AWESOME RIVALRIES: 7 Stanley Cup Matchups That Never Happened

Explore the world of unrealized rivalries in the NHL as we delve into seven potential Stanley Cup matchups that never came to fruition. From viewer suggestions to dream scenarios, join us as we discuss why these matchups would have been intriguing and captivating for hockey fans. Discover the missed opportunities, the what-ifs, and the excitement of imagining these hypothetical Stanley Cup finals. Dive into the realm of hockey speculation and uncover the stories behind these unrealized rivalries that could have changed the course of NHL history.
Shop New Twisted Wrister Merch! twisted-wrister-hockey.creato...
Watch Next:
• Fall of the Hartford Whalers: • HEARTBREAK in Hartford...
• The Crazy Nordiques-Canadiens Rivalry: • "The Most SAVAGE Games...
• The Scariest Hockey Player there Ever Was: • "He was the SCARIEST H...
Get EXCLUSIVE CONTENT with a Twisted Wrister Hockey Membership: more live streams, videos, and more! Join Here: / @twistedwristerhockey
Support TWH:
• Buy Twisted Wrister Hockey Merch: twisted-wrister-hockey.creato...
• Join our Discord community: / discord
• Like, Subscribe, and Follow @Nick_Pinkerton (X) + @twistedwristerhockey (Instagram) for banger hockey content
• SuperThanks are appreciated! Also...
• PayPal: [e-mail]
• Venmo: @twistedwristerhockey
• Business & collaboration inquiries: [e-mail]
Thanks for tuning in!
#nhl #stanleycup #stanleycupplayoffs

[@TwistedWristerHockey]

Thanks for watching, Twisters! I love producing all sorts of videos covering historical topics, but in order to keep dedicating myself to this full-time, I need help. In short, I'm interested in knowing how many viewers may be interested in supporting the channel as an investor - someone who makes a one-time contribution and earns back a small percentage of the channel's revenue. If you have any interest in helping this way, head over to twistedwrister.oversubscribe.co/ to indicate that you'd hypothetically consider investing in our channel & community.

[@mkailov13]

Can't believe Pens and Hawks never went head to head in the 2010s.

[@Mck499]

I wasn't a fan at the time, but a 2013 Pens Hawks finals woulda be bomb. 2009 would of been cool too. But I like it better being Red Wings vs Pens, that revenge series was cool

[@CAPTAINROCKET691]

Should've happened in 2013 and 2017, one win apiece

[@michaelleroy9281]

Oh well they met in 1992

[@strykesss9460]

@@CAPTAINROCKET691yea, I agree. It feels like they peaked at different times

[@brettpatterson404]

Penguins vs Avalanche in 1996. Sakic and Forsberg vs Lemieux and Jagr Would’ve been epic.

[@strongarm_11]

Lightning vs Knight would have definitely been a great matchup, sucks we never got to see it.

[@user-dc8ze6ch3m]

I am a Habs fan and Gretzky is my favorite ever.It would have been great to see Canadiens/Oilers in 86.Lemieux vs Gretzky too in the 90s.

[@serialmiller1987]

Great concept! As for my favourite cup final, I'll have to go with The Penguins VS Red Wings from 2009. The Penguins redemption arc was truly an incredible story.

[@TwistedWristerHockey]

One of my favorite moments ever was Fleury's last-second diving save in Game 7 🌸

[@serialmiller1987]

@@TwistedWristerHockey amen to that. The flower was truly in bloom that night.

[@aceassn716]

Lets not forget Marian Hossa chasing the cup being on the losing end for both teams 08&09

[@serialmiller1987]

@@aceassn716 Yup, it took one more year and one more team, but Hossa was able to hoist the cup.

[@EasyTarget82]

Leafs-Red wings in 2002 Leafs-Rangers in 1994 Kings-Bruins in 2010s

[@timothyflanigan1777]

Definately would have loved a Boston La final. especially if Thomas and Quick were the goalies.

[@TwistedWristerHockey]

^ So true!

[@basicmeme1040]

​@@timothyflanigan1777thomas was ready to go once quickie hit his prime

[@timothyflanigan1777]

@@basicmeme1040 2012, the year after the Cup, Thomas was still a very good goal tender.

