Most Clutch Hockey Players in Stanley Cup History

Few hockey players consistently raise their games in the NHL playoffs, but here’s who really gave it their all at the Stanley Cup.

Most Clutch Hockey Players in Stanley Cup History

Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby raises Stanley Cup

The Stanley Cup has been called the most difficult prize to win in pro-team sports. No argument here. It takes a different breed of cat to survive and thrive in playoff hockey, the ultimate test of talent, physicality and will.

Hockey is also the most random of games, studies tell us. Anyone can get a fortunate bounce. But when it happens over and over again, especially when the stakes are highest, that’s not dumb luck anymore. No, that’s known as clutchness.

These most clutch hockey players in Stanley Cup history are the guys who routinely came up big in the biggest moments. (Goalies will get their turns later.)

30. Justin Williams

Justin Williams plays against Nashville Predators

Career: 19 seasons (2000-20)

Teams: Philadelphia Flyers (2000-04), Carolina Hurricanes (2004-09, 2017-20), Los Angeles Kings (2009-15), Washington Capitals (2015-17)

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (2006, 2012, 2014)

Stanley Cup statistics: 162 games played/41 goals/61 assists/+30 plus-minus rating

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 8

* The rankings are based on a combination of points production, eye-alytics, Conn Smythe Trophies, game-winning/overtime goals and plus-minus rating, roughly in that order. Adjustments have been made for dead- and live-puck eras, and incomplete plus-minus numbers are denoted by asterisks.

Bottom Line: Justin Williams

Los Angeles Kings' Justin Williams holds up Stanley Cup

There is no reasonable explanation for his uncanny success in Game 7s — seven goals and eight assists in nine games. His teams won all but one of them. Who does that? Answer: Nobody.

The 2014 Conn Smythe Trophy-winner is the all-time points leader in seventh games. We’re pretty sure that’s how he got the nickname Mr. Game 7.

29. Claude Lemieux

New Jersey Devils right wing Claude Lemieux sets up one of his two goals

Career: 21 seasons (1983-2003, 2008-09)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens (1983-1990), New Jose Devils (1990-95, 1999-2000), Colorado Avalanche (1995-99), Phoenix Coyotes (2000-03), Dallas Stars (2003), San Jose Sharks (2009)

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1986, 1995-96, 2000)

Stanley Cup statistics: 234/80/78/+41

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 19

Bottom Line: Claude Lemieux

New Jersey Devils Claude Lemieux celebrates goal

You either loved to hate the 1990 Conn Smythe Trophy-winner or hated to love him. Either way, this spit disturber thrived in big moments ever since his first postseason, when the rookie scored a league-high four game-winners.

Five years later, the Canadiens traded him for . . . Sylvain Turgeon? Sacre bleu!

28. Ken Linseman

Career: 14 seasons (1978-1991)

Teams: WHA Birmingham Bulls (1977-78), Philadelphia Flyers (1978-82, 1990), Boston Bruins (1984-90), Edmonton Oilers (1990-91), Toronto Maple Leafs (1991)

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1984)

Stanley Cup statistics: 113/43/77/+49

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 11

Bottom Line: Ken Linseman

You have not been trolled here. The Rat is one of only 12 players to rank among the top 100 in goals per game (80th) and assists per game (22nd) and game-winning goals (40th) and plus-minus rating (17th) in playoff history.

Three times he accumulated at least 20 points in a postseason. Then again, the guy averaged nearly one point per game in the regular season, so maybe his inclusion isn’t a shocker at all.

27. Patrick Kane

Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) scores against Philadelphia Flyers

Career: 14 seasons (2007-present)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks (2007-present)

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (2010, 2013, 2015)

Stanley Cup statistics: 136/52/80/+4

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 11

Bottom Line: Patrick Kane

Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane scores against Philadelphia Flyers

Sudden death, taxes, Patrick Kane. His six playoff goals in the extra session rank behind only Joe Sakic and Maurice Richard in league history.

Of course, the Philadelphia Flyers swear it’s only five. They still haven’t seen his 2010 Stanley Cup clincher cross the line. (Have you ever seen the Flyers win the Cup?)

26. Brett Hull

The St. Louis Blues Brett Hull takes control of puck

Career: 19 seasons (1986-2005)

Teams: Calgary Flames (1986-88),St. Louis Blues (1988-98), Dallas Stars (1998-2001), Detroit (2001-04), Phoenix Coyotes (2005)

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1999, 2002)

Stanley Cup statistics: 202/103/87/+13

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 24

Bottom Line: Brett Hull

Brett Hull shoots Stanley Cup winning goal

Is the Golden Brett the greatest clutch goal-scorer in postseason history? Could be. Game-winners can be a deceptive stat, but when you and Wayne Gretzky own the most in playoff history, that’s a trend, not an accident.

