MIAMI, FL – JUNE 10: Joe Sakic #19 of the Colorado Avalanche takes the Stanley Cup from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after the Avalanche defeated the Florida Panthers in Game 4 of the 1996 Stanley Cup Finals on June 10, 1996 at the Miami Arena in Miami, Florida. (Photo by B Bennett/Getty Images)
Looking at players who delivered legendary, clutch, or historic runs — whether over a full postseason, a single series, or even a defining moment. Here’s a list, focusing on context, stats, and legacy:
1. Wayne Gretzky – 1985 Playoffs
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 11: Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers skates on the ice during an NHL game against the New Jersey Devils on November 11, 1982 at the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by B Bennett/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
47 points (17G, 30A) in 18 games
Dominated the entire postseason; Oilers won the Cup. Nobody has come close to that points-per-game pace in a Cup-winning run.
2. Mario Lemieux – 1992 Playoffs
Canadian professional hockey player Mario Lemieux, forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, pose with the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Pens celebrate their second straight Stanley Cup Championship after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 6-5 in game four, Chicago, June 1, 1992. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
34 points (16G, 18A) in 15 games
Absolutely unstoppable in leading the Penguins to a second straight Cup. Played through broken bones and still dominated.
3. Mark Messier – 1994 Eastern Conference Finals
Feb 8, 2019; New York, NY, USA; Former New York Rangers captain Mark Messier addresses the crowd during the ceremony honoring the 1994 Stanley Cup Championship New York Rangers team at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Hat trick in Game 6 vs. Devils (after a guarantee) + key goals in Final
Not the most points, but possibly the most iconic captain performance ever.
4. Joe Sakic – 1996 Playoffs
Nov 28, 1997; Miami, FL; USA; FILE PHOTO; Colorado Avalanche forward Joe Sakic (19) on the ice during the 1997-98 season against the Florida Panthers at Miami Arena. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
34 points (18G, 16A)
6 game-winning goals. Carried Colorado to its first Cup. Lethal wrist shot, always clutch.
5. Sidney Crosby – 2009 Playoffs
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 15: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at the United Center on February 15, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
31 points (15G, 16A) in 24 games
Took over the Penguins’ Cup run, including the showdown with Ovechkin and a Game 7 goal in the SCF.
6. Connor McDavid – 2022 Playoffs
EDMONTON, AB – MAY 14: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers celebrates a goal against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period in Game Seven of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on May 14, 2022 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
33 points (10G, 23A) in 16 games
Didn’t win the Cup, but had one of the most dominant runs in recent memory, including 5 multi-point games in the Battle of Alberta.
7. Claude Lemieux – 1995 Playoffs
13 goals in 18 games | Conn Smythe
Massive agitator who elevated his game in the playoffs — his 1995 run with the Devils was peak chaos and clutch.
8. Bobby Orr – 1970 Playoffs
BUFFALO, NEW YORK – CIRCA 1970: Bobby Orr #4 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Buffalo Sabres circa 1970 at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Robert Shaver/Bruce Bennett Collection/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images )
20 points in 14 games | Cup-winning OT goal
The “Flying Goal” is the most famous in NHL history, capping a dominant playoffs on both ends of the ice.
9. Leon Draisaitl – 2023 Playoffs (1st Round)
May 6, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl (29) warms up before game one against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
7 goals in 6 games vs. Kings
A monster series that nearly broke records — and he played injured. Carried McDavid at times.
10. Justin Williams – Game 7 Career
Mar 8, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Hurricanes right wing Justin Williams (14) celebrates his goal with the Hurricanes bench against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG PAINTS Arena. Carolina won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
7–0 in Game 7s | 15 points (7G, 8A)
Mr. Game 7. His 2014 playoff run (Conn Smythe) and endless clutch plays made him a legend.
11. Steve Yzerman – 1996 Playoffs
Steve Yzerman #19, Captain and Center for the Detroit Red Wings in motion on the ice during the NHL Eastern Conference Central Division game against the New York Islanders on 2nd November 2001 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, United States. The Red Wings won the game 2 – 1. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Allsport/Getty Images)
Double-OT goal vs. Blues in Game 7
His snipe over Jon Casey in one of the greatest Game 7s ever is still a top moment.
12. Pavel Bure – 1994 Playoffs
31 points in 24 games
Speed, style, and an unforgettable Game 7 OT winner vs. Calgary.
13. Brad Marchand – 2011 Playoffs
September 28, 2010; Washington, DC, USA; Boston Bruins center Brad Marchand (63) skates against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center. The Capitals won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
19 points, 11 goals as a rookie
Energy, offense, and grit helped lead Boston to its first Cup in 39 years.
14. Peter Forsberg – 2002 Playoffs
Nov 28, 1997; Miami, FL; USA; FILE PHOTO; Colorado Avalanche defender Peter Forsberg (21) in action against the Florida Panthers during the 1997-98 season at Miami Arena. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
27 points in 20 games after missing the regular season
Came off a long injury layoff and was immediately the best player on the ice.
15. Alex Ovechkin – 2018 Playoffs
VANCOUVER, CANADA – MARCH 16: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates during the first period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 16, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)
27 points (15G, 12A) | Stanley Cup
Finally broke through. Led emotionally and physically, capped by a massive SCF goal and Conn Smythe win.
16. Jean Béliveau – 1956 Playoffs
12 points in 10 games (when scoring was much lower)
Dominated a playoff that launched a dynasty — named the first-ever Conn Smythe winner (retroactively).
17. John Druce – 1990 Playoffs
14 goals in 15 games
One of the most unlikely playoff scoring explosions in NHL history, powering the Caps deep.
18. Nathan MacKinnon – 2022 Playoffs
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 08: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche skates during the first period of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on February 08, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
24 points in 20 games
Speed, physicality, and unstoppable in transition. Was key to Colorado’s Cup win.
19. Reggie Leach – 1976 Playoffs
19 goals in 16 games | Conn Smythe (lost Final)
The only skater to win the Conn Smythe in a losing effort (until J.S. Giguère). Unreal finishing.
20. Patrick Kane – 2013 Playoffs
CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 15: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates by hoisting the Stanley Cup after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 2-0 in Game Six to win the 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Final at the United Center on June 15, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
19 points | OT hat trick in Conference Final
Won Conn Smythe in 2013, always came up big when the Blackhawks needed him most.