[@pianotalent6437]

2010’s Chicago vs Pittsburgh 😢 way too many similarities aside from the fact that they were both revived franchises with so many young players Toews and Kane vs Crosby and Malkin Keith and Seabrook vs Letang and Gonchar Sharp vs Staal Shaw vs Cooke Crawford vs Fleury Not to mention Hossa getting another shot against his old team in the finals. Would’ve been the best finals we could’ve gotten in that era without a doubt.

[@logandetwiler4483]

Kings versus Devils in 2012. Dustin Brown lifts the cup for the very first time in the kings. 45 year history.

[@supermarioharvey2174]

A matchup that we missed was the Minnesota Wild vs New Jersey Devils in 2003. Hear me out, the Wild were a Cinderella story in 03, and comeback to win their first two series in seven. The Finals that year went to seven games plus had they came back to beat the Ducks it would be in seven. Minnesota would have been the first team in NHL history to win every series to the Stanley Cup in seven games.

[@TwistedWristerHockey]

Great pick, not to mention their head coach was former Devils bench boss and Cup champion in '95, Jacques Lemaire!

[@jasonfire3434]

Wild vs. Devils sounds like a match made in trap hell back then lol. Would’ve been a super boring series

[@jbellflower83]

That Devils team was on a mission to avenge their 01 loss. They weren't going to allow another team to beat them. The Ducks did give them a phenomenal series though. JSG was amazing.

[@wyattburns2467]

Some other matchups I would’ve liked to see Ducks vs. Rangers in the mid 2010s Canucks vs. Devils in 2003 Oilers vs. Nordiques in the 80s Red Wings vs. Senators in the early to mid-2000s

[@xenialafleur]

Hurricanes - Oilers 2006. My mom and I attended all the games in Raleigh. Fernando Pisani still haunts my dreams.

[@mr.ilikespam6081]

for me it's the 2014 cup final Montreal vs LA the 93 finale rematch

[@basicmeme1040]

La wouldve slaughtered them

[@elizabethmarkoe7776]

When Nick was listing best Goaltender I was holding my breath like an angry child but I did hear you mention Mike Smith 2 twice so I did get some air! Jordan Benningten was very good in 2019; and still is but there are so many other talents!

[@jbellflower83]

While the idea of the French connection line against the late 70s Canadians sounds intriguing, that Montreal defense was maybe the best ever. I suspect they would have flustered the Sabres and shut them down. And even if you get past that D you still had Ken Dryden in net. That team was too stacked for anyone to stop them at that time.

[@DodgerFan1988]

1979 almost had the Cup Finals between the Dynasty Canadiens and the up and coming Dynasty Islanders. But the Rangers upset the Isles in the semifinals.

[@aceassn716]

Potvin sucks! Potvin sucks! Hahaha

[@mynameisaegis]

I was happy to see the Lightning vs Vegas on here. I often think of how close we were to an absolutely bitter rivalry between Tampa and Vegas. In both 2018, 2020, and 2021 those two teams were both conference finalists. Tampa losing in 2018 and Vegas losing in 2020/2021 prevented us from a potential bitter rivalry.

[@onebadghoulrhinomite2008]

As a Penguins fan, my favorite Stanley Cup Final is a difficult decision. However, I have to go with 2009 against the Red Wings. We were total underdogs all series, had a coaching change in the middle of the season, and we won the cup. I always watch Game 7 at least once a year, especially considering it was sweet getting our revenge against the Red Wings after they beat us in 2008.

[@DodgerFan1988]

1982, we could have had the Triple Crown Line Kings vs the Dynasty Islanders, but the Kings lost to the Canucks who went on to face the Isles in the Finals.

[@TwistedWristerHockey]

Ah yes, the year of the Miracle on Manchester!

[@andrewmorris9200]

Honestly, I would’ve loved to have seen in the early 2010’s The Penguins vs the Blues.

[@basicmeme1040]

Werent they the best offense and defense resoectively in 2012

[@andrewmorris9200]

@@basicmeme1040 I believe so, I just couldn’t remember the specific year. Would’ve been a hell of a fun series.

[@Jacksonhutchins69]

That whould be a very good series even a game seven maybe just depends on one year I would say 2013

[@rileyholden-zc9ip]

We got robbed of Vegas vs Tampa bay

[@basicmeme1040]

Carey had one last gasp. But yeah he messed up the west big time

[@DodgerFan1988]

2014 I wanted a rematch of the 1993 Cup Finals between the Kings vs Canadiens. Jonathan Quick vs Carey Price. But the Canadiens fell to the Rangers.

