by Dan Adkisson
The NHL is probably the best ice hockey league in the world, providing all the drama, excitement, thrill, and action in a short time. Also, the league’s magical comebacks make it one of the most-watched leagues in the world.
Like any other sport, the NHL has produced several inspirational stories. A beauty of the sport that you cannot write off any team until the game is over. Similarly, there have been several major comebacks in NHL history.
The following are some of the greatest comebacks in the NHL.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
It was a play-off match in 1982, the third match in the series, and the score was 1-1. Although the match was being played in the home arena of the Kings, the Oilers were favorites to win.
Going into the third period, the Oilers were leading with 5-0. The Kings were down and dusted and maybe that, along with constant support from the crowd, inspired them. With just five seconds left on the clock, the Kings drew the score 5-5.
In the overtime, the match was intense, and both teams gave everything. However, the match ended with the Kings scoring the last goal. They won the match and the series, eventually. The dramatic twists and turns named the match the Miracle on Manchester.
St. Louis Blues vs. Calgary Flames
Another play-off match in 1986 with the Flames leading the series. The Blues needed to win, but the score was 5-2, with only a few minutes remaining in the third period. For the fans, they thought it was over and they were out.
Being the underdogs, the pressure was immense, and the tension was rising. But the Blues made a comeback and scored three goals in mere a few minutes and took the game into overtime. It was a thrilling overtime. Both teams had their chances, but it was a goal from the Blues that gave them one of the finest victories.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings
Making a comeback in a match is incredible. What’s more impressive is winning the series after being in a deficit. It happened in 1942 when the Maple Leafs were down 0-3 against the Red Wings in the play-offs.
It was also the first time when a Stanley Cup made it to the seventh game. Down three games, Maple Leafs made a strong comeback and thrashed the Red Wings while leveling the series.
The final game attracted the largest attendance at that time. The first goal was scored by the Red Wings. But the Maple Leafs won the game and the championship, making it one of the greatest comebacks.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins
A monumental comeback that surprised everyone watching. It was the second game of the first-round series. Bruins were a dominant force then and the NHL odds were also favoring them to win.
The Bruins started as expected and stretched the lead to four goals till the end. Until the Canadiens regrouped and scored six straight goals, taking the final score from 1 to 5 to 7-5. It was an incredible display of teamwork as all the five members maneuvered the puck and made the win possible.