Top NHL Comeback Wins of the Decade

The NHL has delivered no shortage of breathtaking moments, but few compare to the raw emotion and adrenaline of a great comeback. Whether it’s a team clawing back from a four-goal deficit or turning the tide in the final minutes, these games capture why fans love hockey. Over the past ten years, we’ve witnessed some of the most dramatic turnarounds in league history. From underdog stories to playoff stunners, these are the games that define grit, determination, and resilience. You can find a few of them discussed on NHL.com’s official recaps if you’re eager to relive the excitement.

What Makes a Great Comeback?

A great comeback in the NHL isn’t just about scoring goals. It’s about energy, timing, and momentum swings that can shift the entire mood of an arena. It typically involves:

• A large deficit (usually 3 or more goals)
• A dramatic time constraint (less than a period remaining)
• A key turning point or moment that sparks belief
• Contributions from unexpected heroes
• Goalie heroics or sudden momentum-stopping saves

What makes hockey particularly special is how quickly the game can change. One fluke goal, a controversial penalty, or a perfectly timed line change can flip everything.

Top 5 Comebacks of the Last 10 Years

1. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets – August 7, 2020

In the 2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers, the Maple Leafs trailed the Blue Jackets 3–0 with just under four minutes left in regulation. With the clock winding down and their season on the line, Toronto mounted an insane rally. Goals by Nylander, Tavares, and Matthews tied it up before Morgan Rielly ended it in OT.

Key Takeaway: The Leafs’ comeback was fueled by a rare level of composure. They took high-percentage shots and controlled puck possession, showing that patience under pressure is just as crucial as intensity.

2. New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens – May 1, 2017

Facing a 2–0 deficit in Game 2 of the playoffs and heading into hostile territory in Montreal, the Rangers stormed back with four unanswered goals. Mika Zibanejad’s performance was electric, and Henrik Lundqvist stood on his head in net.

Why It Matters: It wasn’t the biggest score differential, but the psychological comeback—shifting momentum on the road—was unforgettable.

3. Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers – May 5, 2017

In Game 5 of their second-round series, the Ducks trailed 3–0 with just over three minutes left in the third period. Against all odds, they tied it up and then won in double overtime. It remains one of the most surreal finishes in playoff history.

Highlight Moment: The Ducks pulled goalie John Gibson with minutes remaining, scored twice with the extra attacker, and then tied it with 15 seconds left. They eventually won 4–3 in 2OT on Corey Perry’s game-winner.

4. Chicago Blackhawks vs. Calgary Flames – November 11, 2018

Chicago was down 4–1 midway through the third period. Then, in a burst of speed and confidence, they scored three times to force OT, where Jonathan Toews sealed the comeback.

What Set It Apart: This was a regular-season game, but the emotional stakes were high. Chicago was struggling that season, and this win injected belief into the locker room.

5. Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks – April 23, 2019

Perhaps the most controversial and chaotic comeback in recent memory. In Game 7 of their playoff series, the Sharks were down 3–0 when a five-minute major penalty was called against Vegas. San Jose erupted for four goals on one power play, turning the game—and the series—on its head.

Controversy Note: Many questioned the major penalty, which was called after a cross-check to Pavelski led to a bloody fall. Nevertheless, the Sharks capitalized.

Key Moments That Defined the Games

Comebacks rarely happen by accident. Here are some of the defining moments and factors that flipped the momentum in each of these games.

Coaching Decisions

• Line Matching: Adjusting lines at just the right time allowed coaches to expose mismatches.
• Timeout Usage: A well-timed timeout helped refocus teams, especially when down by multiple goals.
• Empty Net Risk: Pulling the goalie early is a gamble, but when it works, it stuns the opposition.

Goaltending Swings

A comeback can’t happen without key saves. While much of the focus is on scoring, goaltenders often steal the spotlight late in these games:

• Andersen for Toronto stopped two breakaways just before the tying goal.
• Lundqvist shut down Montreal after allowing two early.
• Martin Jones (Sharks) held on in OT after the four-goal barrage.

Crowd Energy

Especially in playoff scenarios, home crowds are like a sixth skater. The surge of energy when a team starts scoring late goals can rattle the opposition and fire up the bench.

Power Plays and Penalties

One ill-timed penalty can flip everything. The infamous major penalty in the Sharks-Knights game is a perfect example. But even minor calls can snowball:

• Delayed penalties giving extra time
• 5-on-3 advantages
• Penalty kill fatigue

The Psychology of a Comeback

Comebacks often start with belief. Once a team gets one goal, the bench stands taller. Coaches get more vocal. The crowd gets louder. The losing team starts to feel the weight of what’s happening.

Momentum and Confidence

• Snowball Effect: One goal becomes two. Two becomes three. You can almost feel the energy shift.
• Aggressive Play: Teams begin pinching more on defense, taking more shots, and crashing the net.
• Fatigue Factor: The team with the lead sometimes plays “not to lose,” which is a dangerous mindset.

Individual Grit

You’ll often see third- or fourth-line players become unlikely heroes. It’s these moments that make hockey so poetic. These players bring an intensity fueled by emotion more than skill.

A Modern Parallel

The mental battle during an NHL comeback isn’t unlike what athletes or even regular folks go through in tough situations. Overcoming fatigue, pressure, and fear of failure applies beyond sports—whether you're finishing a marathon, fighting through finals week, or even just managing the urge to unwind with something relaxing like a THCA vape after a stressful week.

Why These Games Still Matter

Years later, fans still talk about these games. They’re not just wins—they’re stories. These moments become rallying points, memes, and sources of pride.

• Legacy Builders: Players gain long-term reputations from these comebacks.
• Franchise Moments: Some of these wins are defining games for entire franchises.
• Motivational Fuel: Coaches use clips from these games to inspire future teams.

Conclusion

Comeback wins in the NHL are a testament to the unpredictability and heart of the game. They capture everything fans love about hockey: speed, toughness, emotion, and momentum. In a league where parity is high and skill is evenly spread, no lead is ever truly safe. Whether it’s a regular-season surprise or a postseason thriller, these moments are etched into NHL lore.

They also remind us that comebacks, like life, are about persistence. Whether you’re an NHL winger or just someone who’s had a tough week, it’s all about bouncing back. And sometimes, finding your own little way to unwind—maybe a game-winning goal, maybe a quiet evening with a non-intoxicating cannabis product—can be part of the recovery.

These games aren't just part of NHL history. They’re lessons in resilience.