2010 NHL Playoffs: The Best of the Best
Contents
- 2010 NHL playoffs Overview
- The Best Players in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
- The Best Games in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
- The Best Moments in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
- The Most Exciting Series in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
- The Most Disappointing Teams in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
- The Most Surprising Players in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
- The Most Memorable Goals in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
- The Most Controversial Calls in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
- The Legacy of the 2010 NHL Playoffs
The 2010 NHL playoffs were one of the most exciting in recent memory, with plenty of great moments and storylines. Here are some of the best moments from the playoffs.
2010 NHL playoffs Overview
The 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League (NHL) began on April 14, 2010, after the 2009–10 NHL season A total of 16 teams qualified for the playoffs. The conference quarterfinals were comprised of the first seed vs. the eighth seed and the second seed vs. the seventhseed in both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference The conference semifinals featured the conference quarterfinal winners playing against each other. The Conference Finals had the two remaining conference semifinal winners face off against each other. The two conference champions played each other in the Stanley Cup Finals to determine who would win lord Stanley’s mug.
The Best Players in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
It’s time for the 2010 NHL Playoffs and that means it’s time to take a look at the best players in the league. These are the guys who always step up in the big moments, and who always seem to come through when their team needs them the most. From superstars like Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin to gritty role players like Scott Hartnell and Dustin Brown, these are the guys who will be leading their teams in pursuit of the Stanley Cup So sit back, relax, and enjoy the best of the best in the 2010 NHL playoffs
The Best Games in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
When it comes to the 2010 NHL playoffs there were plenty of memorable moments. From overtime thrillers to last-minute comebacks, the 2010 NHL playoffs had it all. Here are some of the best games from the 2010 NHL playoffs
Game 7 between the Blackhawks and Flyers was an instant classic. After trading blows for nearly three hours, Patrick Kane finally ended it in overtime, giving the Blackhawks a dramatic series victory.
One of the most evenly matched series in recent memory was the Western Conference Finals between the Sharks and Blackhawks. The Sharks ultimately prevailed in a close seven-game series, but not before some thrilling finishes. In particular, Game 5 went to triple overtime before Patrick Marleau finally ended it, giving the Sharks a 3-2 series lead.
The 2010 Stanley Cup Final between the Blackhawks and Flyers was one for the ages. The Blackhawks jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in Game 1, but the Flyers stormed back with four unanswered goals to win 4-3 in overtime. The Flyers would go on to win the next two games as well, putting the Blackhawks on the brink of elimination. But Jonathan Toews and company would not be denied, winning three straight games to capture their first Stanley Cup title in 49 years.
The Best Moments in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
The 2010 NHL playoffs were filled with amazing moments. From the overtime goals to the jaw-dropping saves, these playoffs had it all. Here are some of the best moments from the 2010 NHL playoffs
The Most Exciting Series in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
The 2010 NHL playoffs had it all: close games, overtime thrillers, heartbreaking upsets and come-from-behind victories. It was truly a postseason to remember.
But which series was the most exciting of them all? That’s a tough question to answer, but here are five that stand out above the rest:
1. Boston Bruins vs. Philadelphia Flyers (Eastern Conference Semifinals)
This series had it all: great goals, big hits, tight checking and overtime heroics. The Bruins won the first two games in Boston, but the Flyers stormed back to take Games 3 and 4 in Philadelphia. The turning point came in Game 5, when Bruins captain Zdeno Chara scored in overtime to give Boston a 3-2 series lead. The Flyers would push the series to seven games, but they couldn’t overcome Chara and the Bruins, who won 2-1 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals
2. Washington Capitals vs. Montreal Canadiens (Eastern Conference Quarterfinals)
This was a battle of two of the NHL’s best teams, and it lived up to its billing. The Capitals won the first two games in Washington, but the Canadiens fought back to tie the series with wins in Games 3 and 4 in Montreal. The Capitals then regained control with a victory in Game 5 at home, but the Canadiens refused to go away quietly, winning Game 6 in Montreal to force a seventh and deciding game. The Capitals finally prevailed with a 2-1 victory on the road, thanks to a goal from captain Alexander Ovechkin late in the third period.
