2007 Stanley Cup playoffs
The 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League (NHL) began on April 11, 2007, featuring sixteen teams—eight from the Eastern Conference and eight from the Western Conference—competing in a best-of-seven series format to determine the league champion.[1] The playoffs concluded on June 6, 2007, when the Western Conference's second-seeded Anaheim Ducks defeated the Eastern Conference's fourth-seeded Ottawa Senators four games to one in the Stanley Cup Final, securing the Ducks' first championship in franchise history and marking the first Stanley Cup win for a California-based team.[1][2] In the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, the top-seeded Buffalo Sabres eliminated the eighth-seeded New York Islanders in six games, while the fourth-seeded Ottawa Senators dispatched the fifth-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins in five games, eliminating Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in their first NHL playoff series on April 19, 2007; the second-seeded New Jersey Devils overcame the seventh-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games, and the sixth-seeded New York Rangers swept the third-seeded Atlanta Thrashers in four games.[3][4] The conference semifinals saw the Sabres defeat the Rangers in six games and the Senators edge the Devils in a thrilling seven-game series, setting up an Eastern Conference Final where Ottawa upset Buffalo four games to one.[3] The Western Conference quarterfinals produced several competitive series, including the first-seeded Detroit Red Wings beating the eighth-seeded Calgary Flames in six games, the second-seeded Anaheim Ducks topping the seventh-seeded Minnesota Wild in five games, the third-seeded Vancouver Canucks outlasting the sixth-seeded Dallas Stars in seven games—highlighted by a marathon overtime win in Game 5—and the fourth-seeded Nashville Predators upsetting the fifth-seeded San Jose Sharks in five games.[3] In the semifinals, Detroit eliminated Nashville in six games, and Anaheim dispatched Vancouver in five; the Ducks then advanced by defeating Detroit four games to two in the conference final.[3] Overall, the playoffs showcased strong defensive play, with Anaheim's victory powered by goaltender Jean-Sébastien Giguère and captain Scott Niedermayer, who earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with 11 points in 21 games.[5]Background
Regular Season Context
The 2006–07 NHL season marked the second full year of operations under the collective bargaining agreement established after the 2004–05 lockout, with each of the league's 30 teams scheduled to play an 82-game regular-season slate. The salary cap, a key post-lockout innovation aimed at promoting competitive balance, was raised to $44 million per team, up $5 million from the previous season, while the salary floor increased to $28 million.[6] The league maintained its structure of two conferences, each containing three divisions: the Atlantic, Northeast, and Southeast in the Eastern Conference, and the Central, Northwest, and Pacific in the Western Conference. This alignment influenced seeding for the playoffs, where division winners earned the top three spots in their conference.[7] League-wide performance highlighted a competitive Eastern Conference led by the Buffalo Sabres, who captured the Presidents' Trophy as the top regular-season team with a franchise-record 113 points from a 53–22–7 mark, including a league-best 53 wins.[8] In the Western Conference, the Detroit Red Wings matched Buffalo's point total at 113 via a 50–19–13 record but fell short of the trophy due to fewer regulation wins.[9] The New York Islanders exemplified dramatic shifts in standings, surging from outside the playoff picture to secure the eighth and final Eastern seed with 92 points on April 8, 2007—the last day of the regular season—when a legendary poke-check clinched their berth.[10][11] The playoff field featured the top eight teams from each conference by points, with tiebreakers based on regulation-plus-overtime wins. In the East, qualifiers included Buffalo (113 points), New Jersey Devils (107), Pittsburgh Penguins (105), Atlanta Thrashers (97), Ottawa Senators (105), New York Rangers (94), Tampa Bay Lightning (93), and the Islanders (92).[7] The West saw Detroit (113), Anaheim Ducks (110), Nashville Predators (110), Vancouver Canucks (105), San Jose Sharks (107), Dallas Stars (107), Minnesota Wild (104), and Calgary Flames (96). These totals reflected a tightly contested season, with only 21 points separating the first and eighth seeds in each conference. Emerging talents shaped the narrative around playoff implications, as Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby paced the NHL with 120 points (36 goals, 84 assists) in 79 games, propelling the Penguins into the postseason for the first time since 2001.[12] Similarly, Washington's Alexander Ovechkin erupted for 46 goals and 92 points, but the Capitals' 70 points left them short of qualification.[13] Tampa Bay's Vincent Lecavalier contributed 108 points to help secure a seventh-seed spot, underscoring the blend of veteran leadership and youthful dynamism that defined the path to the playoffs.[14]Playoff Format
The 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs followed the format established after the 2004–05 NHL lockout, featuring a 16-team tournament with eight qualifiers from each conference determined by regular-season performance.[15] The playoffs consisted of four rounds of best-of-seven series: the conference quarterfinals, conference semifinals, conference finals, and the Stanley Cup Final between the Eastern and Western Conference champions.[15] All series were played in a 2-2-1-1-1 format, with the higher-seeded team hosting Games 1, 2, 5, and 7, if necessary.[15] Within each conference, the top three division winners were seeded 1 through 3 based on their regular-season points totals, regardless of division; the remaining five playoff teams were then seeded 4 through 8 by overall points.[15] Quarterfinal matchups were intra-conference only, pitting seeds 1 against 8, 2 against 7, 3 against 6, and 4 against 5.[15] After the quarterfinals, winners were re-seeded 1 through 4 based on original seeding, with the highest remaining seed facing the lowest in the semifinals, and the other two winners matched accordingly; this re-seeding process repeated for the conference finals.[15] No inter-conference play occurred until the Stanley Cup Final, where home-ice advantage went to the team with the better regular-season record.[15] Each playoff game that ended in a tie after three 20-minute regulation periods proceeded to unlimited 20-minute overtime periods at full strength (five skaters per side), using sudden-death rules where the first goal ended the game; unlike the regular season, no shootouts were used in the playoffs.[16] Series outcomes were determined by the first team to win four games, with tiebreakers—if somehow needed beyond wins—falling back to total points earned in the series games.[15] The Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player of the entire playoffs, was selected by a panel of voters from the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, who submitted ballots at the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final based on a player's overall postseason performance.[17] This voting process, unchanged from prior years, emphasized contributions across all rounds rather than just the Final.[17]Playoff Seeds
Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference playoff field for the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs consisted of the three division champions seeded 1 through 3 based on points, followed by the top five remaining teams seeded 4 through 8 by points total.[7] This format ensured intra-conference matchups in the quarterfinals, with the highest seed facing the lowest.[7] The seeded teams and their regular-season records are as follows:| Seed | Team | Record | Points | Division/Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buffalo Sabres | 53–22–7 | 113 | Northeast champions, Presidents' Trophy |
| 2 | New Jersey Devils | 49–24–9 | 107 | Atlantic champions |
| 3 | Atlanta Thrashers | 43–28–11 | 97 | Southeast champions |
| 4 | Ottawa Senators | 48–25–9 | 105 | Wild card |
| 5 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 47–24–11 | 105 | Wild card |
| 6 | New York Rangers | 42–30–10 | 94 | Wild card |
| 7 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 44–33–5 | 93 | Wild card |
| 8 | New York Islanders | 40–30–12 | 92 | Wild card |
Western Conference
The Western Conference playoff field in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs consisted of the top eight teams based on regular season performance, with the three division winners seeded first through third according to points, followed by the next five highest-point teams in the conference as wild cards seeded fourth through eighth.[7] Qualification emphasized total points accumulated over 82 games, with ties resolved first by total wins, then head-to-head results, and other factors as needed.[7] The seeded teams were as follows:| Seed | Team | Division | Record (W-L-OTL) | Points | Qualification Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detroit Red Wings | Central | 50-19-13 | 113 | Central Division winners; league-leading points total in conference |
| 2 | Anaheim Ducks | Pacific | 48-20-14 | 110 | Pacific Division winners; repeated as division champions from prior season |
| 3 | Vancouver Canucks | Northwest | 49-26-7 | 105 | Northwest Division winners |
| 4 | Nashville Predators | Central | 51-23-8 | 110 | Wild card; second in Central Division |
| 5 | San Jose Sharks | Pacific | 51-26-5 | 107 | Wild card; second in Pacific Division; earned seeding over Dallas via more total wins (51 vs. 50) |
| 6 | Dallas Stars | Pacific | 50-25-7 | 107 | Wild card; third in Pacific Division |
| 7 | Minnesota Wild | Northwest | 48-26-8 | 104 | Wild card; second in Northwest Division |
| 8 | Calgary Flames | Northwest | 43-29-10 | 96 | Wild card; third in Northwest Division; edged Colorado Avalanche by one point for final spot |
Playoff Bracket
Eastern Conference Bracket
The Eastern Conference bracket for the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs featured a standard NHL format where the top eight teams by points qualified, seeded from 1 to 8, with matchups pitting the highest seed against the lowest (1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, 4 vs. 5) in best-of-seven quarterfinal series.[5] The seeds were determined by regular-season points, with tiebreakers favoring division winners and head-to-head records: (1) Buffalo Sabres (Northeast Division, 113 points), (2) New Jersey Devils (Atlantic Division, 107 points), (3) Atlanta Thrashers (Southeast Division, 97 points), (4) Ottawa Senators (105 points), (5) Pittsburgh Penguins (105 points), (6) New York Rangers (94 points), (7) Tampa Bay Lightning (93 points), and (8) New York Islanders (92 points).[7] The initial quarterfinal pairings were Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, Atlanta Thrashers vs. New York Rangers, and Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins.[27] Winners from the quarterfinals advanced to the conference semifinals in a fixed bracket structure, with the victor of the 1-8 matchup facing the winner of the 4-5 series (Buffalo/Islanders vs. Ottawa/Pittsburgh), and the winner of the 2-7 matchup facing the winner of the 3-6 series (New Jersey/Tampa vs. Atlanta/Rangers).[5] The two semifinal winners then competed in the Eastern Conference Final, with the champion advancing to the Stanley Cup Final against the Western Conference winner.[1] This progression ensured a clear path from divisional contenders to conference dominance, emphasizing the bracket's role in creating potential cross-division rivalries. The 2007 Eastern bracket was notable for its potential for upsets, given the conference's relative parity and lack of a dominant powerhouse, with several lower seeds like the fifth-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins—bolstered by emerging stars—posing threats in matchups such as the marquee 4-5 clash against the Ottawa Senators.[5] This "wild card heavy" East, as described in contemporary analyses, heightened intrigue by allowing non-traditional powerhouses an avenue to advance deep into the playoffs.Western Conference Bracket
The Western Conference playoff bracket in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs was structured as a fixed, seeded tournament featuring the top eight teams from the regular season, with division winners seeded 1 through 3 and the remaining teams seeded 4 through 8 based on points totals. The quarterfinal round consisted of best-of-seven series with the following initial matchups: the No. 1 seed Detroit Red Wings against the No. 8 Calgary Flames, the No. 2 Anaheim Ducks versus the No. 7 Minnesota Wild, the No. 3 Vancouver Canucks facing the No. 6 Dallas Stars, and the No. 4 Nashville Predators taking on the No. 5 San Jose Sharks.[5] Advancement followed a predetermined path to ensure balanced competition among seed groups. The winner of the Detroit-Calgary series advanced to the conference semifinals to face the victor of the Nashville-San Jose matchup, while the Anaheim-Minnesota winner proceeded to play the Vancouver-Dallas winner in the other semifinal series. The two semifinal champions then competed in the Western Conference Finals, with the ultimate winner qualifying for the Stanley Cup Finals against the Eastern Conference champion. This bracket highlighted the depth of the Western Conference, where seven of the eight playoff teams amassed over 100 points during the regular season—Detroit with 113, Nashville and Anaheim with 110 each, San Jose and Dallas with 107 each, Vancouver with 105, and Minnesota with 104—creating a highly competitive field with potential for closely contested, offensively dynamic series.[7]Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders
The Buffalo Sabres, as the top seed in the Eastern Conference with home-ice advantage, faced the eighth-seeded New York Islanders in the 2007 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The best-of-seven series, held from April 12 to April 20, 2007, marked the first playoff matchup between the two New York State rivals since 1984, when the Islanders swept the Sabres in the division semifinals. Buffalo dominated the series, winning 4–1 behind strong goaltending from Ryan Miller and timely scoring from forwards like Chris Drury, who tallied four goals. The Islanders, led by goaltender Rick DiPietro's return from injury, managed a single victory but struggled offensively against Buffalo's high-speed forecheck. The series showcased a goaltending duel between Miller and DiPietro, both Vezina Trophy contenders that season. Miller posted a 4–1 record with a .918 save percentage across five games, while DiPietro went 1–3 with a .898 save percentage in four appearances. Buffalo's regular-season dominance over the Islanders—winning three of four meetings—carried over, as the Sabres outshot New York 170–158 overall.| Game | Date | Location | Score (Away-Home) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 12 | Buffalo | Islanders 1–4 Sabres | Brian Campbell and Chris Drury each scored twice for Buffalo; Wade Dubielewicz made 13 saves in relief for New York. |
| 2 | April 14 | Buffalo | Islanders 3–2 Sabres | DiPietro, back from concussions, stopped 32 of 34 shots; Marc-Andre Bergeron scored the winner. |
| 3 | April 16 | New York | Sabres 3–2 Islanders | Thomas Vanek, Daniel Briere, and Adam Mair scored in the second period; DiPietro made 32 saves. |
| 4 | April 18 | New York | Sabres 4–2 Islanders | Vanek and Drury scored; Miller stopped 27 of 29 shots to seal the series-clinching road win. |
| 5 | April 20 | Buffalo | Islanders 3–4 Sabres | Buffalo held off a late Islanders rally; Miller made 30 saves, including a dramatic blind glove stop on Miroslav Satan with 12 seconds left to preserve the 4–3 win and advance to the semifinals. |
New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The New Jersey Devils, seeded second in the Eastern Conference, faced the seventh-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2007 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, marking the first playoff matchup between the two franchises. With home-ice advantage, the Devils prevailed in six games by a 4–2 series margin, outscoring the Lightning 19–14 overall and advancing to the conference semifinals against the Ottawa Senators. The series, played from April 12 to April 22, highlighted the Devils' disciplined defensive system under interim coach Lou Lamoriello, which neutralized much of Tampa Bay's offensive firepower despite the Lightning's early momentum.[29][30] In Game 1 on April 12 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the Devils jumped to a 1–0 series lead with a 5–3 victory, powered by two goals from Zach Parise and strong contributions from Patrik Elias and Brian Gionta. Martin Brodeur made 22 saves in net for New Jersey, while Lightning goaltender Johan Holmqvist stopped 29 shots in defeat. Both teams converted on the power play, with the Devils going 2-for-5 and Tampa Bay 1-for-4.[31][32] The Lightning responded in Game 2 on April 14, also in Newark, stealing home-ice back with a 3–2 win to tie the series at 1–1. Vincent Lecavalier scored the game-winning goal late in the third period, his second of the game, while Brad Richards added a power-play tally; Tampa Bay went 2-for-6 on the man advantage. Brodeur faced 28 shots but allowed three goals, including a shorthanded marker, as the Lightning's forecheck disrupted New Jersey's transitions.[29][33] Shifting to St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa for Game 3 on April 16, the Lightning seized a 2–1 series lead with another 3–2 triumph, thanks to Lecavalier's power-play goal in the first period—his series-leading fourth tally—and a clutch third-period deflection by Cory Stillman. New Jersey outshot Tampa Bay 32–24 but converted just 1-of-6 power plays, as the Lightning's penalty kill, anchored by Holmqvist's 30 saves, held firm. The Devils' frustration boiled over with penalties that shifted momentum.[34][35] Game 4 on April 18 remained in Tampa, where the Devils evened the series 2–2 via a dramatic 4–3 overtime victory. Scott Gomez netted the winner at 12:54 of the extra frame on a wrist shot from the slot, following a tying goal by Jamie Langenbrunner earlier; New Jersey's power play succeeded 1-for-7, while Tampa Bay went 1-for-3 despite Lecavalier's fifth goal of the series. Brodeur stopped 33 of 36 shots in a resilient performance that kept the Devils alive.[36][37] Returning home for Game 5 on April 20, the Devils took a 3–2 series lead with a 3–0 shutout, their first of the postseason. Brodeur earned his 22nd career playoff shutout by turning aside all 31 shots faced, including several high-danger chances from Martin St. Louis and Lecavalier. Scott Gomez recorded a goal and two assists to pace the offense, and New Jersey's neutral-zone trap limited Tampa Bay to just 18 shots while killing off all four power plays against. Holmqvist made 22 saves but couldn't overcome the Devils' forechecking pressure.[38][39] The series concluded in Game 6 on April 22 in Tampa, where the Devils sealed the win 3–2 to advance. Goals from Gomez, Travis Zajac, and Brian Rafalski provided the edge, with Brodeur stopping 32 of 34 shots—including 14 in the third period—to thwart a late Lightning rally powered by two power-play goals from Richards. Tampa Bay finished the series 4-for-22 on the power play (18.2 percent), hampered by New Jersey's league-leading penalty kill efficiency throughout the regular season and playoffs. Lecavalier led the Lightning with five goals, but the Devils' depth and defensive structure proved decisive in overcoming the early deficit.[40][29]Atlanta Thrashers vs. New York Rangers
