The Most Lopsided Games in Stanley Cup Finals History

After the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-1 in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals, the question was once again summoned; what are some of the most lopsided Stanley Cup Finals games in NHL history? Surprisingly, despite the NHL becoming increasingly competitive, and with parity in the NHL having continuously grown throughout its history, all of the most lopsided Stanley Cup Finals games have been in the modern era. In fact, the top four statistically most lopsided games have all occurred since 1991.

1991 Game 6 - Pittsburgh Penguins Defeat the Minnesota North Stars 8-0

In game six of the 1991 Stanley Cup Finals, the Pittsburgh Penguins set a new NHL record which still stands today, which is the record for the largest margin of victory in a Stanley Cup Finals game, that being an eight goal margin. This game was also the Penguins’ cup clinching game for their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. The Penguins would simultaneously set the record for most goals scored in a cup winning game, which has since been broken by the 2023 Vegas Golden Knights when they defeated the Florida Panthers 9-3 in game five to win the Stanley Cup.

The game-winning goal was scored at exactly 2:00 of the first period by defenceman Ulf Samuelsson, which became the second-fastest Stanley Cup game-winning goal in NHL history after Jean Beliveau’s game winner 14 seconds into game seven of the 1965 Stanley Cup Finals.

1996 Game 2 - Colorado Avalanche Defeat the Florida Panthers 8-1

In game two of the 1996 Stanley Cup Finals, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Florida Panthers by a score of 8-1, highlighted by Peter Forsberg’s first period hat-trick, as well as three assists for captain Joe Sakic. The Avalanche scored four powerplay goals in the game, and would lead 7-1 only half-way through the second period, and in turn half-way through the game, but would step off the gas for the remainder of the game. This was the only game of this series that was won by more than two goals, but was nonetheless an extremely lopsided game within a four game finals sweep.

2011 Game 3 - Boston Bruins Defeat the Vancouver Canucks 8-1

In game three of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals, the Boston Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks by a score of 8-1, for what became one of the most infamous games in Stanley Cup Finals history.

Heading into game three, the Canucks were leading the series 2-0, with the momentum in their favour. However, at 5:07 into the first period, Canucks’ defenceman Aaron Rome delivered a big hit to one of the Bruins’ best forwards Nathan Horton, putting him out for the remainder of the finals. Aaron Rome was suspended for four games due to this hit, ensuring he would not play another game in the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. However, what is more closely remembered is the momentum switch that occurred after that hit took place.

Despite a 0-0 score after the first period, the Bruins would score four goals in each of the latter two periods, allowing only one goal to the Canucks for the 8-1 win. Bruins’ goaltender Tim Thomas stopped 40 out of 41 shots, where the Canucks actually had more shots on goal than the Bruins despite the difference in the score.

Before the Aaron Rome hit, the Canucks had outscored the Bruins by a combined 4-2 score among the first two games. Since the Aaron Rome hit, the Bruins would outscore the Canucks by a combined 21-4 score, winning by scores of 8-1, 5-2, and 4-0 twice, while only losing game five by a 1-0 score.

To learn more about this series, read this article outlining the most lopsided series in the modern era of the NHL.

2022 Game 2 - Colorado Avalanche Defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-0

In game two of the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lighting by a score of 7-0. This is the second time the Avalanche have been on the positive end of a lopsided Stanley Cup Finals game, which is fitting considering the Avalanche are the only NHL team to have a 100% win rate in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Game two of the 2022 finals was an outlier in what was otherwise a close series in terms of score, with all other games aside from game three being one-goal games, including two overtimes. The Avalanche would score in a balanced fashion, scoring three in the first period and two goals each among the latter two periods. The times of the goals were also relatively evenly spread out.

2024 Game 4 - Edmonton Oilers Defeat the Florida Panthers 8-1

In game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Florida Panthers by a score of 8-1. The Panthers show up on this list for the second time, but unlike the previous four series discussed, the 2024 Panthers were the Stanley Cup winning team. Up 3-0 in the series, the Florida Panthers looked to close out the finals in game four, attempting the first sweep in the Stanley Cup Finals since the Detroit Red Wings swept the Washington Capitals in 1998. Instead, the Oilers would lead the game early, and would not let off the gas, as the score would become 6-1 after the second period.

While the Florida Panthers had appeared to be the better team in the first three games, and understandably so given that they had a 3-0 series lead, the Oilers would storm all the way back, perhaps in part due to the confidence gained by this 8-1 lopsided victory, forcing a game seven before ultimately coming up short.

Since trailing 4-1 after the second period of game three, the Oilers would outscore the Panthers 15-5 until game seven, before losing 2-1.

To learn more about this series and other 3-0 series comebacks, check out this article.

In short, the most lopsided game in Stanley Cup Finals history is eight goals in an 8-0 win by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Four other games in the finals have been won by a seven-goal margin, rounding out a distinct top five most lopsided Stanley Cup Finals games in NHL history.

Summary of the top 5 most lopsided games in Stanley Cup Finals history