Hockey’s Greatest Comebacks: Remarkable Moments of Resilience

7 August 2025

Hockey is a sport of speed, skill, and grit. But beyond the fast-paced action and breathtaking goals, what truly makes the game special are the moments of resilience—when a team refuses to quit, defies the odds, and pulls off a remarkable comeback.

Some of these comebacks have etched themselves into the history books, leaving fans in awe and proving that no lead is ever safe in hockey. Whether it’s an improbable playoff rally or an underdog story for the ages, these moments remind us why we love the game.

So, buckle up as we dive into some of the greatest comebacks in hockey history!

The 2013 Boston Bruins: The Comeback of All Comebacks

There are incredible comebacks, and then there’s what the Boston Bruins did in Game 7 of the 2013 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Down 4-1 to the Toronto Maple Leafs with just over 10 minutes left in the third period, the Bruins looked finished. Fans were already heading for the exits.

But then, a miracle happened.

Nathan Horton cut the lead to two. Then, with under two minutes left and goalie Tuukka Rask pulled for an extra skater, Milan Lucic made it 4-3. The energy inside TD Garden shifted instantly. And just 31 seconds later, Patrice Bergeron scored the equalizer, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

As if that wasn’t enough, Bergeron sealed the deal in overtime, completing one of the most unforgettable comebacks in NHL history. The Leafs went from dreaming of their first series win in nearly a decade to absolute heartbreak.

The 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs: The Original Great Comeback

Let’s roll back the clock to one of the earliest and most legendary comebacks in hockey history. The 1942 Stanley Cup Final between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings gave us a blueprint for what ultimate resilience looks like.

Down three games to none in the best-of-seven series, the Leafs faced elimination. No team had ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final, and the odds were stacked against them.

Still, coach Hap Day made bold lineup changes, and the Maple Leafs responded in dramatic fashion. They rattled off four straight victories, capping the comeback with a 3-1 win in Game 7. To this day, they remain the only team in Stanley Cup history to pull off such a feat in the Finals.

The 1982 "Miracle on Manchester"

If you were a fan of the Los Angeles Kings in 1982, you probably still talk about the "Miracle on Manchester" with a sense of disbelief. This was one of those storybook moments that seemed impossible until it actually happened.

Facing the heavily favored Edmonton Oilers in the playoffs, the Kings found themselves trailing 5-0 heading into the third period of Game 3. At that point, even the most optimistic fans were probably considering an early exit from the arena.

But then, something incredible unfolded. The Kings stormed back with five unanswered goals, tying the game in the final moments. The crowd at The Forum went absolutely berserk. And in overtime, Daryl Evans completed the miraculous comeback, giving the Kings a 6-5 win.

Beating an Oilers team featuring Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier was no small feat, making this comeback even more legendary.

The 2010 Philadelphia Flyers: From Dead and Buried to Final Four

Comebacks aren't just limited to single games—sometimes, teams fight back in an entire series. That’s exactly what the Philadelphia Flyers did in the 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Bruins.

The Flyers found themselves in a 3-0 hole in the series. Historically speaking, teams in this position rarely survive. But what happened next proved that history doesn’t always dictate the future.

Philly clawed its way back, taking the series to a do-or-die Game 7. And in fitting fashion, they fell behind 3-0 in that final game as well. If there was a moment to fold, that was it.

Yet once again, the Flyers refused to quit. They chipped away at the lead and eventually won 4-3, completing one of the most mind-blowing comebacks in NHL playoff history.

The 1994 New York Rangers: Messier’s Legendary Guarantee

Mark Messier was already a legend, but his famous guarantee in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals elevated him to mythic status.

The Rangers were trailing the New Jersey Devils 3-2 in the series, facing elimination in Game 6. That’s when Messier did something bold—he publicly guaranteed that the Rangers would win. The pressure was on, but Messier wasn’t the type to crumble under expectations.

What followed was one of the greatest captain performances ever. Messier not only backed up his words, but he also delivered a hat trick in the third period, leading the Rangers to a 4-2 win.

New York would go on to win Game 7 in double overtime and later claim their first Stanley Cup in 54 years. Messier didn’t just talk the talk—he walked the walk.

The 2003 Minnesota Wild: The Ultimate Road Warriors

If you love a good underdog story, the 2003 Minnesota Wild were your kind of team.

In their first-ever playoff appearance, the Wild found themselves trailing both their first-round and second-round series 3-1. Against the Colorado Avalanche and then against the Vancouver Canucks, they had their backs against the wall.

Most teams would have folded. But not the Wild.

They won three straight elimination games in back-to-back series, proving that nothing is over until it’s truly over. It was the kind of run that made hockey purists nod in appreciation—a true display of heart and determination.

What Makes These Comebacks Special?

So, what is it about these moments that make them so unforgettable?

It’s the emotional rollercoaster. It’s the realization that no lead is ever safe. It’s the belief that, no matter the odds, a team can dig deep and find a way.

We’ve all been in situations where things seemed impossible—whether in sports, life, or work. Hockey’s greatest comebacks remind us that perseverance pays off, that a single moment can change everything, and that giving up should never be an option.

These aren’t just hockey games; they’re life lessons wrapped in pure adrenaline.

Final Thoughts

Hockey’s greatest comebacks are more than just victories—they’re stories of resilience, heart, and determination. They remind us that no matter how dire things seem, there’s always a chance to turn things around.

So the next time you see a team down big, don’t be too quick to count them out. Because if there's anything hockey history has taught us, it's that the most magical moments often come when they’re least expected.