Revisiting last 3-0 Stanley Cup Final comeback

The Oilers stand on the brink of making hockey history.

While they wouldn’t be the first NHL team to overcome a 3-0 series deficit and capture the Stanley Cup, they would achieve a feat unmatched in decades: completing a stunning comeback from the brink of elimination to claim the ultimate prize.

Edmonton appeared all but defeated after Game 3, facing a Florida Panthers team poised for a rare Stanley Cup sweep with just one road win needed. But the Oilers defied the odds, clawing back to win Game 4, then Game 5, and finally Game 6 to force a decisive Game 7 and level the series at three games each.

Despite the emotional rollercoaster of the last few games for Florida, hope remains alive for the Panthers. They hold a 2-1 home record in the series, drawing inspiration from recent sports history such as the NBA’s Miami Heat, who rebounded from a 3-0 deficit to win Game 7 in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals. However, if the Oilers complete their remarkable turnaround, it will undoubtedly be etched in sports lore for eternity.

Reflecting on the only other team to achieve such a comeback in Stanley Cup Final history takes us back to 1942. The Toronto Maple Leafs faced a similar predicament against the Detroit Red Wings, trailing 3-0 in the series. Against the odds, they stormed back to win four consecutive games, culminating in a dramatic Game 7 victory highlighted by a third-period rally that sealed their championship triumph.

Now, 82 years later, the Oilers, led by stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have a chance to emulate that historic comeback. A victory in Game 7 would not only solidify their place among Edmonton’s hockey legends but also end Canada’s 31-year drought without a Stanley Cup.

As the Oilers prepare for their date with destiny, the stage is set for a captivating finale to a season marked by resilience, drama, and the pursuit of hockey immortality.

 

3-0 comebacks in NHL playoff history

There’s a rare but remarkable breed of comeback in NHL history — the 3-0 series reversal. While there’s only been one such instance in the Stanley Cup Final, there have been four memorable occurrences in the broader annals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The most recent chapter unfolded in 2014, when the Los Angeles Kings engineered a stunning turnaround against the San Jose Sharks. Down 0-3 in their first-round series, the Kings rattled off four consecutive victories, flipping the script to advance. Emboldened by their improbable surge, the Kings surged onward to capture their second Stanley Cup in three years, ultimately prevailing over the New York Rangers in the Final.

For those curious about these rare feats of resilience, here’s a rundown of all the 3-0 comebacks in NHL history, courtesy of SN’s Bryan Murphy.

 

History of 3-0 playoff comebacks

In the realm of sports comebacks, the NHL stands out as the fertile ground for the elusive 3-0 series reversals. Unlike their counterparts in MLB and the NBA, where such feats are exceedingly rare, the NHL has seen multiple teams defy the odds with stunning 3-0 comebacks.

The iconic tale belongs to the 2004 Boston Red Sox, who famously clawed back from a 0-3 deficit against the New York Yankees in the ALCS, paving their way to a World Series sweep over the St. Louis Cardinals. In contrast, the NBA has yet to witness any team mount a successful comeback from a 3-0 series deficit. Despite the drama of 3-1 comebacks in recent years involving teams like the Clippers, Thunder, and Warriors, NBA teams are an impressive 157-0 in series where they’ve held a commanding 3-0 lead.

Across all major North American sports, teams enjoying a 3-0 series advantage boast a staggering record of 402-5. These numbers underscore the monumental challenge faced by the Edmonton Oilers as they fought to prolong the Stanley Cup Final. Yet, with one more victory, the Oilers could etch their names into the annals of sporting lore with one of the most unforgettable comebacks in history.