The Time The Stanley Cup Final Happened a Round Early….

In the rich tapestry of NHL hockey their exist certain series that transcends the grandeur of the Stanley cup finals
In a closely contested series where one team eventually meets its match, when the series victory is likely to hinge on a closely contested series where one team will eventually meets its match
Im sure we can all remember a time when we were watching a series that was so highly competitive and the two teams competing were so even it almost felt like you were watching the stanley cup finals
The type of series where you can tell that the two teams playing are the two best teams in the league
Having triumphed over the first team that tested them to their absolute limits, enduring a gruling battle, that the team waiting in the next round wouldn’t stand a chance
It was inevitable that the winner of this series would end up emerging as cup champions
A paramount illustration of this phenomenon would unfold during the 2014 WCF between the Chicago Blackhawks and the La Kings
#chicagoblackhawks #connorbedard #lakings #nhl #hockey

[@MSZFilms]

LMK boys what were some other series you can think of that felt like the finals but weren’t actually! Also boys this was a remastered and re-recorded video of one of my earlier edits to enjoy in the meantime while i work on some bigger projects! I loved the idea and concept for this video & now that i have a proper mic it was only right to do it right! 🙏Like and subscribe for more, love you guys💯

[@ArcanumAscent]

What? How did the kings beat the rangers in convincing fashion when the Rangers led for most of finals and the kings had to come from behind in the 3rd period three times? What series did you watch, crackhead?

[@Rorschachqp]

There are many. The previous year's, 2013, LA vs Chicago was also Final in a Conference Final. The previous year before that, 2012, LA vs any of the WC rounds (Vancouver, the previous year's Finalist and President's Trophy winner) had as much hype as a Final. Basically the Final not in the Final is a common thing the last few decades because the power seems to swing back and forth between the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference.

[@mikepetrosino493]

94 Devils Rangers

[@veritasinvicta8128]

Tampa against the NYI in 2021. The Habs were a no show in those finals whereas the Bolts/Isles went 7 games and the 7th game decided by 1 goal.

[@veritasinvicta8128]

@@mikepetrosino493 That final went 7 games. Not sure how you get that.

[@TonyDanger]

As a Kings fan we were pissing our pants worrying about Chicago. Hell of a fuckin series.

[@chrisuncleahmad]

Your team was kicking them up and down the ice until game 5 OT

[@vladimirdoyle3934]

The kings in early 2010 and 2 Stanley Cups brought hockey to the attention of LA. Ever since then I’ve seen more hockey fans in LA

[@Rorschachqp]

I wasn't. My pal who was an even longer-time fan than me, kept thinking every time LA went down again, he quit on the team thinking, here we go again. But I kept telling him, not this team. This team over the season not only was more bitter than Chicago, they had p;roven over and over again they could seemingly score at will to tie the game and go ahead. A huge part of this score-on-demand aspect came from That 70's Line, which was a line with big scoring ability, had both vertical and horizontal game, and was sat for long periods of the game by Darryl Sutter so they could go all out when the time came for it.

[@paladin677]

This series took 5 years off my life as a KIngs fan. Worth it.

[@chrism1598]

As a Hawks and Chicago sports fan in general, this series is still the hardest loss of my life...Hawks would have won 3 cups in a row. Those Kings teams were phenomenal though and for a couple years watching these 2 teams battle was Ali vs Frazier

[@vvwvvw8777]

The whole playoffs were heart attack after heart attack. I honestly still can’t believe the Kings won it, down 3-0 in the first round, down 3-2 in the second, down 2-0 in game 7 of the WCF, 3 OTS in the finals, 3 wins in game 7 ON THE ROAD, I just can’t believe they won it to this day.

[@paladin677]

@@vvwvvw8777 That team certainly had its share of plot armor.

[@chrisuncleahmad]

@@chrism1598 hard disagree

[@chrisuncleahmad]

@@vvwvvw8777 luckiest team ever

[@Rorschachqp]

This basically is the greatest NHL series of all time. The two fanbases bonded a bit over it, unlike the Boston-Vancouver series.

[@brettrossi034]

Yeah! At least the team that lost the series can show respect and not destroy their city in a fit of rage like Vancouver

[@chrisuncleahmad]

Most overrated series ever 3 good games out of 7

[@Rorschachqp]

@@chrisuncleahmad If you think the closeness of a series is all that matters, then that’s on you. You’d be happy watching AHL or midget if the games are close. This series is basically two dynasties in their primes, duking it out and an epic game 7. It’s the NHL version of Celtics vs. Lakers.