Oh, while we’re at it, his 1999 Stanley Cup clincher was within the cockamamie rules of the time, so let it go, Buh-fuh-low.

25. Joe Sakic

Colorado Avalanche center Joe Sakic controls the puck

Career: 20 seasons (1988-2009)

Teams: Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche (1988-2009)

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1996, 2001)

Stanley Cup statistics: 172/84/104/-2

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 19

Bottom Line: Joe Sakic

Joe Sakic tries to snap puck past goalie Mike Richter

Sudden death, taxes, Joe Sakic. No player has scored more overtime goals in playoff history.

His 2006 postseason should be framed and mounted in the Hockey Hall of Fame — 18 goals, 16 assists, six game-winners, one Conn Smythe Trophy. OK, now about that plus-minus rating . . .

24. Niklas Lidstrom

Detroit Red Wings' Niklas Lidstrom shoots against Tampa Bay Lightning

Career: 20 seasons (1991-2012)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings (1991-2012)

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1997-98, 2002, 2008)

Stanley Cup statistics: 263/54/129/+61

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 11

Bottom Line: Niklas Lidstrom

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom celebrates assist

Somebody nicknamed him The Perfect Human. But we’ve got a better one — Captain Late. After all, the 2002 Conn Smythe Trophy winner has more overtime goals than any defenseman in puck history, right?

Only 39 forwards have more in their careers. We like his plus-61 rating just as much. Only four d-men have a better number.

23. Sergei Fedorov

Career: 18 seasons (1990-2009)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings (1990-2003), Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (2004-05), Columbus Blue Jackets (2005-08), Washington Capitals (2008-09)

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (1997-98, 2002)

Stanley Cup statistics: 183/52/124/+38

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 12

Bottom Line: Sergei Fedorov

Detroit Red Wings' Sergei Fedorov rejoices after scoring

FedEx was smoother than Russian vodka. And when the spirit moved him, he was the best two-way player on the planet. Well, when the postseason rolled around, consider him moved.

As former Winged Wheels teammate Aaron Ward put it, “In terms of raw talent, ability to get it done and understand the circumstance, Fedorov was the guy.”

22. Nikita Kucherov

Career: 7 seasons (2013-present)

Teams: Tampa Bay Lightning (2013-present)

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (2020-21)

Stanley Cup statistics: 113/44/83/+31

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 7

Bottom Line: Nikita Kucherov

Is it too early to put the reigning back-to-back postseason points leader among the elite clutch performers of all time? Not anymore.

His 1.12 points per playoff game rank behind only Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, Mike Bossy, Jari Kurri and Peter Forsburg among those with at least 100 games played. And the guy has barely broken a sweat. Still in his 20s, he may even have better years ahead of him.

21. Denis Potvin

Career: 15 seasons (1973-88)

Teams: New York Islanders (1973-88)

Stanley Cup championships:

Stanley Cup statistics: 185/56/108/+64

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 7

Bottom Line: Denis Potvin

New York Islanders Denis Potvin jumps for joy

The backbone of the Islanders dynasty ranks sixth in points per game among defensemen and eighth in career power-play points at any position in the postseason, yet he has nary a Conn Smythe Trophy.

If the voters could do it over again, we wonder if a few would switch their votes in the 1980 and/or 1981 elections. He could have easily won either one.

20. Doug Gilmour

Toronto Blue Maple Leafs' Doug Gilmour takes shot against Ed Belfour

Career: 20 seasons (1983-2003)

Teams: St. Louis Blues (1983-88),Calgary Flames (1988-91), Toronto Maple Leafs (1992-97, 2003), New Jersey Devils (1997-98), Chicago Blackhawks (1998-2000), Buffalo Sabres (2000-01), Montreal Canadiens (2001-03)

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1989)

Stanley Cup statistics: 182/60/128/+27

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 13

Bottom Line: Doug Gilmour

Gilmour’s 1992-93 season (127 points in the regular season, 35 in the postseason) was pretty unbelievable. Killer centered the first line, quarterbacked the power play, took the big face-offs, shadowed the top gun on the other side and made Tim Hortons runs between periods.

It’s no wonder the guy regularly dropped 20 pounds or more in the playoffs.

19. Ted Kennedy

Career: 14 seasons (1942-57)

Teams: Toronto Maple Leafs (1942-57)

Stanley Cup championships: 5 (1945, 1947-49 1951)

Stanley Cup statistics: 78/29/31/NA

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 11

Bottom Line: Ted Kennedy

Back when the Maple Leafs won Stanley Cups, this was the captain who lifted both of them. Over a four-year period (1945-48), Teeder potted seven game-winners in 24 playoff victories.