The New York Rangers defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 4–0 in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, completing a sweep in four games from April 12 to 18, 2007. As the third seed in the Eastern Conference, the Thrashers held home-ice advantage and hosted the first two contests at Philips Arena, while the sixth-seeded Rangers hosted the final pair at Madison Square Garden. This series marked the Thrashers' inaugural playoff appearance in their eighth NHL season, following a franchise relocation from Winnipeg where the team last reached the postseason in 1999 as the Jets. Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist dominated the series with a perfect 4–0 record, allowing just six goals on 99 shots for a .939 save percentage, including one shutout and multiple strong performances that nearly resulted in additional clean sheets. The series showcased the Rangers' defensive resilience and opportunistic offense against a Thrashers team led by star forward Ilya Kovalchuk, who was held to just one goal and one assist over the four games. Jaromir Jagr paced the Rangers with two goals and five assists, contributing significantly to their scoring depth, while linemate Michael Nylander added three goals, including a hat trick in Game 3. The sweep propelled New York to their first second-round appearance since 1997 and highlighted Lundqvist's emergence as a playoff performer in his rookie postseason.| Game | Date | Location | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 12 | Atlanta | NYR 4, ATL 3 | Rangers rallied from a 3-2 deficit in the third period to steal home-ice momentum. Lundqvist made 28 saves.[41][42] |
| 2 | April 14 | Atlanta | NYR 2, ATL 1 | A low-scoring affair decided by Brendan Shanahan's overtime winner; Kovalchuk scored Atlanta's only goal. Lundqvist stopped 27 of 28 shots.[43][41] |
| 3 | April 17 | New York | NYR 7, ATL 0 | Lundqvist earned his first NHL playoff shutout with 21 saves; Nylander's hat trick and Jagr's four assists fueled the rout, the only shutout of the series.[44][45][46] |
| 4 | April 18 | New York | NYR 4, ATL 2 | Jagr sealed the sweep with an unassisted empty-net goal; Lundqvist finished with 23 saves as the Rangers closed out the series.[47][41][48] |
Ottawa Senators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Ottawa Senators, seeded fourth in the Eastern Conference with home-ice advantage after tying the Pittsburgh Penguins at 105 regular-season points but winning more games in regulation, met the fifth-seeded Penguins in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs quarterfinals. This best-of-seven series, held from April 11 to April 19, marked the first playoff matchup between the two franchises and showcased a generational contrast: Pittsburgh's youthful core, anchored by 19-year-old Sidney Crosby, against Ottawa's battle-tested lineup featuring Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza. The Senators dominated en route to a 4–1 series victory, outscoring the Penguins 18–10 overall and limiting their inexperienced roster's offensive bursts.[49] In Game 1 on April 11 at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, the Senators jumped to a commanding lead with early goals from Andrej Meszaros and Chris Kelly, holding on for a 6–3 win despite a late Pittsburgh rally. Dany Heatley contributed a goal and an assist, while Crosby notched his first playoff point with a third-period tally in his debut. Ottawa goaltender Ray Emery made 19 saves in the victory, giving the Senators a 1–0 series lead.[50] Pittsburgh responded forcefully in Game 2 on April 14, also at Scotiabank Place, as Crosby scored the game-winning goal at 11:44 of the third period to cap a 4–3 comeback victory and even the series at 1–1. The Penguins outshot Ottawa 37–21, with Marc-André Fleury stopping 18 shots; Emery faced heavy pressure but made 33 saves on 37 shots in the loss. Colby Armstrong and Ryan Malone each scored for Pittsburgh, highlighting the team's resilience despite their relative inexperience.[51] The series shifted to Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh for Game 3 on April 15, where the Senators reasserted control with a 4–2 win, taking a 2–1 lead. Heatley scored twice, including a power-play goal, while Spezza added a goal and two assists to power Ottawa's attack; the Penguins managed goals from Crosby and Maxime Talbot but couldn't match the Senators' depth. Emery stopped 24 of 26 shots, solidifying Ottawa's momentum on the road.[52][53] Ottawa moved one win from clinching in Game 4 on April 17 at Mellon Arena, edging Pittsburgh 2–1 to take a 3–1 series advantage. Patrick Eaves and Wade Redden scored for the Senators, who killed off several penalties effectively; Crosby's goal was Pittsburgh's lone tally, underscoring the Penguins' struggle to generate consistent offense against Ottawa's defense. Emery earned the win with 22 saves, his poise key in the tight contest.[54] The Senators closed out the series in Game 5 on April 19 back at Scotiabank Place, blanking the Penguins 3–0 for a decisive 4–1 triumph. Heatley opened the scoring on the power play, followed by goals from Antoine Vermette and Chris Kelly; the shutout was Emery's first of the playoffs, as he turned aside all 20 shots faced. Crosby was held pointless in the finale, finishing the series with 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) amid Pittsburgh's youthful squad being outmatched by Ottawa's veteran poise and the Crosby-Heatley rivalry tilting toward the Senators, who advanced to face the New Jersey Devils.[4][55]Western Conference Quarterfinals
Detroit Red Wings vs. Calgary Flames
The Detroit Red Wings, as the Western Conference's top seed with home-ice advantage, faced the eighth-seeded Calgary Flames in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs quarterfinals. The best-of-seven series, spanning April 12 to April 22, showcased a competitive matchup between two teams with prior playoff history, culminating in a 4–2 victory for Detroit that propelled them to the conference semifinals. The Red Wings' offensive depth and goaltending from Dominik Hasek proved decisive, while Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff delivered standout performances despite the loss. This encounter renewed a rivalry from the 2004 Western Conference Finals, where the Flames had upset Detroit in six games.[56] The series results are summarized in the following table:| Game | Date | Location | Score (Away-Home) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 12 | Detroit | Calgary 1–4 Detroit | Detroit |
