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
With the Stanley Cup Finals nearing, let’s take a closer look at the NHL players who have shown a propensity for clutch play when the important games were on the line. Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments below.
10. Ken Dryden
MONTREAL, QC – MAY, 1971: Goalie Ken Dryden #29 of the Montreal Canadiens defends the net as his teammate Jacques Laperriere #2 shoots the puck out of the zone as Stan Mikita #21 of the Chicago Blackhawks follows from behind duirng a 1971 Stanley Cup Finals game circa May, 1971 at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
His six Stanley Cups in eight seasons should tell you all you need to know about his play in the critical moments.
9. Bobby Orr
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 )
Revolutionized the way that defensemen play in the NHL. His “Flying Goal” is one of the most iconic in history.
8. Jari Kurri
EDMONTON, AB – MAY, 1988: Jari Kurri #17 of the Edmonton Oilers skates on the ice during the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals against the Boston Bruins in May, 1988 at the Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by B Bennett/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
Kurri’s 106 playoff goals were instrumental to Edmonton’s Stanley Cup dynasty success.
7. Jean Beliveau
A 10-time Stanley Cup Champion from the Original Six Era.
6. Sidney Crosby
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)
Won 3 Stanley Cups, 2 Conn Smythe trophies, and scored the game-winning goal in OT to help Canada win the Olympic Gold Medal.
5. Joe Sakic
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)
“Captain Clutch” Sakic had eight career playoff goals in overtime.
4. Mark Messier
BOSTON, MA – MAY 24: Mark Messier #11 (right) of the Edmonton Oilers helps out teammate Joe Murphy drink from the Stanley Cup in the locker room as they celebrate their Game 5 win over the Boston Bruins on May 24, 1990 at the Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts. The Oilers defeated the Bruins 4-1 and won the Series 4 games to 1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
First, he was part of the Edmonton dynasty, and then he helped end the Rangers Stanley Cup drought.
3. Patrick Roy
Canadian professional hockey player Patrick Roy of the Montreal Canadiens hoists the Stanley Cup over his head as he celebrates their championship victory over the Los Angeles Kings, Montreal, Canada, June 9, 1993. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
Was there any other goaltender that you would want in a Game 7? Roy’s 6-1 record in decisive games confirms his greatness.
2. Wayne Gretzky
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)
The all-time points leader in the playoffs and the greatest to ever play.
1. Maurice Richard
The “Rocket” was a six-time Stanley Cup Winner and scored 82 playoff goals during a time when teams played far fewer games than they do now.
