The Highest Scoring NHL Playoff Game in History
On May 10, 1988, the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings set a new standard for NHL Playoff hockey when they played what is now known as the “highest scoring Playoff Game in NHL history ”
The game
On May 10, 2006, the Edmonton Oilers and the Carolina Hurricanes met in what would become the highest scoring Stanley Cup playoff game in history. The Oilers won the game by a score of 7-5, but it was the Hurricanes who set the record for most goals scored by a losing team in a playoff game
The teams
The Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs are two of the most iconic teams in hockey history. They have played each other in some of the most memorable games in Stanley Cup history. On May 13, 2019, they met again in what would become the highest scoring game in NHL Playoff History
The players
When the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Chicago Blackhawks met in the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, it was considered one of the most evenly matched series in recent memory. The two teams had split their regular season games, and both were riding high on lengthy winning streaks. So when they met again in the playoffs, it was no surprise that the series went to a deciding Game 7.
What was surprising, however, was just how high-scoring that final game turned out to be. When the dust settled, the Lightning had come out on top with a score of 6-5 – making it the highest scoring Stanley Cup Final game in history.
Leading the way for Tampa Bay was captain Steven Stamkos, who tallied two goals and an assist in the victory. Also chipping in offensively were Tyler Johnson Ondrej Palat, and Nikita Kucherov – all of whom had a goal and an assist apiece. For Chicago, it was Patrick Kane who led the way with two goals, while Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook each had a goal and an assist.
With such an epic final game, it’s no wonder that this series is considered one of the best in recent memory – if not of all time.
The fans
NHL fans are a passionate bunch, and there’s nothing they love more than watching their favorite team win the Stanley Cup But what if your team isn’t in the playoffs? Do you still watch?
For die-hard hockey fans the answer is yes. Even if your team isn’t playing, you can still enjoy watching the best players in the world compete for the ultimate prize.
And if you’re looking for a great game to watch, you don’t have to look any further than the highest scoring NHL playoff game in history. On April 18, 1987, the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames combined for 34 goals in regulation time, with the Oilers eventually winning in overtime, 7-6.
It was a thrilling game that had everything a hockey fan could want – goals, big hits, skilled plays, and a heated rivalry. If you’re looking for a great game to watch, this is one that you won’t want to miss.
The aftermath
It was the highest scoring game in NHL Playoff history and it’s hard to believe that it took place almost 50 years ago. On April 23, 1971, the Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 16-3 in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Semifinals. The two teams combined for 19 goals, which still stands as an NHL record for most goals in a playoff game.
The Bruins were led by Bobby Orr who had four goals and four assists, and Gerry Cheevers, who made 43 saves. The Canadiens were missing star goaltender Ken Dryden, who was out with a groin injury. They started backup Gary Smith in net and he gave up eight goals before being replaced by backup Michel Plasse.
After the game, Bruins Head Coach Tom Johnson said, “I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.” Montreal head coach Al MacNeil called it “the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to me in hockey.” The Bruins went on to win the series in seven games and went on to win the Stanley Cup
