With the Stanley Cup Finals underway, Onion Sports examines highlights from the 120-year-old NHL championship series.
- 1893: A combined 458 spectators turn out to witness the Stanley Cup Finals in its first year, a record that stands to this day
- 1950: The Red Wings defeat the Rangers in a Game 7 double-overtime thriller, disappointing hockey fans who resent wealthy Detroit spending lavishly on players unattainable by teams in smaller, poorer markets like New York City
- 1970: After scoring the game-winning goal in the deciding game of the Stanley Cup, Boston Bruins defenseman Bobby Orr frustrates his competitors and teammates alike by forcing them to repeatedly pose for a perfect photo to commemorate the event
- 1981: Though outscored 4-3 by the Flyers in Game 7, the Oilers take the game and the Cup in a controversial split decision from the judges
- 1992: The Penguins win and leading goal scorer Mario Lemieux is crowned Lord Stanley for a second consecutive year
- 1994: Suffering from a 54-year Stanley Cup drought, the Rangers become the first team in New York sports history to be somewhat palatable championship winners
- 2001: After a 21-year career and over 1,800 games in the NHL, Ray Bourque finally lifts the Stanley Cup trophy for the first time and suddenly realizes he pretty much wasted his entire life
- 2008: First televised Stanley Cup Finals
- 2011: The Boston Bruins take off their helmets after their Game 7 win to reveal that they are all beautiful blonde women, forever ensuring gender equality in hockey
Advertisement