The Stanley Cup Final is one of the sport’s biggest events, with two teams taking part in a 7-game series to win a glorious trophy, but what is the most memorable moment in history?
The top five most memorable moments in the history of the Stanley Cup final
1. BobbyOrr score “Flying Goal” – 1970
In 1970, the final Stanley Cup series took place between the Boston Bruins and the St. Louis Blues, as the Bruins were about to win their first Stanley Cup since 1941, and the St. Louis franchise won the title for the first time.
After three consecutive wins, the Bruins entered Game 4 knowing that it was a one win from a complete Whitewash victory and that the victory would secure the title.
The final game tied 3-3 after three normal periods. That is, although the game was overtime and became a Bruins defensive man, Bobby Orr scored the winning goal, the image of the goal itself is the biggest moment.
Orr slams the ball into the net, but after contacting the ball, he flew through the air after a trip, and the images that followed are one of the most iconic in NHL history.
Today 55 years ago: Bobby Orr won the Bruins Stanley Cup in a sweep.
The OT Goal celebration is caught by Ray Lucier, a Boston record-based American photo shoot who takes his seat to film in the OT as another man tries to get a beer.
By the time he returned, Orr had scored and Lussier had his shot! pic.twitter.com/yvcqc0kqgd
– Darrenroovell (@darrenroovell) May 10, 2025
2. Toronto Maple Leafs overturn three match shortages (1942)
Next on the list is the history of the NHL, which appeared in 1942. The Toronto Maple Leafs, the 13-time winner of the Stanley Cup, the second-highest tally in NHL history, are back from 3-0 as they won the Series 4-3 victory against the Detroit Red Wings.
Despite hosting the first two matches of the series, the Maple Leafs went down 2-0 after losing their opening match 3-2 and their next encounter 4-2.
They were then in the backyard in Detroit, losing three straight times, losing 5-2, and NHL fans believed it was all about entering their fourth game.
However, after winning the fourth game 9-3, the Maple Leafs continued to win the next two games (3-0 & 3-1). That is, the series fell into its seventh game, 3-3.
Pete Wrangel scored a key goal as the Maple Leafs scored a 3-1 victory and became the first team in history to overturn the 3-0 series deficit.
3. Patrick Kane’s “Phantom Goal” – 2010
Move forward now and there is the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Final Series between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Chicago Blackhawks won a 4-2 series victory, winning their fourth Stanley Cup title and waiting nearly 50 years for the NHL’s biggest award.
The biggest moment of this battle ended in Game 6. Patrick Kane scored a winning goal in overtime, winning the crucial fourth match and earning the trophy.
However, this goal, which was considered a “phantom goal” as Kane’s strike entered the goal, was stuck under the padding of the net, leaving staff, players and fans confused by the Puck’s whereabouts.
Only Kane and Patrick Sharp seemed to know that it had entered the net. Because they needed a video review to give Kane a goal and win the Blackhawks’ fourth Stanley Cup.
Patrick Kane scores to win the Stanley Cup with the Philadelphia Flyers (2010) pic.twitter.com/bv5giqdegj
– Retro Sports Moment (@histroyinsports) July 15, 2015
4. 17 Second Chaos – 2013
In June 2013, the Chicago Blackhawks were once again involved in one of the craziest moments in Stanley Cup Finals history to face the Boston Bruins.
After five games in the series, the Blackhawks were aiming to finish the series in Game 6, 3-2 up overall.
However, the Bruins didn’t get off easily, with the Boston-based franchise 2-1, and the series appeared to be heading for its seventh game.
The clock had 1:16 minutes when Brian Bickel scored 2-2 and then scored to win the game 17 seconds later, and Dave Borland scored again for the Blackhawks, taking Chicago a 3-2 lead.
The sheer chaos of TD Gardens is truly sensational, turning the defeat into a Stanley Cup title in just 17 seconds, making it arguably one of the most memorable moments in history.
5. FleuryStanley Cup Winning Save – 2009
Finally, on this list there is love for goalkeeper as Marc-Andre Fleury made one of the biggest saves in NHL history to win the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup for the third time.
After six matches, the Stanley Cup Final Series tied 3-3. This means they had to decide on the match in Game 7 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.
The Penguins were able to find a 2-1 lead, finding the remaining lead in the clock for just a few seconds, and once the time was over, the Detroit Red Wings were able to create a final attack.
Henrik Zetterberg’s blocking shot fell to the reliable Nicklas Lidstrom, and was less than a metre from the goal, making it seem like Red Wings Star had smashed the ball towards the goal and leveled the match.
However, Fleury had other ideas at the Pittsburgh Penguins’ goal. He used his pure instinct and athletic ability to block shots in under two seconds remaining, making one of the biggest saves of all time.
In the dying seconds #game7 2009 #stanleycup In the final, Marc-Andre Fleury stopped remembering!
A few seconds later, he and the rest of him @penguins Celebrating the first cup since 1992.
🗓🗓Age: June 12, 2009 pic.twitter.com/hlv83k1fku
-NHL (@NHL) June 12, 2024