| 2 | April 15 | Detroit | Calgary 1–3 Detroit | Detroit |
| 3 | April 17 | Calgary | Detroit 2–3 Calgary | Calgary |
| 4 | April 19 | Calgary | Detroit 2–3 Calgary | Calgary |
| 5 | April 21 | Detroit | Calgary 1–5 Detroit | Detroit |
| 6 | April 22 | Calgary | Detroit 2–1 Calgary (2OT) | Detroit |
Anaheim Ducks vs. Minnesota Wild
The second-seeded Anaheim Ducks, benefiting from home-ice advantage as the Pacific Division winners with 110 regular-season points, met the seventh-seeded Minnesota Wild, who had clinched the Northwest Division with 104 points, in the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs. The best-of-seven series, spanning April 11 to April 19, 2007, concluded with a 4–1 Ducks victory, advancing Anaheim to the conference semifinals while ending Minnesota's postseason. The Ducks' rugged, physical game—characterized by relentless forechecking—proved too much for the Wild's disciplined neutral-zone trap defense under coach Jacques Lemaire, limiting Minnesota to just five total goals across the five games. This matchup represented the Wild's deepest playoff penetration since their 2003 Western Conference Finals appearance, where they also fell to Anaheim.[67][68] The Ducks opened the series with a 2–1 win in Game 1 on April 11 at Honda Center, as backup goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov—starting in place of the emotionally unavailable Jean-Sebastien Giguere, who was dealing with family matters—made 24 saves, including a crucial stop on Marian Gaborik late in regulation. Dustin Penner provided the game-winning goal at 14:40 of the third period, capitalizing on a scramble in front after a shot from Ryan Getzlaf.[69] Bryzgalov remained sharp in Game 2 on April 13, also at Honda Center, stopping 30 of 32 shots in a 3–2 Ducks victory that gave Anaheim a 2–0 lead. The Wild tied the score at 2–2 early in the third on a power-play goal by Brian Rolston, but Ryan Getzlaf scored the short-handed decider amid heavy Ducks pressure along the boards. The physical tone escalated, with multiple fights underscoring Anaheim's edge in battles for pucks in the offensive zone.[70] Traveling to St. Paul for Game 3 on April 15 at Xcel Energy Center, the Ducks extended their dominance with a 2–1 triumph, pushing Minnesota to the brink at 3–0. Bryzgalov turned aside 19 shots, while Andy McDonald opened the scoring at 16:05 of the first on a power-play goal assisted by Chris Pronger, and Rob Niedermayer sealed it with the game-winner at 9:43 of the third after a Wild turnover. Minnesota's trap slowed Anaheim's entries but couldn't generate enough offense, managing only 20 shots.[71] The Wild responded in Game 4 on April 17 at Xcel Energy Center, erupting for three goals in 1:51 during the third period to erase a 1–1 tie and secure a 4–1 win, avoiding a sweep. After Bryzgalov allowed goals by Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Stephane Veilleux, and Mark Parrish to make it 4–1 at 6:20 of the third, he was pulled in favor of Giguere, who played the final 13:22 without yielding a shot on goal. Niklas Backstrom made 28 saves for Minnesota, who finally broke through against Anaheim's forecheck with improved puck movement through the neutral zone.[72] Returning home for the decisive Game 5 on April 19 at Honda Center, Giguere started and delivered 23 saves in a 4–1 Ducks clincher, finishing his limited series action (two appearances, 101:22 minutes) with a 0.59 goals-against average and .972 save percentage (35 saves on 36 shots). Goals by Chris Pronger, Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf (power-play game-winner at 16:29 of the second), and Travis Moen (empty-net) capped the scoring, as the Ducks' physicality wore down the Wild in the later stages.[73][67]Vancouver Canucks vs. Dallas Stars
The third-seeded Vancouver Canucks, earning home-ice advantage as Northwest Division champions, met the sixth-seeded [Dallas Stars](/page/Dallas Stars) in the Western Conference quarterfinals of the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs. The best-of-seven series, spanning April 11 to 23, showcased a defensive battle between two teams known for strong goaltending, with only 25 total goals scored across the seven games. Vancouver ultimately prevailed 4-3, advancing to the conference semifinals for the first time since 2003, while Dallas was eliminated despite posting a league-best 1.73 goals-against average during the regular season.[74][75] The series results were as follows:| Game | Date | Location | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 11 | Vancouver | VAN 5–4 DAL (4OT) | Henrik Sedin game-winner at 8:06 of 4OT; Roberto Luongo 72 saves[76][77] |
| 2 | Apr 13 | Vancouver | DAL 2–0 VAN | Mike Modano, Antti Miettinen goals; Marty Turco shutout[74] |
| 3 | Apr 15 | Dallas | VAN 2–1 DAL (OT) | Henrik Sedin overtime winner[74] |
| 4 | Apr 17 | Dallas | VAN 2–1 DAL | Mattias Öhlund goal; Canucks take 3–1 series lead[74] |
| 5 | Apr 19 | Vancouver | DAL 1–0 VAN (OT) | Brenden Morrow overtime winner; Turco shutout[74] |
| 6 | Apr 21 | Dallas | DAL 2–0 VAN | Joel Lundqvist two goals; Turco second shutout, series tied 3–3[74][78] |
| 7 | Apr 23 | Vancouver | VAN 4–1 DAL | Trevor Linden power-play goal breaks 1–1 tie—his first game-winner of the series; goals by Henrik Sedin, Taylor Pyatt, Bryan Smolinski; Luongo 22 saves[74][79] |
Nashville Predators vs. San Jose Sharks
The Nashville Predators entered the 2007 Western Conference Quarterfinals as the fourth seed in the conference with home-ice advantage against the fifth-seeded San Jose Sharks, marking the first playoff matchup between the two franchises. The best-of-seven series, played from April 11 to April 20, 2007, showcased intense defensive battles and offensive outbursts, culminating in a 4–1 victory for the Sharks, who advanced to the conference semifinals. The Predators, despite a strong regular-season finish with 110 points, struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, while the Sharks relied on timely scoring and goaltending from Evgeni Nabokov to secure the win.[80][1] Game 1 on April 11 at Nashville's Gaylord Entertainment Center went to double overtime, where the Sharks prevailed 5–4 on Patrick Rissmiller's game-winning goal at 8:14 of the second extra frame, giving San Jose a 1–0 series lead. The Predators fired 43 shots on Nabokov, who stopped 39, while Vokoun made 33 saves on 38 shots for Nashville; key scorers included Milan Michalek and Ryane Clowe with two goals each for the Sharks.