Memorial Day weekend has produced some incredible Stanley Cup playoff moments over the years. Since the NHL schedule rotates, there haven’t been tons of games exactly on Memorial Day itself every year, but late May is packed with legendary conference finals and Cup Final battles.
Here are some of the best and most memorable NHL playoff games connected to Memorial Day weekend history:
Greatest NHL Playoff Games Around Memorial Day
1. Los Angeles Kings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs — Game 7 (May 29, 1993)
“The Gretzky Game”
Wayne Gretzky delivered one of the greatest playoff performances ever:
- Hat trick
- 5-4 Kings win
- Sent LA to its first Stanley Cup Final
His third goal became one of the signature moments of 1990s hockey. Many fans still consider this the defining game of Gretzky’s post-Edmonton career.
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2. Buffalo Sabres vs. Philadelphia Flyers — “The Fog Game” (May 20, 1975)
One of the strangest and most iconic Stanley Cup Final games ever.
The arena in Buffalo became so hot and humid that thick fog covered the ice repeatedly. Play stopped constantly while players skated circles trying to clear visibility. A bat famously flew onto the ice during overtime.
The Sabres eventually won 5-4 in OT on a goal by Rene Robert.
This game became hockey mythology.
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3. Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings — Game 7 (May 29, 2013)
The Blackhawks trailed the series 3-1 before storming back.
Game 7 ended in overtime when defenseman Brent Seabrook blasted home the winner.
Chicago went on to win the Stanley Cup.
For modern-era intensity and pressure, this is near the top.
4. Los Angeles Kings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs — Game 6 (May 27, 1993)
Overshadowed by Game 7, but this game was also legendary.
The Leafs appeared ready to advance until Gretzky scored the overtime winner to force Game 7.
This was peak early-90s hockey drama:
- Gretzky vs. Canada’s team
- Hollywood hockey explosion
- Massive TV ratings
Many older fans remember this series as one of the NHL’s best conference finals ever.
5. New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres — Double OT (May 1, 1980)
Not technically Memorial Day weekend, but often included among late-spring playoff classics.
Bobby Nystrom scored in double overtime as the Islanders began their dynasty run.
That team would go on to win four straight Stanley Cups.
6. Montreal Canadiens vs. Chicago Blackhawks — 8-7 Final (May 8, 1973)
Absolute offensive chaos.
The teams combined for 15 goals — still the highest-scoring Stanley Cup Final game ever.
Imagine:
- Stan Mikita
- Ken Dryden
- Tony Esposito
…all involved in a track meet.
Honorable Mentions
1994 Rangers vs. Devils — Eastern Conference Final
The entire series around Memorial Day was unbelievable:
- Double OTs
- Mark Messier guarantee
- Stephane Matteau’s famous “MATTEAU! MATTEAU! MATTEAU!” goal
2014 Rangers vs. Canadiens
Henrik Lundqvist shut the door to send NY to the Cup Final.
1982 “Miracle on Manchester”
The Kings erased a 5-0 deficit against Wayne Gretzky and won 6-5 in overtime — still arguably the greatest comeback in NHL playoff history.
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