By our count, the guy was worthy of at least two Conn Smythe Trophies.

18. Paul Coffey

Career: 21 seasons (1980-2001)

Teams: Edmonton Oilers (1980-87), Pittsburgh Penguins (1987-92), Los Angeles Kings (1992-93), Detroit Red Wings (1993-96), Hartford Whalers (1996), Philadelphia Flyers (1996-98), Chicago Blackhawks (1998), Carolina Panthers (1998-2000), Boston Bruins (2000-01)

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1984-85, 1987, 1991)

Stanley Cup statistics: 194/59/137/+53

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 8

Bottom Line: Paul Coffey

This frequent flyer deserved the Conn Smythe Trophy in the 1985 postseason when he scored an insane 37 points in 18 games — still the most by a defenseman in league history. Only Bobby Orr and Brian Leetch averaged more points per playoff game at the position.

And Coffey would rank even higher if he simply hadn’t played for too long.

17. Bobby Hull

Career: 16 seasons (1957-72, 1980)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks (1957-72), WHA Winnipeg Jets (1972-79), Hartford Whalers (1980)

Stanley Cup championships: 1 (1961)

Stanley Cup statistics: 119/62/67/*+16

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 11

Bottom Line: Bobby Hull

In his athletic prime, The Golden Jet led the league in goals three times in four postseasons. If his team hadn’t gagged in Game 7 of the 1971 championship round, a Conn Smith Trophy would almost certainly be among his long list of career credits.

If not for his WHA stint (43 goals in 60 playoff games), who knows how much higher he would be here.

16. Jaromir Jagr

Career: 24 seasons (1990-2008, 2011-17)

Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins (1990-2001), Washington Capitals (2001-04), New York Rangers (2004-08), Philadelphia Flyers (2011-12), Dallas Stars (2013), Boston Bruins (2013), New Jersey Devils (2013-15), Florida Panthers (2015-17), Calgary Flames (2017)

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1991-92)

Stanley Cup statistics: 208/78/123/+30

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 16

Bottom Line: Jaromir Jagr

Pittsburgh Penguins Jaromir Jagr celebrates

Jags didn’t just save a playoff series. He quite possibly saved a franchise. In 1999, with the financially strapped Penguins on thin ice, the captain willed his underdog team past the New Jersey Devils on a sore groin into the second round. Or far enough for the franchise to stay afloat.

“Probably if I hadn’t scored that goal (in overtime of Game 6), the team wouldn’t be in Pittsburgh right now,” he would say later. “(Sidney) Crosby would be in Kansas City.”

Now that’s p-p-pressure.

15. Glenn Anderson

Glenn Anderson sends shot past Andy Moog

Career: 16 seasons (1980-96)

Teams: Edmonton Oilers (1980-91, 1996), Toronto Maple Leafs (1991-94), New York Rangers (1994), St. Louis Blues (1995-96)

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1984-85, 1987-88, 1990, 1994)

Stanley Cup statistics: 225/93/121/+63

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 17

Bottom Line: Glenn Anderson

New York Rangers' Glenn Anderson celebrates

Here’s the fifth Beatle of puckdom. While co-conspirators Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri and Paul Coffey minted all the gold records, this second-liner quietly scored the fifth most goals in postseason history.

He’s also eighth in game-winning points and 32nd in overtime points.

14. Jacques Lemaire

Career: 12 seasons (1967-79)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens (1967-79)

Stanley Cup championships: 8 (1968-69, 1971, 1973, 1976-79)

Stanley Cup statistics: 145/61/78/+54

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 11

Bottom Line: Jacques Lemaire

It wasn’t easy to leave co-conspirators Yvan Cournoyer and Henri Richard off this list. Numbers aside, we chose this forward because of his versatility and two-way game. Lemaire could be quick, too. The guy scored three overtime goals, all in the first five minutes.

He was a serious candidate for no fewer than four Conn Smythe Trophies but got shut out. We believe Lemaire is French for “grotesquely underrated hockey player.”

13. Peter Forsberg

Career: 15 seasons (1994-2008, 2010-11)

Teams: Quebec Nordiques (1994-95), Colorado Avalanche (1995-2004, 2008, 2011), Philadelphia Flyers (2005-07), Nashville Predators (2007)

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1996, 2001)

Stanley Cup statistics: 151/64/107/+54

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 14

Bottom Line: Peter Forsberg

Other than a lack of durability, this two-time leader in points and game-winning goals was as close to the perfect postseason player as there has ever been. Peter The Great ranks on the short list of virtually every category that matters — 11th in points per game, 15th in assists per game, 46th in goals per game, 19th in shooting percentage and 10th in plus-minus rating.