[81][82] In Game 2 on April 13, still in Nashville, the Predators evened the series at 1–1 with a decisive 5–2 victory, powered by three goals from J.P. Dumont and strong forechecking that limited the Sharks to 22 shots. Vokoun earned the win with 20 saves, while Nabokov faced 32 shots but allowed goals from Paul Kariya, Dumont, and others in a game marked by post-whistle scrums and three fights.[83][84] The series shifted to San Jose for Game 3 on April 16, where the Sharks took a 2–1 lead with a 3–1 win, fueled by third-period goals from Jonathan Cheechoo and Joe Pavelski to overcome an early Nashville marker from Jason Arnott. Nabokov stopped 27 of 28 shots, while the Predators managed only 28 shots total in a low-scoring affair that highlighted San Jose's defensive structure.[85][86] Game 4 on April 18 in San Jose saw the Sharks extend their lead to 3–1 with a 3–2 triumph, as Joe Pavelski's second-period tally stood up amid a physical contest featuring 48 combined shots. Thornton and Cheechoo each recorded two assists, with Nabokov making 23 saves; Vokoun stopped 25 of 28 for Nashville, but a late rally fell short.[87][88] The Sharks closed out the series in Game 5 on April 20 back in Nashville, defeating the Predators 3–2 to advance. Patrick Marleau scored twice, including the game-winner at 17:21 of the third period, while Nabokov stopped 30 of 32 shots; Vokoun made 29 saves on 31 shots in the loss, as Nashville's season ended despite a valiant effort.[89][90] Throughout the series, the games averaged over 60 shots on goal combined, exemplified by Game 1's 81 total shots, underscoring the aggressive playstyles of both teams. Joe Thornton contributed 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) for San Jose, driving their offense, while Vokoun's 33 saves in the Game 1 loss highlighted Nashville's resilience despite the outcome.[91][92]Eastern Conference Semifinals
Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Rangers
The Buffalo Sabres, entering as the Eastern Conference's top seed with home-ice advantage after defeating the New York Islanders in the quarterfinals, faced the sixth-seeded New York Rangers in the 2007 Eastern Conference Semifinals.[93] The best-of-seven series, which spanned from April 25 to May 6, 2007, showcased a tight battle between Buffalo's high-speed offense and New York's stout defense anchored by goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. Ultimately, the Sabres prevailed 4–2, advancing to the conference finals for the first time since 2006, while the Rangers' season ended despite their strong regular-season finish.[93] The series began with Buffalo taking a 2–0 lead at home, but New York responded by winning the next two games in Madison Square Garden to even the matchup. The Sabres then regained momentum with overtime victories in Games 5 and a decisive Game 6 on the road. Three of the six games required overtime, underscoring the competitive nature of the matchup, and Buffalo's depth in scoring proved crucial against a Rangers team led by Jaromír Jágr and Martin Straka.[93] This was the first playoff series between the two upstate New York rivals since their 1978 quarterfinal encounter, which the Sabres had won.[94]| Game | Date | Location | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 25, 2007 | Buffalo (HSBC Arena) | Sabres 5, Rangers 2 | Thomas Vanek scored twice, including the game-winner; Ryan Miller made 23 saves. |
| 2 | April 27, 2007 | Buffalo (HSBC Arena) | Sabres 3, Rangers 2 | Jochen Hecht's goal stood as the winner; Lundqvist stopped 26 of 29 shots. |
| 3 | April 29, 2007 | New York (Madison Square Garden) | Rangers 2, Sabres 1 (2OT) | Michal Rozsíval scored the double-overtime winner; Lundqvist made 38 saves on 39 shots for a .974 save percentage.[95] |
| 4 | May 1, 2007 | New York (Madison Square Garden) | Rangers 2, Sabres 1 | Brendan Shanahan's power-play goal sealed it; Lundqvist recorded 29 saves.[96] |
| 5 | May 4, 2007 | Buffalo (HSBC Arena) | Sabres 2, Rangers 1 (OT) | Maxim Afinogenov scored the overtime winner after Chris Drury tied it late; Lundqvist made 38 saves. |
| 6 | May 6, 2007 | New York (Madison Square Garden) | Sabres 5, Rangers 4 | Thomas Vanek and Chris Drury each scored, with Buffalo erupting for four goals in the second period; Miller stopped 26 shots to clinch the series. |
Ottawa Senators vs. New Jersey Devils
The Ottawa Senators, seeded fourth in the Eastern Conference, faced the second-seeded New Jersey Devils in the 2007 Eastern Conference Semifinals, marking the third playoff meeting between the teams and the first since 2003.[98] Despite New Jersey's superior regular-season record of 49-24-9 and 107 points compared to Ottawa's 48-25-9 and 105 points, the Senators pulled off an upset by winning the best-of-seven series 4-1 from April 26 to May 5.[23][21] The series featured strong goaltending duels between Ray Emery and Martin Brodeur, with Ottawa's offense, led by the top line of Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley, and Jason Spezza, proving decisive after a high-scoring start. Coming off a quarterfinal upset over the fifth-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa demonstrated resilience in a matchup against New Jersey's trap-style defense and Brodeur's elite netminding. The Devils, who had advanced past the seventh-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games, relied on balanced scoring from Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta but struggled to contain Ottawa's speed. Emery outdueled Brodeur, posting a 4-1 record with a .926 save percentage and one shutout, while Brodeur finished 1-4 with a .915 save percentage.[98] Spezza led Ottawa with eight points (3 goals, 5 assists), including crucial tallies in Games 1 and 5, as the Senators advanced to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2003.| Game | Date | Location | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 26 | New Jersey | Ottawa 5, New Jersey 4 | Ottawa erupted for four first-period goals, including Spezza's opener at 1:30; Devils rallied but fell short.[99] |
| 2 | April 28 | New Jersey | New Jersey 3, Ottawa 2 (2OT) | Devils won in double overtime on Jamie Langenbrunner's breakaway goal at 11:55 of the second OT after blowing a 2-0 lead.[100] |
| 3 | April 30 | Ottawa | Ottawa 2, New Jersey 0 | Emery's first career playoff shutout (28 saves); Tom Preissing scored the winner at 10:13 of the third, Spezza added empty-netter. |
| 4 | May 3 | Ottawa | Ottawa 3, New Jersey 2 | Dany Heatley scored the game-winning goal unassisted; the Senators held on for the victory. |
| 5 | May 5 | New Jersey | Ottawa 3, New Jersey 2 | Spezza's second-period goal stood as winner; Alfredsson added insurance, Emery made 28 saves to close the series.[101] |