[@jbellflower83]

Boston and Washington had a helluva series in 2012 (I think it was 2012 as that was the year after Boston won the cup).

[@Rorschachqp]

@@jbellflower83 Oh there have been many, I'm sure.

[@rfischer1345]

Nick Leddy’s arm deflection still haunts me to this day

[@Kartkid024]

The missed offsides and high stick goals where the ones I think hurt more.

[@philvaclavik6890]

If not for that, then we win three straight Cups.

[@jakeellman7447]

I still hate Nick Leddy to this day! 😂

[@Chsoxrk]

As a Hawks fan I feel like the Kings of the early 2010s dont get enough respect. It was awesome to have 2 dynasties battleing each other almost every year during that stretch. I would kill for one more 2010s Hawks-Kings conference finals.

[@ethanparker7900]

then the start of another the next spring with tampa. Obviously Blackhawk fans were fortunate to have a dynasty from 2009-2017 and same goes for the kings from 2011-2014 and lightning from 2015-2022. These things don't come around often

[@leibmenter2331]

As a Kings fan, we appreciate that. Hell of a rivalry for a good while there. This was the one time that the Kings really came out on top, the Hawks gave us a ride for sure.

[@ethanparker7900]

you guys and the 2 cups you guys won were the perfect example of what it takes to win championships especially that first one in 2012. Teams tend to get too carried away with star power and skill and I am like what the hell do you think you're doing? If you want to chase cups you need to get depth and goaltending. The Kings had all those things they had everything not just one thing over another and thats is one of the reasons why the Kings were one of the very few teams that absolutely dominated the 2010s decade. The 2010s decade was no doubt the best decade in franchise history for both the kings and hawks and other teams too like the Capitals, Penguins and Bruins. @@leibmenter2331

[@MicahOttley]

​@@ethanparker7900I know there's a lot of debate on what constitutes a dynasty but I don't consider two championships to be a dynasty. To me it takes 3 or more without a relatively short time period to be considered a dynasty. Not to disrespect the unbelievable accomplishment of winning two cups.

[@ethanparker7900]

to me i would consider even jsut making it to the cup finals counts I mean 2 cup titles in 3 seasons and 3 cups in 6 seasons and a presidents trophy is quite impressive but also 2 titles and 4 cup final appearances and nearly 2 more cup final appearances in 2016 and 2018 along with a presidents trophy in 2019 in less than a decade approximately from 2015-2022 I would certainly look at being apart of pure dominance. Ofc it has multiple different meanings but while it might not be documented as accurately I think the Kings and Lightning are close enough to one like i don't believe its perfect but its close enough @@MicahOttley

[@sparrow-we7ip]

2010-2017 was peak hockey

[@TranslatedAssumption]

I would roll it back to 2005 because almost every Stanley Cup final in the post lockout era, no matter how short or how long, has been really good with the exception of a few stinkers.

[@chrisuncleahmad]

@@TranslatedAssumption2007 the exception

[@ToaRahkshi]

Don't know why you stopped at 2017. 18 and 19 were amazing playoff hockey too. Basically, before lockdowns happened was great hockey.

[@dylancrypt9652]

2010-2019 for me

[@panchito9016]

LA kinga both playoff runs legendary but vastly different

[@nolankuffner3573]

Both years, Quick was a brick wall. And while everyone just seems to remember them beating the Rangers in 5, it's the most hotly contested 5 game series in Cup finals history. Henrik damn near stole 3 of those games. 3 VERY tight OT wins by LA, the sort of series that could have easily been 4-1 for either team.

[@chrisuncleahmad]

Legendarily annoying

[@ejv.96]

@@nolankuffner3573quick definitely shit the bed in the first 2 games of 2014 tho lol

[@matthewbrown6397]

I'll never forget this moment. I drove from Toronto, to Chicago, and went to game 7. I was devastated. Many ushers, several different times, politely told me it was time to go, but I couldn't get up out of my seat, just thinking about the 8 hour drive back, after this crushing loss was too much. That was the first time I had been to the mad house on Madison, and the atmosphere was electric, I wanted to soak in the memory for whatever remaining time I could. Brilliant series, finalized by a brilliant game. Unfortunately, for me, the incorrect ending.

[@thejam7129]

I am enamored by your story

[@HunterMagunter]

2014 was one of the best playoffs ever

[@MSZFilms]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@AVSCOUNTRY2024]

My Avs had it all too 😭😭😭. That game 5 against the Wild was one of the best games I’ve ever watched.