3. Colorado Avalanche vs. San Jose Sharks (Western Conference Quarterfinals)
This was another great series between two of the NHL’s best teams. The Avalanche won Game 1 at home, but the Sharks bounced back with three straight wins to take a 3-1 series lead. The Avalanche refused to quit though, winning Game 5 at home and then taking Game 6 on the road in overtime thanks to a goal from captain Joe Sakic. The Sharks finally ended things with a 4-2 victory in Game 7 at home, but not before this series gave fans some unforgettable moments.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs Ottawa Senators (Eastern Conference Semifinals)
This was another great matchup between two of the NHL’s top teams that went seven games before being decided. After splitting the first four games between them, each team won on home ice in Games 5 and 6 to set up a decisive seventh game back in Pittsburgh. Just when it looked like overtime was going to be needed again, Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson scored late in the third period to give Ottawa a 1-0 lead that they would not relinquish, sending them on to face Montreal in the Eastern Conference Finals while leaving Penguins fans heartbroken once again
The Most Disappointing Teams in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
The 2010 NHL playoffs were full of surprises. Some teams that were expected to make deep runs fell short, while others shocked the Hockey World by going further than anyone thought they would. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most disappointing teams in the 2010 NHL playoffs
The first team on our list is the Washington Capitals The Capitals were the top seed in the Eastern Conference and many pundits picked them to represent the East in the Stanley Cup Finals However, the Capitals were upset in the first round by the Montreal Canadiens who went on to lose in the conference finals
Another disappointing team was the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers entered the playoffs as the seventh seed in the East, but they managed to upset both the New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins en route to the Conference Finals Unfortunately for Philadelphia, their run came to an end at the hands of the Chicago Blackhawks who went on to win the Stanley Cup
The final team on our list is perhaps the most surprising: The San Jose Sharks. The Sharks entered the playoffs as one of the favourites to win it all, but they were shockingly swept out of the first round by the eventual Western Conference champion Vancouver Canucks
The Most Surprising Players in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
In the 2010 NHL playoffs there have been some players that have really stepped up and surprised everyone. These are the most unexpected players that have led their teams to victory.
First on our list is goalie, Tuukka Rask of the Boston Bruins He has been phenomenal in the playoffs so far, posting a .938 save percentage and a 1.93 GAA. He has been a big reason why the Bruins haveadvanced to the second round.
Another surprising player is forward, Dustin Byfuglien of the Chicago Blackhawks Byfuglien has been a force on both Offense and defense tallying 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists) in 10 games. He has also been physically imposing, using his 6’4”, 265-pound frame to knock around opponents.
Finally, we have defenseman Andy Greene of the New Jersey Devils Greene has flown under the radar for most of his career, but he has been outstanding in these playoffs. He has 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points in 10 games, and he is +7 on the year.
The Most Memorable Goals in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
The 2010 NHL playoffs were filled with some of the most memorable goals in recent history. Here are some of the best:
1. Patrick Kane’s Overtime Winner in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final
With the score tied at 2-2 in overtime of Game 6, Patrick Kane received a pass from Jonathan Toews and beat goalie Michael Leighton with a Wrist Shot to give the Chicago Blackhawks their first Stanley Cup in 49 years.
2. Tyler Ennis’ OT Winner in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
With the score tied at 3-3 in overtime of Game 5, Tyler Ennis took a pass from Thomas Vanek and beat Montreal Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak with a wrist shot to give the Buffalo Sabres a 4-3 series victory.
3. Pekka Rinne’s Save on Dustin Penner in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals
With the score tied at 2-2 late in the third period of Game 6, Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne made a spectacular save on Anaheim Ducks forward Dustin Penner to preserve the tie and send the game to overtime. The Predators would eventually win the game 3-2 to advance to the Western Conference Finals
The Most Controversial Calls in the 2010 NHL Playoffs
In the 2010 NHL Playoffs there were a number of controversial calls that led to heated debates among fans, players, and pundits alike. Here are some of the most controversial calls of the 2010 NHL playoffs
1. The “Marc Savard Incident”
In the first round of the 2010 playoffs, Boston Bruins’ forward Marc Savard was hit from behind by Philadelphia Flyers’ forward Matt Cooke and suffered a serious concussion. Despite the fact that Cooke was not penalized on the play, many felt that he should have been suspended for his actions. The NHL ultimately decided not to suspend Cooke, but the incident led to a great deal of debate about whether or not such hits should be banned from hockey.
2. The “Brett Hull Rule”
In Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars Dallas forward Brett Hull scored the series-clinching goal in overtime. However, upon closer inspection, it appeared as though Hull’s skate was in the goaltender’s crease when he shot the puck, which should have rendered the goal null and void according to league rules The goal was allowed to stand, however, and the Stars went on to win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. The so-called “Brett Hull rule” was later changed to disallow goals if a player’s skate is in the crease at any time during the play.
3. The overtime “no-goal” in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals
In perhapsthe most controversial call of them all, Chicago Blackhawks’ forward Patrick Kane had a goal disallowed in overtime of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Philadelphia Flyers. Kane appeared to score the winning goal with just over two minutes remaining in overtime, but upon review it was determined that his stick was above regulation height when he shot the puck (a rule that had been put into place just prior to start of
The Legacy of the 2010 NHL Playoffs
In 2010, the NHL playoffs saw some of the best hockey games ever played. Teams battled it out tooth and nail, and the level of competition was incredibly high. As a result, the 2010 NHL playoffs have gone down in history as one of the greatest playoff runs ever.
Many of the players who took part in the 2010 NHL Playoffs are now considered to be legends of the game. They left everything out on the ice, and their performances will be remembered for years to come. Thanks to their efforts, the 2010 NHL Playoffs will always be remembered as one of the greatest sporting events of all time.