Western Conference Semifinals
Detroit Red Wings vs. San Jose Sharks
The 2007 Western Conference Semifinals featured a matchup between the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings, who earned home-ice advantage as the NHL's regular-season leaders with 113 points, and the fifth-seeded San Jose Sharks, who advanced after defeating the Nashville Predators in five games. The best-of-seven series, played from April 26 to May 7, 2007, was characterized by tight, defensive battles, with Detroit ultimately prevailing 4–2 to advance to the conference finals. The Red Wings' balanced scoring and goaltending depth proved decisive against San Jose's high-powered offense led by stars like Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo.[5][102] In Game 1 on April 26 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, the Sharks stunned the hosts with a 2–0 shutout victory, as Matt Carle and Mike Grier scored in the first period, with goaltender Evgeni Nabokov making 34 saves for the clean sheet. Detroit outshot San Jose 34–19 but failed to capitalize on power-play opportunities.[103] The Red Wings responded in Game 2 on April 28 at home, rallying from a 2–0 deficit to win 3–2 in regulation, with Pavel Datsyuk scoring the game-winner late in the third period and Henrik Zetterberg adding a goal and an assist.[104] The series shifted to San Jose's HP Pavilion for Game 3 on April 30, where the Sharks reclaimed momentum with a 2–1 victory, as Ryane Clowe scored in the second period (assisted by Patrick Marleau) and Jonathan Cheechoo netted the game-winning goal in the third period despite Detroit's strong third-period push. Game 4 on May 2 remained tense, going to overtime before Mathieu Schneider scored at 16:04 of the extra frame to give Detroit a 3–2 win and a 2–2 series tie; Robert Lang tied the game late in the third period.[105][106] Returning to Detroit for Game 5 on May 5, the Red Wings dominated with a 4–1 victory, as Datsyuk and Zetterberg each recorded a goal and two assists in a performance that highlighted Detroit's offensive depth.[107] Facing elimination in Game 6 on May 7 in San Jose, Detroit sealed the series with a 2–0 shutout, courtesy of Dominik Hasek's 28 saves and two goals from Mikael Samuelsson. The win propelled the Red Wings to their first Western Conference Final appearance since 2003. Notably, Sharks captain Patrick Marleau was held without a goal across the six games, underscoring Detroit's defensive containment of San Jose's star forwards, while the Red Wings relied on contributions from multiple lines rather than individual heroics. Three of the six games were one-goal affairs, emphasizing the series' competitiveness.[108][102][109]Anaheim Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks
The Anaheim Ducks met the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs, representing the first postseason encounter between the Pacific Division rivals. As the second seed in the Western Conference, the Ducks held home-ice advantage after sweeping aside the Minnesota Wild 4-1 in the quarterfinals, relying on strong goaltending from Jean-Sébastien Giguère and timely scoring from veterans like Teemu Selanne. The third-seeded Canucks, powered by goaltender Roberto Luongo's Vezina Trophy-caliber play, had endured a grueling seven-game quarterfinal triumph over the Dallas Stars, showcasing their resilience in extended play. The best-of-seven series, contested from April 25 to May 3, 2007, emphasized defensive grit and goaltending duels, with three games requiring overtime and a total of 22 goals scored across the five contests. Anaheim prevailed 4-1, advancing to face the Detroit Red Wings in the Conference Finals, buoyed by Giguère's .948 save percentage and the team's physical forecheck.[110]| Game | Date | Location | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 25 | Anaheim | Ducks 5, Canucks 1 | Ducks jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first period; Selanne scored twice, Getzlaf had three points; Giguère made 25 saves.[111] |
| 2 | April 27 | Anaheim | Canucks 2, Ducks 1 (2OT) | Series tied 1-1; Daniel Sedin netted the winner at 11:01 of double OT on a wrist shot; Luongo stopped 50 shots in a defensive masterpiece.[112] |
| 3 | April 29 | Vancouver | Ducks 3, Canucks 2 | Ducks took 2-1 series lead; Corey Perry scored the deciding power-play goal in the third period; Luongo faced 29 shots. |
| 4 | May 1 | Vancouver | Ducks 3, Canucks 2 (OT) | Ducks led 3-1 in series; Travis Moen tipped in the OT winner at 6:17 from Sean O'Donnell's shot; Giguère denied 29 Vancouver attempts. |
| 5 | May 3 | Anaheim | Ducks 2, Canucks 1 (2OT) | Ducks clinched series 4-1; Scott Niedermayer scored at 4:30 of double OT on a wrist shot assisted by brother Rob; Giguère set a franchise playoff record with 52 saves. |
Conference Finals
Eastern Conference Final
The Eastern Conference Final of the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs featured a best-of-seven series between the top-seeded Buffalo Sabres and the fourth-seeded Ottawa Senators, two rivals from the Northeast Division.[114] The Sabres, who had earned home-ice advantage as Presidents' Trophy winners with a league-best regular-season record of 53-27-2, hosted the first two games at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York.[8] The Senators, finishing at 48-25-9, advanced after defeating the New Jersey Devils 4-1 in the conference semifinals.[21] Ottawa ultimately won the series 4–1, advancing to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2003, while Buffalo's season ended in disappointment despite a strong playoff run that included a 4-2 series victory over the New York Rangers.[115] The matchup highlighted the speed and skill of both teams, with Ottawa's depth and goaltending proving decisive in a series marked by close contests and overtime drama. The series spanned May 10 to May 19, 2007, and showcased Ottawa's offensive firepower, outscoring Buffalo 15-10 overall.[114] Senators goaltender Ray Emery posted a 4-1 record with a .919 save percentage and one shutout, while Buffalo's Ryan Miller went 1-4 with a .910 save percentage.[114] Two games went to overtime, including a marathon double-overtime affair in Game 2, underscoring the intensity of the cross-border rivalry.| Game | Date | Location | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 10, 2007 | Buffalo, NY | Ottawa 5, Buffalo 2 | Ottawa jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first period with a shorthanded goal by Mike Fisher and a power-play tally from Daniel Alfredsson; Buffalo tied it at 2-2 before Ottawa pulled away with three third-period goals, including empty-netter by Dean McAmmond. Ray Emery made 18 saves.[116][117] |