[@chrisuncleahmad]

No It was one of the worst First year of that godawful division format

[@brianb7423]

@@chrisuncleahmadnope. One of the best

[@kennysdead500]

2014 and 2015 were the best years except for the Rangers losing They may have Russians now, but the roster is unlikeable and they refuse to properly rebuild... and the Caps run was good too

[@Jebusrulez]

Everyone knew that the winner of that series was going to win the cup.

[@chrisuncleahmad]

Everyone “knew” that a series between two middling 3rd place teams sleepwalking all season until falling behind 0-2 was going to win the Cup?

[@Jebusrulez]

@@chrisuncleahmad Yeah, look at who was playing in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Kings and Blackhawks were miles better, hence why the Kings won in 5 over the Rangers.

[@vvwvvw8777]

@@chrisuncleahmad You do realize this series was between the 2 previous Stanley Cup champions right?

[@chrisuncleahmad]

@@Jebusrulez “miles better” = average 3rd place teams that sleepwalked for 82 games

[@Jebusrulez]

@chrisuncleahmad Betting odds at that time back me up, Kings were -170 to win the cup vs the Rangers, the Kings were huge favorites going in correctly and the Blackhawks would have been as well. Do you disagree with this video that the actual Stanley Cup Final occurred a round earlier.

[@georgehe1473]

WFC Kings vs Hawks was a battle of dynasties

[@TranslatedAssumption]

That certainly makes Pittsburgh a dynasty.

[@MicahOttley]

​@@TranslatedAssumptionDefinitely. 3 cups is a dynasty. 2 out of 3 cups is legendary but not a dynasty imo

[@chrisuncleahmad]

And a battle of the two most annoying teams in hockey

[@robertgarcia3645]

Best dynasty rivalry all time as a kings fan blackhawks will always have my respect

[@manzac112]

One of them was pretty damn tainted.

[@davidbarraza1294]

Man what mutual respect I had for the Blackhawks they were the only one stopping the kings of a 3 peat

[@MSZFilms]

It’s funny how that works bc LA also stopped CHI’s 3 peat ahaa💯 miss the rivalry they had

[@TranslatedAssumption]

Let me borrow your crystal ball so I can be like Biff with the sports betting

[@davidbarraza1294]

@@MSZFilms they don’t make rivalries like this anymore lol

[@ethanparker7900]

those back to back conference final matchups between the kings and hawks in 2013 and 2014 were surely fun. The entire 2010s altogether was so fun and intense and low scoring and tough. Thats what made the game as fun as it was.

[@regalthelion]

My parents took me to game 1 of this series for my 10th birthday. Best birthday ever!! It was also the only year I ever had a party, and when I opened my card there it said "PS: WE'RE GOING TO THE HAWKS GAME TOMORROW!!" So we went to the Hawks game, and had the time of our lives.

[@Carpetrider125]

Possibly my greatest hockey memories were watching this Kings playoff run. Chicago vs LA was an awesome rivalry, I miss it a lot. Great vid!

[@gateguardian44]

Biased as a Kings fan, the 2014 Western Conference Finals was the best hockey I have ever seen in my life. So much drama, history, storylines and overall fantastic play from both sides. Underdog Kings looked to near sweep and had it almost slip away. It took overtime in game 7 to cap off the series where all the goals had crazy bounces.

[@seanwalters1977]

Reminds me of peak Red Wings/Avalanche rivalry in the late 90's/early 2000's. Many times that series was the Stanley Cup

[@chrisuncleahmad]

Although twice the winner of those series lost to Dallas

[@seanwalters1977]

@@chrisuncleahmad Sure but in '96 Avs beat the Wings in the WCF, then smoked Florida in the Finals. '97 Wings beat the Avs in the WCF then smoked the Flyers in the Finals. 2002 Wings beat the Avs in the WCF then go on and smoke the Hurricanes in the Finals.

[@avg8056]

Kings fan here. Hands down the best 7 game series I've seen in any sport. When CHI took a 2-0 lead in game 7, I had given up. I believed the Kings had majorly choked at that point. Even when the Kings clawed their way back twice to tie the game, it just felt like CHI was gonna win the game. I could barely watch the OT period, expecting one was gonna get past Quick. But then Martinez floated one towards Crawford, it felt like it had a chance. Even when it went in, I didn't believe it. Just a crazy, heart pounding series! I know it's easy to say the winner of this series was going to win the Cup because LA won the series 4-1, but most of those games went to OT, with LA having to comeback almost every time. NY was good!

