The Stanley Cup playoffs are the NHL's annual elimination tournament to determine the winner of the prestigious Stanley Cup trophy, also crowning the league champion in the process. It features four rounds of best-of-seven series, held after the regular season, with eight teams from each of the league's two conferences qualifying based on regular season points totals. The final round, known as the Stanley Cup Finals, pits the champions of the Eastern and Western Conferences against each other.
Initially established as a "challenge trophy" for Canada's top-ranking amateur ice hockey club, the Stanley Cup transitioned to become the NHL's championship trophy in 1926. However, the playoff format has seen many changes over the years, with the current format following a bracket system where teams compete in a 2–2–1–1–1 format, giving the home-ice advantage to the higher seeded team in the playoffs.
Which is the Longest Playoff NHL Game?
The longest playoff NHL game in history occurred on March 24, 1936, between the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Maroons.
This epic clash lasted for an astounding 176 minutes and 30 seconds of game time, spanning across six overtime periods. Notably, Mud Bruneteau of the Detroit Red Wings finally broke the deadlock by scoring the game-winning goal, ending the marathon contest with a final score of 1-0 in favor of the Red Wings.
Shortest Playoff NHL Game
The shortest playoff NHL game in history occurred during the 1986 Stanley Cup Finals between the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadiens.
This remarkable game ended in just 9 seconds of overtime, making it the quickest overtime win in NHL playoff history. Brian Skrudland of the Montreal Canadiens scored the winning goal, assisted by Mike McPhee, just moments after the puck dropped in overtime. Skrudland's swift redirection of the pass past Flames goalie Mike Vernon secured the victory for the Canadiens in stunning fashion. This lightning-fast goal propelled the Canadiens to seize the momentum in the series, eventually leading them to win the Stanley Cup in five games.
FAQ's On Longest Playoff NHL Game
A. The longest playoff NHL game in history occurred on March 24, 1936, between the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Maroons. It lasted for an astounding 176 minutes and 30 seconds of game time, spanning across six overtime periods.
A. The shortest playoff NHL game in history involved the Calgary Flames and the Montreal Canadiens during the 1986 Stanley Cup Finals.
A. The shortest overtime playoff NHL game in history lasted just 9 seconds.
A. Brian Skrudland of the Montreal Canadiens scored the winning goal in the shortest overtime playoff NHL game.
A. The final score of the longest playoff NHL game was 1-0 in favor of the Detroit Red Wings. Mud Bruneteau scored the game-winning goal.
