stanley Cup back to NYC for the first time since 1940.

1979 Semifinals - The Boston Bruins vs. The Montreal Canadiens

The 1979 Semifinals between the Bruins and Canadiens is often referred to as the "Too Many Men On The Ice" game. In the dying seconds of game 7, the Bruins were called for having too many men on the ice, giving the Canadiens the game-winning powerplay goal. The controversy surrounding the ending of this game solidifies it as one of the most memorable playoff rounds in NHL history.

1982 Division Finals - The Vancouver Canucks vs. The Chicago Blackhawks

The 1982 Division Finals between the Canucks and Blackhawks featured some of the most intense and physical hockey in league history. The series was punctuated by a vicious hit by Vancouver's Harold Snepsts on Chicago's Darryl Sutter. Despite the physicality, the Canucks emerged victorious and went on to lose to the New York Islanders in the Stanley Cup Final.

1996 Eastern Conference Finals - The Florida Panthers vs. The Pittsburgh Penguins

The 1996 Eastern Conference Finals between the Panthers and Penguins was a back-and-forth affair that looked like it was going to go in Pittsburgh's favour. However, after a miraculous save by Panthers goalie John Vanbiesbrouck, Florida cemented their place in history by winning the series and reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history.

2011 Western Conference Semi-Finals - The San Jose Sharks vs. the Detroit Red Wings

This modern classic was the first and only series to have six of seven games decided by only one goal - and it would have been all seven games if it weren't for a Sharks empty-netter in Game 6. Anybody who followed this series remembers how close the whole series was, and it will always be a classic in our eyes because of that. 

There have been many memorable playoff rounds in NHL history. These rounds are special because they capture the drama and excitement of playoff hockey. The five rounds listed above are just a few examples of the thrilling games that the NHL has produced over the years. They give us a glimpse into the history of the game, reminding us of the passion and dedication that makes the sport great. Whether you are a fan of the game or a collector of hockey memorabilia, these five playoff rounds should be a part of any hockey fan's history.

Good luck to whatever team you cheer for! And if your team can't make it out of the first round, well there's always next year ;)