[@chrisuncleahmad]

3 good games out of 7 does not make the best 7 game series in any sport Until game 5 OT, this was just another run of the mill matchup

[@avg8056]

@@chrisuncleahmad curious, is game 7 one of your three "good" games? Or is it just the ones the Blackhawks won?

[@chrisuncleahmad]

@@avg8056 yes Game 7 was good Games 1-4 were not much to write home about

[@brandonwolak836]

As a Blackhawks fan, this was the most heartbreak I had ever felt in my life. Everyone knew at the time whoever won this series was winning the cup and we would of had a possible three-peat. Who do I put the blame on in this series, it's Crawford, this was easily the worst series Crawford has ever had and if you look at the numbers across all 7 games its truly abysmal. Game 1 was business as usually Hawks win 4-1. Game 2 is where everything changes on one save. Hawks are up 2-0 and Quick robs a Versteeg Seabrook 2 on 0. Unbelievable save. Kings scored 6 straight they win. They also win games 3 and 4. Hawks win game 5 in double OT and game 6 convinced me we were winning the series at the time. Then Game 7 became the biggest nightmare I ever had. The biggest problem with the Hawks in the series was that they could not keep a damn lead. Crawford gave up a lot of bad goals which didn't help either. Hawks are up 1-0, 2-0, 3-2, and 4-3 in this game and lose off a bizarre deflection. Truly the one that got away. Crawford has a semi-decent series, we win easily. Toews and Kane were dynamite and their performance and one of them getting another conn smythe was wasted. Nick Leddy and Brandon Saad were also fantastic and had true breakouts, and of course Leddy would be gone next season. Also love my MVP Ben Smith.

[@ethanparker7900]

i bet LA fans feel the same way about the year prior even though that one was in five. But the 2014 was like a now we're even type of thing. 1/2 for both clubs. I for the most part don't blame crawford I blame the defense mostly. yes their were some easy saves Crawford should've made but mostly I would la it on the defense

[@toewstokane9023]

Yeah this one hurt a lot. I’ll never forget that Game 7.

[@joshuaaustin3922]

Get over it bro! Shit happens. U spent all that time writing down all that??

[@colinsinder9100]

This was the one that got away for sure. However I don’t know if we win the cup in 15 if we don’t lose here in 14

[@ethanparker7900]

exactly man some things are blessings in disguises. And I personally am sort of glad the kigns got some sort of revenge cause now both teams are 50/50 with each other. Both are 1/2 so both clubs have closure in their own ways @@colinsinder9100

[@jonathanochoa7064]

Loved this video so glad someone made a vid about this amazing series

[@cashvolpe4775]

I was at game 7 of this series, absolutely heartbreaking loss i still rememeber watching it go blocker high over and over😢

[@jonruffolo]

sick video, miss these days as a hawks fan. the physicality in these clips is brutal! what a competition!

[@ThatGenXGuy8794]

That LA Kings team had destiny written all over them. The 2014 Western Conference Finals was some of the best hockey I've ever seen -- and I've been a huge hockey fan since 1980!

[@hadoct1315]

If the kings would have beat the hawks in a couple more of the conference finals we would be talking about the kings as the best dynasty in the last 20 years. Crazy to think these two teams were the best teams in the world for a 5 year stretch. And in the same conference

[@MicahOttley]

They only played in two conference finals. Hawks had a 7-5 record against the kings. Kings were great but it's hard to imagine the kings would have won more than they lost had they of met a few more times in the conference finals.

[@Tansle620]

Whenever Detroit and Colorado met in the late 90's early 00s. So unfortunately this series you mention doesn't even compare to those series back then.

[@michaelb369]

Unbelievable series. Great video!

[@crixus4040]

thank you for this, an amazing trip down memory lane

[@ravinderaujla1321]

2 best teams of the decade

[@Kartkid024]

Hawks and Penguins were the 2 best of the decade.

[@leibmenter2331]

I remember rushing home from work between regulation and OT to try to not miss a second. Got home about 3 minutes into OT, already had my blood pressure through the roof, and then got to watch the Kings finally overcome the hurdle that was the Blackhawks. That night will live forever in my memory.

[@EliasBoesersson]

Marian Gaborik might have been the best trade deadline pickup ever. He had 14 goals during this playoff run

[@seandiaz99]

This is true great pick up

[@GarretMartinn]

2002. Detroit in Colorado. Epic series. There was no doubt whoever won that series was going to win the cup. Yes the last game was a blowout. But an amazing series that I still get goosebumps over 22 years later.

