The path to lifting the Stanley Cup is paved with fierce competition, heart-stopping moments, and incredible displays of skill and determination. Throughout the history of the National Hockey League, winning Game Two of the Stanley Cup Finals has often been a harbinger of success. In this article, we will explore the legacy of teams that have emerged victorious in Game Two, tracing their journey toward claiming the ultimate prize in professional ice hockey.
A History of Memorable Game Two’s
The legacy of Game 2 extends beyond individual moments. It often serves as a crucial turning point in the series. The teams aiming to either maintain momentum or bounce back from a Game 1 loss. Many teams have gone on to win the Stanley Cup after securing a victory in Game 2, underlining the importance of this game in shaping the outcome of the series.
Hockey Dynasties in Game 2
Game two winners frequently went on to capture the Stanley Cup. One notable example is the 1928 New York Rangers. They faced off against the Montreal Maroons. After losing Game One, the Rangers bounced back with a commanding victory in games two. This would set the stage for a series comeback and securing their first-ever Stanley Cup.
Several dynasties have solidified their championship aspirations throughout NHL history by winning game two. The Montreal Canadiens often showcased their dominance in 1957. Facing the Boston Bruins, the Canadiens won Game Two, propelling them towards a five-game series victory and their second consecutive Stanley Cup title.
Another memorable game two occurred in 1971 when the Montreal Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks clashed. With the series tied at 1-1, Canadiens’ goaltender Ken Dryden made a remarkable 43 saves to secure a crucial win for his team. Dryden’s exceptional performance in Game 2 propelled the Canadiens to win the Stanley Cup that year.
The 1984 Edmonton Oilers, one of the greatest teams in NHL history, also relied on the success of game two. Battling the New York Islanders, the Oilers clinched Game Two in overtime, setting the stage for a series that showcased their incredible offensive firepower. Led by Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, the Oilers claimed their first Stanley Cup. Cementing their place in hockey history on their way to their first of five Stanley Cups. Edmonton would become the new dynasty in the NHL.
Modern-Day History of Memorable Game 2’s
Game two has continued to provide hockey fans with unforgettable moments. The Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins faced off in an epic game-one battle that extended into triple overtime. Chicago would win that one but Boston would return the favor. Daniel Paille scored the game-winning goal in game two, giving his team a 2-1 victory. Tying the series at one. The resilience and determination showcased in this game epitomized the spirit of the Bruins in 2013. The Blackhawks would eventually avenge the Bruins, defeating them in six games on their way to their second of three Stanley Cups. The resilience and determination showcased in this game epitomized the spirit of Game 2.
June 15, 2013: Daniel Paille scores the OT winner in Game 2 to tie the Stanley Cup Final 1-1 against the Chicago Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/f0wDx1uL2w
— Mathew Galvao (@mathewgalvao) May 1, 2022
The Los Angeles Kings would have a couple of overtime game two victories. In 2012 they defeated the New Jersey Devils. Jeff Carter would collect his rebound off of Martin Brodeur. Somehow he got it through net-front traffic to secure the victory. In 2014, it was then Kings captain Dustin Brown who would have a net-front deflection off of a Willie Mitchell shot from the point. This goal proved massive as this was one of three games the Kings won in overtime. With one puck bounce going the other way, it could have been the New York Rangers hoisting the Stanley Cup that year.
On June 2, 2012, the @LAKings set an NHL playoff record for longest road winning streak (12 games) when they beat the Devils 2-1 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. The #LAKings won their third consecutive overtime game when Jeff Carter scored 13:42 into sudden death.#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/AbUetZFWBi
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) June 2, 2021
Additionally, in two of their three Stanley Cup victories since drafting Sidney Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins were victorious in 2016 and 2017 in game two. Pittsburgh achieved a 2-0 lead in both series against the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators. They were winning both series in six games. Although the Penguins easily defeated both games, it allowed them to take strangleholds on both series as they headed on the road for game three.
Today in @penguins History: May 31, 2017 – With Game 2 tied 1-1 in the 3rd, the #LetsGoPens 🚨 3-straight from @jakeguentz (2nd 🚨), @smiltztwo3, & @emalkin71geno in a span of 3:18 to beat #Smashville, 4-1, & go up 2-0 in the Stanley Cup Final
Murray 37 🛑pic.twitter.com/P4L6hJkSMY
— PenguinsChronicles (@PensChronicles) May 31, 2023
Teams Who Go Up 2-0 Typically Win The Stanley Cup
Winning game two provides teams with a psychological boost. It can establish themselves crucial momentum that can shape the remainder of the series. Coupled with the confidence gained from a victory in Game Two translates into performance and a sense of control over the series as the location changes for game three.
Teams that secure a game-two win find themselves in favourable positions. They can build on their success. Capitalizing on the momentum generated. They make their opponents regroup and reassess their strategy. 45 of the 50 teams who take a 2-0 lead in Stanley Cup Final history have gone on to win. Therefor game two last night was huge for Vegas. They now have a strangle hold on the series heading now to Florida. The opportunity to make this a quick series is there. This 2-0 lead for Vegas the momentum could be bad for Florida.
Throughout NHL history, winning game two of the Stanley Cup Finals has frequently proven to be a stepping stone to lifting the Stanley Cup. From the league’s early years to today, teams that have triumphed often rode the wave of momentum to championship glory. The ability to control the series and instill confidence in themselves has played a pivotal role in the success of these teams. As future Stanley Cup Finals unfold, the legacy of game two winners will continue to shape the narrative of professional sport’s most prestigious trophy.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
