Best Stanley Cup Final Games of All Time

If you’re a fan of the NHL in general and the Stanley Cup Final in particular, chances are you can recite many of the best moments in its history. It was first awarded to the Montreal Amateur Association back in 1893, and what was supposed to recognize the best hockey team in Canada has grown to become as cherished a trophy as there is in all of sports.

As of this writing, we are awaiting the start of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, and a much-anticipated rematch between the defending-champion Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. These two teams have their work cut out to replicate last season, when the Oilers came roaring out of a 3-0 hole to force a seventh and deciding game. 

Florida did regroup at home to win a tight final game, claiming the first Cup in the history of the franchise. This time, it’s the Oilers with home-ice advantage in the NHL schedule, thus a tepid -130 favorite to win both the opening game and the series. 

We’re legally obligated to remind the readership that a Canadian team hasn’t hoisted the Stanley Cup since the Montreal Canadiens in 1993. The drought is now in its 32nd year and True North is not happy.

Here’s a quickie history lesson of some of the best games in the history of the Cup Final…

1-1942 Game 7…

There were the Detroit Red Wings, having Heimliched a 3-0 lead in the series against the Toronto Maple Leafs and now staring at a seventh and deciding game. Determined not to completely flush it (Wings were outscored, 16-6, in Games 4,5, and 6), Detroit couldn’t stave off the Leafs. Toronto was a 3-1 winner at Maple Leaf Gardens, becoming the first North American team to win a series after trailing, 3-0.

2-1970 Game 4…

There wasn’t much doubt the veteran Boston Bruins were going to dispose of the relatively new St. Louis Blues. Winning the first three games by a combined score of 14-4, Boston was in a tight fourth game at home, so tight that it went to overtime. Then, the Bruins’ Derek Sanderson slipped a behind-the-net pass to Bobby Orr, the latter scoring while “flying” through Boston Garden’s air and giving the B’s their first Cup in 29 years.

3-2024 Game 7…

Seemingly dead in a 3-0 hole versus the Florida Panthers, the aforementioned Edmonton Oilers exhumed themselves with three consecutive victories to force a seventh and deciding game in Sunrise. There, the Panthers regrouped to win a tightly-contested 2-1 game. It was 1-all late in the second period when Florida’s Sam Reinhart scored the winner, giving the Cats a first-ever title. Now, the first Cup rematch since 2008 (won by the Detroit Red Wings) and 2009 (won by the Pittsburgh Penguins).

Those are three games chosen by this author. There are many others on the NHL schedule…   

Where Are Stanley Cups So Special?

The NHL Final, and with it a chance to lift the Stanley Cup, is as dramatic an event as seen in sports. There are a number of reasons Cups are special, and not the least of which is hard-fought superiority over the other 31 teams in the NHL. Hoisting the trophy, then passing it teammate-to-teammate (along with having one’s name etched on it) is one of the grandest traditions in any form of competition. 

Then, the Cup hits the road, with each player getting a day to take it anywhere and everywhere.

It’s no surprise that even a grizzled Cup-winning ‘veteran’ can’t wait to get his hands on it again.  

We can’t swear what happened when the first Cup was presented back in 1893, but it’s safe to assume the Montreal Amateur Association enjoyed the experience.

Why Is It Called the Stanley Cup?

It’s the Stanley Cup Final because the Cup was originally donated by Lord Frederick Arthur Stanley, then the Governor General of Canada. Estimates had it originally costing about $50, though it’s now priceless. 

Does BetUS Offer Constant Updates on Stanley Cup Final Betting Lines?

Indeed. When the playoffs first began in April, it was the defending-champion Florida Panthers as 7-1 (+700) co-favorites, while the Edmonton Oilers were at 9-1 (+900). So, both teams had their share of supporters.  

As was mentioned, Edmonton is beginning the Final as a -130 favorite, Florida at +110.

There are also a number of player and team prop wagers listed with Stanley Cup Final odds.

A season ago, Connor McDavid’s stats (eight goals, league-leading 34 assists, and NHL-best 42 points) propelled him to a bittersweet Conn Smythe (playoff MVP) Trophy.

Any Final Thoughts?

Among the great mysteries is why the Stanley Cup Final is singular and the NBA Finals is plural. Perhaps those who start, circulate, or pay attention to NHL rumors have some theories. Regardless, the second installment of the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers should be a helluva series.