[@neutralsportsfan17]

Every Wings vs Avs WCF series was for the cup.

[@jbellflower83]

I remember that. I was a big Devils fan at the time but I always watched Colorado and Detroit because it was always peak hockey.

[@alexhalcomb3914]

in 96 they played in the second round. Which is wild because the wings had one of the greatest regular seasons ever. The avs dominated the panthers in the finals @@neutralsportsfan17

[@GarretMartinn]

No, they played conference finals in 96 and 97. 99 and 2000 were second round games. Then conference finals in 2002 and second round in 2008.

[@Rodanguirus]

All three Wings-Avs conference finals ('96, '97, '02) have a case, being hotly contested series that went at least 6 games, between intense rivals (well, the first one established an intense rivalry), and the winner went on to steamroll the finals. But I'm going to call special attention to the 2002 WCF, my favorite playoff matchup in any sport (from the admittedly biased standpoint of a Detroit fan): -Stacked rosters, with over a dozen eventual HOFers. The Wings had more talent on paper, but several of their biggest stars had just arrived in Detroit that season, while the Avs were defending Cup champs, and arguably had more familiarity/chemistry. -The two top teams in the West (the Avs did finish two games behind Boston, but the West was so much better, that it was pretty fair to consider them the two top teams in the league overall). -Hasek vs. Roy in net. -They had met in 4 of the last 6 postseasons, and each claimed 2 of the last 6 Cups. -The series went 7 games. -Games 2-5 were all decided by one goal. Three of them went to OT. -Game 1 was still a tight 5-3, and the difference-maker was Darren McCarty, probably the most hated Wing by Colorado fans, scoring a hat trick. -Game 6's game-winner was scored after Roy lost track of the puck while attempting to flex on the Wings with his "Statue of Liberty" pose. -In Game 6, the Avs attempted to gain a 5-on-3 PP by accusing Hasek of having an illegal stick. Turns out it was perfectly legal, and they negated their own PP entirely. -In that series, Hasek broke the record (co-held by Roy at the time) for most shutouts in a single postseason run. He tied the record in that game where they tried to nail him for illegal equipment, and passed it in Game 7. -Yeah, Game 7 was a total blowout, which is only really fun if you hate the Avs. But as a Wings fan, that was ridiculously fun. Hearing the Detroit crowd sarcastically cheer Roy for making easy saves after the game was basically already decided in the 1st period was so satisfying.

[@LAHockeyMaxx]

As a kid I was fortunate enough to go to game 3 in LA. Absolutely incredible experience, it's what cemented my love for this sport. That series was the finals and everyone knew it. The greatest playoff series in NHL history no doubt

[@Carlos88R]

Still remember watching that puck float towards the net. My heart sank twice, once the shot was fired, and again when it went in the net. 14 years old and it was a heartbreaker. Those two teams ran the west for the first half of the 2010's and it showed. Legendary stories born of these battles, wonder when we'll see these two teams go at it like this again. Great video man, really hope this channel starts getting the love it deserves. Production value is beyond professional, keep it up man you got the stuff!

[@MSZFilms]

Thank you so much man 💯🙏

[@MicahOttley]

Given that the two teams combined for a 5-0 in stanley cup finals series, I'd say it's fair to say they ran the league, not just their conference.

[@westonlewis379]

This series is literally what cemented my absolute love for the game of Hockey above all other sports.

[@gregchezick7757]

2018 saw the best 2 teams in the regular season meet in the second round, Jets vs the Predators, the series went the distance and when it ended the Jets had nothing left when they faced the GKnights. Damn was that a great series.

[@kylek2396]

This gets me hyped for this years playoffs

[@joegattog6695]

Game 7 will never cease to bug me. Not only was Jeff Carter offsides but he also knocked the puck in off a high stick

[@loganshevchenko447]

Watched every game if this series it was fantastic! Possibly the greatest series of the 2010s. Hawks vs Ducks the following year was a classic also!

[@Max88188]

That OT goal was so deflating no matter what side you were on.

[@Somedayfishing]

This was a great video man

[@alexevanoski4588]

Best series I have watched in years.

[@RyanZielinski]

Being a Hawks fan in attendance for Game 7, the most heartbreaking loss i've ever witnessed, i remember thinking when it was shot "oh boy this doesn't look good"

[@chrisuncleahmad]

As someone who couldn’t stand either of these teams I wish they both could have lost

[@Hockeyfan268]

The Hawks and Kings fan bases have a great respect for eachother then and still. Coming from Chicago, I always loved rooting for the Kings whenever they play. If the hawks ain’t in it, and the kings are? Let’s go kings!!

