Top 5 most shocking first-round Stanley Cup Playoff upsets in NHL history
In celebration of The Sporting News’ 140th birthday, we continue to highlight some of the greatest moments in NHL history. Today, we take a look at the five most shocking first-round playoff upsets of all time.
Top 5 most shocking first-round Stanley Cup Playoff upsets in NHL history originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Sporting News, established in 1886, is celebrating its 140th birthday with a year-long series honoring the greatest moments, teams and players from the last 140 years .
We’ve also released SN’s entire archive for free , empowering hockey fans to download iconic print covers of Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe or explore endless rabbit holes to read how your favorite teams were covered in the moment. The hockey portion of our 140 celebration continues with our picks for the top five greatest first-round upsets. 5.
Montreal Canadiens defeat Washington Capitals (2010) The Capitals won the 2009-10 Presidents’ Trophy with 121 standings points, while the Canadiens finished with 88 points to lock up the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. For the first four games of the series, Washington was in control, building a 3-1 series lead. Unfortunately for Caps fans, Montreal went on to win the final three games – including two games that finished with a 2-1 score in favor of the Habs, including their Game 7 win over Washington.
The Capitals outshot the Canadiens 42-16, but Montreal netminder Jaroslav Halak was superb, turning aside 41 shots. The Canadiens went on to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round before being eliminated in the Eastern final against the Philadelphia Flyers . Still, Montreal fans will forever remember the way the Habs cracked down on defense to upset the Capitals.
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