[@jasonfire3434]

Some other good ones we missed out on Edmonton vs. Montreal 1986 Montreal vs. Toronto 1993 Rangers vs. Detroit 1994 Toronto vs. Detroit 2002 Ottawa vs. Detroit 2006 Chicago vs. Washington 2017

[@unklesalty3732]

For 93, alot of pundits were salivating over a possible Wings/Penguins matchup having the two best offenses going at it for the Cup.

[@DodgerFan1988]

1990 Dream matchup: Defending Cup Champions Flames vs President Trophy winner Bruins. Al MacInnis vs Ray Bourque.

[@DevilFish69]

Gretzky's Kings vs Lemieux's Penguins in 1993.

[@ZIMMY0719]

The bear year for the penguins black hawks was defintely 2013. Both were in the final 4 in a peak season where LA Chicago Boston and Pitt (the core 4 of that era imo) were all remaining. Bruins hawks was a classic but imagine pens hawks.

[@user-hr1gw3qr8w]

Don't know about Hockey but the best Super Bowl we were robbed of was the rematch between the 85 Chicago Bears and the only team to best them in 85 the Miami Dolphins...it would have set all time records

[@callme.geee_]

as a fan, my favorite was the 2023 Stanley cup… as a whole, my favorite has gotta be the 97 AND the 98 wings.. just a clinic in skating, passing, shooting and scoring the entire playoffs by those guys

[@LCSteeler16]

One of my favorite moments is Patrick Hornquist’s goal vs the predators, I wish the Pens get to the cup final in 93 and 96

[@coletonnotto9478]

Great video love this idea

[@DodgerFan1988]

2002 Cup Finals should have been the Red Wings vs Maple Leafs if it weren't for those upset Hurricanes.

[@thpeacemaker]

As a red wings fan, pens vs blackhawks would be an absolute nightmare stanley cup final

[@2911_j_s]

What about 2002,The Chances Of Red Wings Vs Maple Leafs 2013 Kings Vs Bruins 2007 Red Wings Vs Sabres 1997 Red Wings Vs Rangers 1994 Rangers Vs Maple Leafs 1992 Bruins Vs Black Hawks

[@HunterMagunter]

Would have been nice to see a caps vs hawks final

[@basicmeme1040]

2013 #1 offense pens vs #1 defense hawks, but the bruins offense went nuclear that post season.

[@adamhouse6205]

Oilers/lightning in 2022 if they weren't swept by the avs woulda been a great finals match up

[@basicmeme1040]

Idt the oilers defense had what it took for a deep cup run. Im honestly surorused calgary fell as hard as they djd

[@That90sShow]

Lmao.... Would be the lowest viewed final in history.. Passing the 2006 Coilers

[@ELSD45801]

The 1979 Finals could have been the Bruins vs. the Rangers. The Bruins don't get that too many men on the ice call and they beat Montreal.

[@shadowguy20004]

Easy choice we missed Rangers vs Hawks twice... in BACK to BACK years. 2014 & 2015 Hawks lose game 7, following year Rangers lose game 7 Both home teams! Darn Kings n Bolts!

[@jamesericksen3018]

Other than '16 (because I'm a Sharks fan), I'd say my favourite Finals series was Devils-Ducks in 2003 (I know, people say it was boring, but it was the first Finals I watched after returning from the UK), Blackhawks-Flyers in 2010 (that Hawks team rolled the Sharks in the conference final, but the Flyers gave them a fight), or Bruins-Canucks 2011 (again boring to many, but I had fun watching that thing see-saw).

[@douglasschultz9808]

A Pens Blackhawks final would be The Battle of the Front Runners and Bandwagon hoppers

[@DanMcIntyre-Pengwn]

It's kinda too bad the playoff format requires a cross-conference matchup in the end, because there's so many potentially epic series that can't (or can no longer) happen in the final. If I was king, the first round would be division-based like it is now, then the eight remaining teams get seeded by regular season record and play without regard to conference the rest of the way. Imagine if the finals could be between intra-state/province teams, say the Sharks duking it out for the Cup with the Ducks or Kings, a Rangers-Isles sorta-subway series, Toronto-Ottawa, Pittsburgh-Philly, or a War of Alberta. Or the rivalry we're all being denied: Canadiens vs. new Nordiques.