[@johnny1123]

I remember a decade ago seeing this game out at a compound out in Grass Valley, CA. It was our senior trip for grad school, a few of my colleagues and I opted out of doing a trip to the nearby lake strictly because of Game 7. While many of my colleagues thought I made a bad decision, others understood my diehard fandom for the LA Kings. I remember not sitting down the entire duration of the game. We were witnessing 2 heavyweights throw knockout blow after knockout blow at each other. Even one of my colleagues who stayed behind, who wasn’t a hockey fan said that this Game 7 was the most exciting sporting event she had ever seen. From a personal standpoint, I always loved how the Kings vs Blackhawks playoff rivalry of the 2010’s was one that didn’t lack the bad blood per se, but a mutual respect for one another’s sheer talent and tenacity. There was no way after this 2014 Conference Finals, that any Eastern team had a chance against the victor of this series, which I was happy/relieved was my Kings!

[@mickhoddy]

Best series ever honestly…

[@nolankuffner3573]

To back up that statement: 7 games, 2 OT finals, Chicago vs LA: 28 minutes of OT. 5 games, 3 OT finals, LA vs NYR: 70+ minutes of OT. One series had less than 1.5 periods of OT and lasted 7 games. The other series had 3.5 periods of OT and lasted 5 games. LA and Chicago were basically the same team, built the same way. It's unsurprising that the series was mostly close games. The Finals was more interesting on the whole, outside of that 3-0 loss, the only game where Quick actually outplayed Henrik.

[@joegattog6695]

Found the coping Rangers fan lol. Sorry but the Rangers didn’t have any elite forwards No Norris level Dmen. They had an elite goalie but that was it. Nash is a bum in the playoffs. St Louis was washed, and Stepan, Brassard, Kreider were not even first line talents let alone stars to hang with either team Rangers were literally a pile of snow away from getting swept lmao

[@GregAllenF1]

@@joegattog6695pretty ignorant on hockey I see. McDonagh was an elite D man that would go on to win two cups with the Bolts. Brad Richards was already a cup winner and would win a cup again literally the next year with the Hawks. Tell me you know nothing about hockey without telling me lmao. While we are on the point, LA got a late BS call in game 1 that allowed them to tie the game late. They got a other late call that was questionable in game 2 that let them tie the game late. That series easily could have been 3-1 Rangers but easily should have been 2-2. Kings were amazing and I do think they were a little better, but don’t be a moron. It was close.

[@joegattog6695]

@@GregAllenF1 Brad Richards was 36 and past his prime he couldn’t even keep up with play watch that series again lol. He was not why the hawks won in 2015 such a peak clown ass take Also McDonnagh was a 2nd pairing D on one of the most stacked cup teams of the cap era not as great of an argument you think it is. He was no where near a Norris level Dman just a mid tier at best #1 Look at the shot maps that series LA controlled play and possession all series it’s a miracle that games even went to overtime with how weak New Yorks team was outside of Hank. You’re comparing prime Kopitar, Gaborik, Brown, Richards, Carter, the 70s line, Williams. To a bunch of 2nd line players and a 38 year old Martin St. Louis lol. Rangers got skewered and Hank along with a pile of snow at the net was the only thing that prevented it from being a sweep. Also forget to mention LA played 3 straight 7 game wars against 3 better teams than New York entering the finals

[@GregAllenF1]

@@joegattog6695 NY also played 2 game 7’s that year. You know so little about hockey I can’t even waste time talking to you lmao. Such an embarrassing take for you to have. LA got gifted games 1 and 2 with calls that would not have been made if they were the road team. Full stop. They had no business being in games 1 or 2. Anyway, I won’t respond to nameless ignorant fans anymore. Not worth my time lmao. Go troll some 12 year old boys bud.

[@IdolMiyu]

As a Hawks fan, this series was so intense and nail-biting, and i thought we would be done for after game 4. I was so devastated after Martinez's GWG in game 7 and couldn't help but imagine to this day how loud the United Center would erupt if chicago won that match. Much respect for LA and their fans.

[@davidbarraza1294]

Man what a series !

[@ChrisAshtear]

this was such a heartbreaker of a series.

[@michaelmontalto]

One of the most heartbreaking losses in Hawks history. But then we had 2015 :)

[@christopherfrederick9235]

This was the greatest playoff series of all time.