We’re fully aware of what 2002 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Niklas Lidstrom meant to the Detroit Red Wings that postseason, but this was the best Swede on the ice.

12. Guy Lafleur

Career: 17 seasons (1971-85, 1988-91)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens (1971-85), New York Rangers (1988-89), Quebec Nordiques (1989-91)

Stanley Cup championships: 5 (1973, 1976-1979)

Stanley Cup statistics: 128/58/76/+50

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 14

Bottom Line: Guy Lafleur

Guy Lafleur struggle with Valeri Kharlamov

The Flower was the gentle assassin to Maurice Richard’s cold-blooded killer, a lethal force whose flair for the dramatic brought fans out of their seats.

His career highlight: a power-play goal against the Boston Bruins late in the third period of Game 7 of the 1979 Eastern Conference semis. It not only tied the score but saved a fourth consecutive Stanley Cup season.

11. Jari Kurri

Jari Kurri and Luc Robitaille against one another

Career: 17 seasons (1980-98)

Teams: WHA Finland (1978-79), Edmonton Oilers (1980-90), Los Angeles Kings (1991-96), New York Rangers (1996), Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (1996-97), Colorado Avalanche (1997-98)

Stanley Cup championships: 5 (1984-85, 1987-88, 1990)

Stanley Cup statistics: 200/106/127/+101

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 14

Bottom Line: Jari Kurri

Jari Kurri pushing David Christian against boards

This Finnish flash played at the height of the live puck era, so his numbers are bloated like the others. Still, it’s impossible to ignore his postseason clutchness — seventh in shooting percentage, ninth in points per game and 12th in goals per game in league history.

Now check out that crazy plus-minus total. It’s the best ev-er.

10. Sidney Crosby

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby gets shot past Washington Capitals goaltender Vitek Vanecek

Career: 16 seasons (2005-present)

Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins (2005-present)

Stanley Cup championships: 3 (2009, 2015-16)

Stanley Cup statistics: 174/69/122/+16

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 9

Bottom Line: Sidney Crosby

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby hoists Stanley Cup

We often wonder what The Kid could have achieved with a Nathan MacKinnon (hint-hint) alongside him. Or if the league had afforded him Wayne Gretzky treatment. Or if he hadn’t sat out nearly two full seasons because of concussion issues.

For our money, the two-time Conn Smith Trophy winner is the best 200-foot player of the post-expansion era, a serial winner who can beat you any which way with a playoff game on the line.

9. Phil Esposito

Boston Bruins center Phil Esposito moves in

Career: 18 season (1963-1981)

Teams: Chicago Blackhawks (1963-67), Boston Bruins (1967-75), New York Rangers (1976-81)

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1970, 1972)

Stanley Cup statistics: 130/61/76/+25

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 12

Bottom Line: Phil Esposito

You want a big shooter? OK, We’ve got your big shooter right here. Over four postseasons (1969-72), Espie led the league in goals and points three times, assists and shots on goal twice and game-winners once.

If co-conspirator Bobby Orr hadn’t scored the legendary 1970 Stanley Cup clincher, he just might have a well-deserved Conn Smythe Trophy on his Hall of Fame resume, too. He set league records for goals (13) and points (27) that postseason.

8. Maurice Richard

Career: 18 seasons (1942-60)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens (1942-60)

Stanley Cup championships: 8 (1944, 1946, 1953, 1956-60)

Stanley Cup statistics: 132/82/44/*+2

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 18

Bottom Line: Maurice Richard

Maurice "Rocket" Richard gets ready to fire first goal past Chicago Black Hawks goalie Al Rollin

The Rocket played at a time when a team played no more than two playoff series. Now it’s four, so you do the math.

He scored a slew of big goals — only Joe Sakic had more than his six in overtime — but none more memorable than the one that decided Game 7 of the 1952 semis. Only minutes after, the guy had been carted off unconscious, the result of a collision that required six stitches to his head.

7. Gordie Howe

Career: 26 seasons (1946-71, 1979-80)

Teams: Detroit Red Wings (1946-71), WHA Houston Aeros (1973-77), WHA New England Whalers (1977-79), Hartford Whalers (1979-80)

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1950, 1952, 1954-55)

Stanley Cup statistics: 157/68/92/*+5

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 11

Bottom Line: Gordie Howe

Mr. Hockey was the postseason points leader a record six times in six team leagues.Of the 34 players to average one point per game (minimum: 50 goals), he’s the only one to have played in the entire 1950s decade when goals were at a premium.

