Game 7: The Thrill of Overtime

The History of Overtime in the Stanley Cup Final

The Stanley Cup Final, the pinnacle of ice hockey, is known for its intense and unforgettable moments. One of the most thrilling aspects of the Final is the possibility of an overtime Game 7. Only twice in NHL history has a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final gone to overtime, leaving an everlasting mark on the game.

The First Game 7 Overtime Winner

In 1939, the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers faced off in a neck-and-neck Game 7. The game went into overtime, and it was Bruins' forward Pete Babando who scored the Cup-winning goal in double overtime. This historic moment marked the first time a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final had been decided in overtime.

The Heartbreak of Overtime

In 1950, the Detroit Red Wings faced the Toronto Maple Leafs in another memorable Game 7. The game went into overtime, and it was Red Wings' forward Gordon Howe who scored the game-winning goal. This victory gave the Red Wings their third consecutive Stanley Cup, but for the Maple Leafs, it was a heartbreaking loss in the most dramatic fashion.

The excitement and tension of a Game 7 overtime winner is unlike anything else in sports. With the Stanley Cup Final approaching, hockey fans can only hope for another thrilling overtime finish in the deciding game.