[@rbjeans007]

You may want to check out the late 80s. For 8 years straight the western conference (Campbell Conference) representative in the finals was either Calgary or Edmonton. Winning 6 of the 8 cups. They were also considered the 2 best teams in hockey for Many of those years. Many of those years they played each other in the 2nd round due to the divisional structure of the playoffs at the time.

[@BKbandits5]

I’ll never forget the 2010 Kane OT winner, and the 2014 Leddy deflection. In my basement for both, sitting in the same chair watching on the same TV 4 years apart.

[@elijahperez6506]

And in the end, the good guys won.

[@jameskinsella6720]

The three consecutive years that the Penguins and Capitals played each other, with the winners of each series going on to win the Cup. Especially when the Capitals finally beat the Pens, I even congratulated my buddy who is a Caps fan on winning the Cup right after the Pens series, because it felt academic at that point.

[@jbellflower83]

Caps fan here. Thank you for the respect. Those were great series and we all were better off for getting to watch them. When Kuzy scored that series winner, I never celebrated so hard. Years of heartbreak and frustration vindicated in that moment. You guys were quite a hurdle to get over. You had a great team. Respect.

[@jameskinsella6720]

@jbellflower83 thanks, but I'm a Canucks fan so I'm hoping now is the time for me to be able to celebrate haha!

[@jamj2912]

I hope you do a video on 2017 Pens-Sens ECF which ended in a 2OT game 7

[@lunarmizt388]

Sabres in the 05 Season or 03 season had the same thing happen to them Straight up finals match in the CF.

[@d.c.courtney4953]

There is no doubt that the winner of this series was winning the cup. You could feel it, these two teams were inevitable. I wish my Hawks could have won and then gotten 3 in a row, but I have nothing but respect for the Kings. This is still one of my favorite series ever, up there with 2013 Chicago-Detroit.

[@justinfowich6662]

Knowing in hindsight that the Blackhawks were theoretically one goal from a three-peat is painful. It was an amazing series, though, and everyone knew at the time that whoever won would slaughter the Rangers.

[@genngeorge9909]

Brutal. Unfathomably brutal. Skilled scarred.

[@lilgustav5065]

This is sort of how i felt when Nashville #1 went against winnipeg #2 in the 2nd round 2017-18 season. Went the full 7 Games it was amazing to watch as a jets fan

[@chrisuncleahmad]

Wasn’t that great. All 4 WPG wins were by at least 2 goals

[@mbcs0423]

I still remember that goal by marion gaborik like it was yesterday, sitting in my living room with my king’s jersey on, jumping for my fucking life lol it was pretty good game to watch live and I don’t think hockey has made me cry since😂

[@michaelbuczek1767]

Even though I was there to see the game 7 OT loss in person. What a great series it indeed was.

[@rods4953]

As a Kings fan, this series was the highest point in team history. Beating Chicago in Game 7 of the WCF felt better than winning the two cups we won in 12 and 14.

[@dynasty2146]

Ducks vs Blackhawks was for sure the finals in my book.

[@davidhunter6134]

2 best teams in the NHL in 2014. June 1st, 2014 - my heart broke. Justin Williams. Poor Leddy - not his fault the puck bounced over his shoulder.

[@jeffadventures1]

Knights Winnipeg 2018, greatest 5 game series... Jets were by far the better team, but Knights got timely goals and Fleury was on GOD MODE

[@billkeogh639]

The greatest NHL playoff series in about 35 years at least.

[@raymondnellis3277]

During this playoffs series, I wasn't even nervous of losing as a blackhawks fan. Imagine my surprise. I was also 14 and spoiled with that greatness lol. Congrats kings.

[@HawksFan5884]

Why does no one ever talk about how Williams slashed leddys stick right out of his hands 5 seconds before the GWG. Forcing him out of position to pick it up & giving Williams free ice behind the net to pass to Martinez at the point?🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@metraking192]

This was the most painful series loss during the glory days as a Blackhawks fan. If I could reverse one thing that happened during that time frame. It would be winning this series

[@corngreaterthanwheat]

Having been a Chicagoan living in LA at the time, this both hurt and ruled.

[@daniellerchbacker8836]

Carter was offsides and his stick was above the crossbar. But the hockey gods didn’t call it.