[@hockeyboy379]

90’s Wings or Avs vs Pens or Rangers 00’s Wings or Sharks vs Bruins or Sabres 10’s Hawks vs Pens or Caps 20’s I guess Rangers vs Oilers since I already got my Bolts vs Avs

[@lhsbandfreak11]

Favorite Cup Final (biased): 2006 Hurricanes vs. Oilers Favorite Cup Final (objective): 2009 Penguins vs. Red Wings/2004 Lightning vs. Flames Personal biggest what-if: 2011 Canucks vs. Lightning. The reason for this one would have been for the storyline of Dwayne Roloson getting another shot at and playing for the duration of the Cup Finals after getting hurt in Game 1 of the 2006 Hurricanes vs. Oilers series

[@ChiTownCzech91]

I might be biased being a hawks fan but nothing beats 17 seconds. What a rush .

[@Krobscorner2006]

2001 Pens and Avs; Hollywood couldn't have scripted Mario out of retirement, and Ray going for the cup in his final shot.

[@ob_gynkenobi4014]

This is the correct answer. Good call

[@warriorofthewest3340]

My fav Finals ever? '67...even though I wasn't born until a few decades later. Why? Because I'm a Laughs fan and they will never win again.

[@michaelleroy9281]

2014 should have been a Blackhawks Rangers Stanley Cup Final

[@BillsFan2020]

Anyone Know What Happened The Old Dallas Stars Logo I Prefer The Stars D Logo Over The State Of Texas Alternate Logo

[@Diljabar]

Sabres vs Red Wings in either '98 or '07

[@trailerparkboyz245]

I think we’re gonna get Rangers vs Canucks or Rangers vs Oilers in the finals which is gonna be amazing

[@politicalbandwagon4989]

The sabers and habs did meet in 1975, the Sabers actually won in 6 games. The habs would win the next year starting a streak of 4 straight cup wins.

[@basicmeme1040]

2017 we couldve had a canada cup(sens vs oilers) or crosby vs mcdavid right out the bat.

[@basicmeme1040]

2006 probably shouldve been the sabers.

[@basicmeme1040]

Rangers vs hawks or ducks in 2015. Im still convinced though if the rangers defense was healthy kane and getzlaf wouldve shit themselves.

[@basicmeme1040]

Last year we couldve had canes vs dallas a war of the south

[@mrcontinental824]

I would have added Detroit vs Toronto in the 2002 Cup finals.

[@Ardyrezv]

2018. But I’m biased. Glad we beat Tampa and Vegas 😅

[@DallasStarsFan420]

2018 Golden Knights vs. Penguins 2008 Stars vs Penguins 2003 Devils vs Stars (rematch of 2000) 2022 Oilers vs Rangers 2018 or 2021 Lightning vs Golden Knights and Chicago vs Pittsburgh in 2009, 2010, 2013 or 17

[@jonathanpeck6112]

Ducks vs Capitals 2015 Stanley Cup Finals what if. Thoughts on it?

[@DeanJones13]

Yeah who knows what could have happened if we saw Vegas vs Tampa in 2018. Maybe the outcome could have been different for Vegas.

[@TWISTEDSUNRISEKI]

2011 when Boston Destoryed the canucks i was there at the riots

[@aceassn716]

Trevor Linden jinx lives on

[@sheddingmyvelvet]

since mcdavid and matthews, ive wanted edmonton vs toronto

[@Jacksonhutchins69]

We should’ve had blues vs lightning 2022

[@MandoWarriorCosplay]

Jets vs Capitals/Lightning or Golden Knights vs Lightning in 2018

[@walkingcorpse2704]

I much prefer the goat head jerseys instead of the banana slug jerseys

[@basicmeme1040]

We were robbed of thornton coming home for the final ride in 2019 if the sharks beat the blues.

[@Jacksonhutchins69]

Blues vs canes 2007

[@Jacksonhutchins69]

Blues vs maple leafs 2004

[@mitchellcampbell6181]

We should've had Carolina vs. Dallas in 2023

[@ethanhendricks3078]

Sorry no one was beating the Ducks in 2007… nobody.

[@basicmeme1040]

Yeah if you look at advanced stats that team was insane

[@michaelthompson6800]

dont worry my penguins will hopefully be back to that dominance soon

[@shinyuta]

As a vegas fan, I just want McDavid and the oilers to win a cup. They deserve it.

[@bruin730]

First heh

[@ramimakinen9818]

COLORADO FOR EVER!!!