And let’s not forget his physical presence and innate leadership, which cannot be measured in mere numbers.

6. Bobby Orr

Career: 12 seasons (1966-78)

Teams: Boston Bruins (1966-75), Chicago Blackhawks (1976-78)

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1970, 1972)

Stanley Cup statistics: 74/26/66/+60

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 7

Bottom Line: Bobby Orr

Boston Bruins' Bobby Orr flies through air after winning goal

At 1.24 points per game, the GOAT is the only d-man among top 32 players in postseason history. His ridiculous plus-minus rating is the best per game at any position by a lot.

What we can’t forget is his minus-2 against the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3 of the Eastern Division quarterfinals, part of a collective meltdown that cost the B’s a rare three-peat.

5. Mario Lemieux

Pittsburgh Penguins Mario Lemieux shoots on goal

Career: 17 seasons (1984-97, 2000-2007)

Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins (1984-97, 2000-2007)

Stanley Cup championships: 2 (1991-92)

Stanley Cup playoff statistics: 107/76/96/+20

Stanley Cup playoff game-winning goals: 11

Bottom Line: Mario Lemieux

Pittsburgh Penguins' Mario Lemieux parades Stanley Cup around Chicago Stadium

Super Mario ranks first in goals (0.71), second in assists (0.90) and second in points per game (1.61) on the career postseason list. So why isn't he a few spots higher here? Exactly half of his points came on special teams and, well, the refs would rather eat crushed plexiglas than call a penalty in the playoffs.

And believe it or not, No. 66 never scored a point in overtime, one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in hockey history.

4. Mike Bossy

Mike Bossy watches his shot pass Philadelphia Flyer goalie Pete Peeters

Career: 10 seasons (1977-87)

Teams: New York Islanders (1977-87)

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1980-83)

Stanley Cup statistics: 129/85/75/+34

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 17

Bottom Line: Mike Bossy

New York Islanders winger Mike Bossy cheers after hat trick goal

Boss was more than clutch. He was quadruple clutch. In the 1983 Wales Conference finals, he scored the game-winner in every one of four victories, a league record that we guarantee won’t be broken until there are best-of-nine series.

Oh, the guy also scored four goals in the Game 6 clincher. Only Mario Lemieux scored goals at a higher rate in postseason history.

3. Jean Beliveau

Career: 20 seasons (1950-71)

Teams: Montreal Canadiens (1950-1971)

Stanley Cup championships: 10 (1956-60, 1965-66, 1968-1969, 1971)

Stanley Cup statistics: 162/79/97/*+27

Stanley Cup game-winning goals: 15

Bottom Line: Jean Beliveau

No list of greatest winners in sports history is complete without this rock in the middle. Even though the longtime captain spent much of his career in a dead-puck era, he ranks 13th in goals per game and points per game (minimum: 50 goals and 100 points, respectively.)

What’s more, he’s 11th in overtime goals.

2. Mark Messier

Career: 25 seasons (1979-2004)

Teams: WHA Indianapolis (1978), WHA Cincinnati Stingers (1978-79), Edmonton Oilers (1979-91), New York Rangers (1991-97, 2000-04), Vancouver Canucks (1997-2000)

Stanley Cup championships: 6 (1984-85, 1987-88, 1990, 1994)

Stanley Cup playoff statistics: 236/109/186/+52

Stanley Cup playoff game-winning goals: 14

Bottom Line: Mark Messier

Mess is best remembered for his victory guarantee before Game 6 of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals, but really, what did the guy have to lose? The greater achievement was this: The Oilers captain won two Stanley Cups without Wayne Gretzky, while Gretzky went Cupless without him.

Even though the 1984 Conn Smythe Trophy winner seldom padded his stats in blowouts, he still ranks No. 3 on the career points-per-game list in the playoffs (minimum: 50 games). And only 13 players netted more game-winners.

1. Wayne Gretzky

Career: 20 seasons (1979-99)

Teams: WHA Indianapolis Racers (1978), WHA Edmonton Oilers (1978-79), Edmonton Oilers (1979-88) , Los Angeles Kings (1988-96), St. Louis Blues (1996), New York Rangers (1996-99)

Stanley Cup championships: 4 (1984-85, 1987-88)

Stanley Cup playoff statistics: 208/122/260/+91

Stanley Cup playoff game-winning goals: 24

Bottom Line: Wayne Gretzky

The Great One is the all-time playoff leader in points, points per game, assists, assists per game, goals, game-winning goals (tied), need we go on?

Even if you take into account that he played in an era when defense was optional, who else are you gonna put here? Huh?