[@illsuive]

Epic series, against two stacked gritty talented evenly matched teams with almost no weaknesses. It came down to just a fortunate bounce in the right direction. 2 of the strongest playoff teams of all time. I think both fanbases had respect for the other after these battles. Carter was huge that series, people forget how good he was, and if anything the Kings may have had the mental edge after that San Jose series. In contrast the final against the Rangers was the easiest series for the Kings that entire playoffs. Sorry Rangers fans. Hope the Hawks get their shiz together so we can do this again

[@dylanwolfer8111]

As a blackhawks fan, this series was so heartbreaking

[@Kartkid024]

Hawks got screwed that round unfortunately. I remember that playoffs, at the time it was said to be one the NHL will want to forget thanks to the Officials. The ironic thing is it was the LA media that wrote an article in the first round about how bad the officials were and were worried it would change the outcome, but then deleted it almost immediately after they won the cup.

[@gagnon39]

One goal away from three straight Cups and four over six years. Still, the Blackhawks had a ridiculous run.

[@aschmidty11]

As much as I’d like to blame Crawford for some “easy” goals let in, the real downfall for CHI in 2014 was OT. Round 1 they essentially played 8 games. Round 2 was basically just 6 games and the WCF was about 8 games as well. Hawks were just dead tired by the end of it all

[@IndeclineKills]

One of the best series probably in the modern era

[@stevenschmidt3464]

I mean, this was the Red Wings and the Avalanche for a decade, starting in the mid-90s

[@tigerwoods7788]

Pens vs Caps was basically the finals for 3 straight years

[@joegattog6695]

The winner would literally need 7 games to win the conference finals every year so that’s not true at all

[@chrisuncleahmad]

Thanks to that idioctic divisional playoff format

[@vvwvvw8777]

Not really, both went to 7 against Tampa which obviously has also been a contender for the last 10 years or so, I think they just as easily could’ve beaten either team too

[@TheBehnny]

Well done

[@dre_boyce]

one of my childhood memories

[@CaptainPorkyGonka]

As a Hawks fan I can't stand this series, even with hindsight and another cup. But as a pure HOCKEY fan? Holy shit am I glad that I got to experience this in real time.

[@marzix427]

Classic series, kings and Hawks were the 2 best teams in the league for 4 years in a row.

[@ryandewilkins5255]

This man has never given Jonathan Toews his flowers in any of these videos.

[@MSZFilms]

Just wait for the Toews Video💯

[@michaeltucci3038]

Game 7 was freaKing nuts

[@SupplementalSense]

I usually don't care what happens in the Western Conference, but this series was so satisfying. I really enjoyed the Blackhawks losing for some reason.

[@ethanparker7900]

I mean yah to a degree it sucked but also it is cool to see the kings get their revenge so its like a now we're even scenario for both clubs. 1/2 for both sides

[@TranslatedAssumption]

I loved watching the Blackhawks lose and celebrated with one of my friends. I was tired of them being the league darling and being crammed down everyone's throat. We're seeing version 2.0 of this ever since they "won" the draft lottery for Conor Bedard

[@ethanparker7900]

well we all know they aren't winning anything anytime soon i mean it is gonna take more than 1 18 year old to get to the top @@TranslatedAssumption

[@SupplementalSense]

@@TranslatedAssumption Kane is still the league darling it seems.

[@robertaBooey69]

As a kings fan we knew this was the cup once by the hawks. Five year span it was either or. First cup was so amazing then for it to happen again

[@brettrossi034]

Damn its pretty cool how the first 2 rounds for LA was against San Jose AND Anaheim. 2 series in which you take part in a battle for California NHL supremacy. Those early 2010s Kings teams were tough. I remember watching my Devils face off with them in the 2012 cup final and how dominant they were.

[@chrisuncleahmad]

They were lucky.

[@Tombauer97]

I don’t recall ever screaming as loud as I did when Martinez scored in overtime in Game 7

[@davidhaworth7152]

Happened a lot more than once.

[@johndavemikemate2638]

If forgot Martin jones was the backup goalie

[@poejavelski148]

There’s been a few times the cup finals was a round early. 2014, 2007, 2006, 2002, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, etc.

[@peterolbrisch8970]

So vhem Kane scores late in the third in game six against Tampa the following year, I'm sitting there kind of pissed off, thinking that this should be their third cup in a row. I hope this brings some joy to Kings fans, because I would have been just as merciless had the hawks won.

[@luketsotsos4706]

Islanders vs lightning in 2021 was so clearly the battle to see who wins the cup. I think the islanders with home ice against the habs would’ve been a massacre.

[@chrisuncleahmad]

Isles/Habs would have been the worst SCF ever

[@mikenighbor4524]

The avalanche and Oilers a couple years back and Detroit Colorado series are comparable