The top five modern-day Stanley Cup Playoff upsets
There’s a reason why the Stanley Cup is widely regarded as one of the hardest trophies to win in pro sports.
Expect the unexpected.
We’re just two weeks into the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and already, there’s been no shortage of chaos and craziness to chew on. For many, it’s the unpredictability and uncertainty that make this time of year in the hockey world such an amazing one.
With that in mind, here’s a top-5 list of modern-day upsets in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, from 2000 on:
Florida Panthers over Boston Bruins (2023)
After a historic regular season that saw them register an NHL record 64 wins, the Bruins blew a 3-1 series lead, one that was capped off by Carter Verhaeghe’s OT winner in Game 7 on Sunday night at TD Garden. Remarkably, Boston finished 43 points ahead of Florida, who ironically enough won the 2021-22 Presidents’ Trophy, in the regular season standings. Florida will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round.
Columbus Blue Jackets over Tampa Bay Lightning (2019)
Yet another series featuring Presidents’ Trophy killer Sergei Bobrovsky. Following a dominant 62-win campaign, one that at the time tied the 1995-96 Red Wings for the most in NHL history, Tampa was shockingly swept by John Tortorella’s pesky Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round. Incredibly, the Bolts finished 30 points ahead of Columbus in the regular season standings — that clearly did not matter. The Blue Jackets would go on to lose to Boston in six games in Round 2.
Anaheim Ducks over Detroit Red Wings (2003)
Taking one look at that 2003 Detroit Red Wings roster will tell you all you need to know about this one. On top of that, it was the way it went down, too. Led by the heroics of eventual Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Anaheim became the first team to sweep the defending Cup champs in the first round in 51 years. The Cinderella Ducks did get all the way to the Stanley Cup Final that year before ultimately falling to the New Jersey Devils.
Montreal Canadiens over Washington Capitals (2010)
Backstopped by Jaroslav Halak, Montreal, who finished 33 points behind the Presidents’ Trophy winning Capitals in the regular season, stunned Washington in seven games in Round 1. After that, the Canadiens bested Pittsburgh in seven games before falling in five games to the Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference Final. Carey Price was a back-up that postseason.
Seattle Kraken over Colorado Avalanche (2023)
Led by former Avalanche netminder Philipp Grubauer, the Kraken became the first expansion team to win its first playoff series against the defending champions disposing of Colorado in seven contests. Although the two teams were separated by just nine points in the standings, no one gave them much of a chance because of the team they were up against. Seattle, who’s just in its second year in the league, scored first in all seven games of the series. They’ll tangle with the Dallas Stars in Round 2.
____
Discover Betano.ca – a premium Sports Betting and Online Casino experience. Offering numerous unique and dynamic betting options along with diverse digital and live casino games, Betano is where The Game Starts Now. 19+. Please play responsibly.
_____