| 2 | May 12, 2007 | Buffalo, NY | Ottawa 4, Buffalo 3 (2OT) | A back-and-forth battle saw Buffalo lead 3-2 after two periods, but Ottawa tied it on a Patrick Eaves goal early in the third; the Senators won in double overtime on a wrist shot by Peter Schaefer at 7:28 of the second extra frame, giving Ottawa a 2-0 series lead. Emery stopped 46 of 49 shots. |
| 3 | May 14, 2007 | Ottawa, ON | Ottawa 1, Buffalo 0 | Emery earned a shutout with 29 saves in a defensive duel at Scotiabank Place; Dean McAmmond scored the game-winner at 11:44 of the third period on a deflection, putting Ottawa up 3-0 in the series. Miller made 22 saves in defeat.[118] |
| 4 | May 16, 2007 | Ottawa, ON | Buffalo 3, Ottawa 2 | Buffalo staved off elimination with a comeback victory; trailing 2-0 after two periods, the Sabres rallied in the third with goals from Daniel Briere, Jason Pominville, and Thomas Vanek at 19:03 to force a Game 5. Miller turned aside 28 shots.[119] |
| 5 | May 19, 2007 | Buffalo, NY | Ottawa 3, Buffalo 2 (OT) | In a tense decider at HSBC Arena, Ottawa overcame a 2-1 deficit with goals from Mike Fisher and Dany Heatley in the third to tie it; Daniel Alfredsson scored the series-clinching goal 9:32 into overtime on a breakaway, sending Ottawa to the Stanley Cup Final. Emery finished with 29 saves.[115][120] |
Western Conference Final
The Western Conference Final featured the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings, who earned home-ice advantage with 113 points in the regular season, against the second-seeded Anaheim Ducks, who finished with 110 points and advanced after defeating Vancouver in the semifinals. The series, spanning May 11 to May 22, 2007, showcased a clash between Detroit's veteran-laden roster, anchored by defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom and forward Pavel Datsyuk, and Anaheim's physical, balanced attack led by brothers Scott and Rob Niedermayer alongside winger Teemu Selanne. The Ducks prevailed 4–2, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since their 2003 championship run, in a matchup defined by gritty defense, timely scoring, and two overtime decisions. The series highlighted contrasting styles: Detroit's skilled, possession-based play versus Anaheim's forechecking and physicality, which included 189 combined penalty minutes across the six games.[121] Anaheim goaltender Jean-Sébastien Giguère posted a 2.60 goals-against average and .909 save percentage, while Detroit's Dominik Hašek finished with a 2.35 GAA and .912 save percentage, underscoring the tight-checking nature of the contest.[121] Key contributions came from Selanne, who tallied two goals and four assists, including the overtime winner in Game 5 that gave Anaheim a 3–2 series lead. The Ducks' victory propelled them to their first Stanley Cup title since relocating to Anaheim, defeating Ottawa in five games.| Game | Date | Location | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 11, 2007 | Joe Louis Arena (Detroit) | Detroit 2, Anaheim 1 | Pavel Datsyuk scored the game-winner late in the third period; Ducks' Andy McDonald scored their lone goal.[122] |
| 2 | May 13, 2007 | Joe Louis Arena (Detroit) | Anaheim 4, Detroit 3 (OT) | Teemu Selanne assisted the overtime winner by Ryan Getzlaf; series tied 1–1.[123] |
| 3 | May 15, 2007 | Honda Center (Anaheim) | Detroit 5, Anaheim 0 | Dominik Hašek earned the shutout with 28 saves; Tomas Holmström scored twice for Detroit.[124] |
| 4 | May 17, 2007 | Honda Center (Anaheim) | Anaheim 5, Detroit 3 | Ryan Getzlaf scored the game-winner; series tied 2–2 after Ducks rallied from a 3–2 deficit.[125] |
| 5 | May 20, 2007 | Joe Louis Arena (Detroit) | Anaheim 2, Detroit 1 (OT) | Selanne scored the overtime winner off a rebound; Ducks take 3–2 series lead.[126] |
| 6 | May 22, 2007 | Honda Center (Anaheim) | Anaheim 4, Detroit 3 | Travis Moen scored twice, including the empty-netter; Ducks clinch series 4–2.[127] |
Stanley Cup Final
Series Overview
The 2007 Stanley Cup Final pitted the Anaheim Ducks of the Western Conference against the Ottawa Senators of the Eastern Conference, with the Ducks holding home-ice advantage due to their league-leading 110 regular-season points compared to Ottawa's 105.[25][21] The best-of-seven series spanned five games from May 28 to June 6, 2007, culminating in a 4–1 Ducks victory and their first championship in franchise history, making them the first California-based team to win the Stanley Cup.[129][130] The matchup highlighted contrasting styles, with Anaheim's physical, grinding approach—bolstered by a relentless forecheck and team depth—overwhelming Ottawa's high-speed, skill-oriented game led by forwards like Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley.[131] The Ducks' defensive structure and physicality disrupted Ottawa's transition play, while their balanced scoring from multiple lines proved decisive.[130] Games drew strong crowds, including over 20,500 at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, creating an electric atmosphere despite the Senators' lone victory in Game 3.[132] Anaheim sealed the series with a 6–2 win in Game 5 at Honda Center before 17,372 fans, where Ducks captain Scott Niedermayer earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP for his leadership and 11 points in 21 games.[133][113] NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman presented the Cup to Niedermayer on June 6, marking Anaheim's return to the Final after a 2003 loss to New Jersey and fulfilling a family milestone as he won alongside brother Rob—the first such sibling pair since 1983.[130] For Ottawa, it was their sole modern-era Final appearance, ending a drought since the original Senators' successes in the early 20th century.[134]Game-by-Game Breakdown
In Game 1 on May 28, 2007, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, the Ducks defeated the Senators 3–2, taking a 1–0 series lead. Ottawa struck first with Mike Fisher's power-play goal at 1:38 of the first period, but Andy McDonald tied it at 10:55 even strength. Wade Redden gave the Senators a 2–1 lead on a power play at 4:36 of the second, before Ryan Getzlaf evened it at 5:44 of the third and Travis Moen scored the game-winner at 17:09 even strength. Jean-Sébastien Giguère stopped 18 of 20 shots, while Ray Emery made 29 of 32 saves.[135] Game 2, played on May 30, 2007, in Anaheim, saw the Ducks shut out the Senators 1–0, extending their series lead to 2–0. Samuel Pahlsson scored the lone unassisted even-strength goal at 14:16 of the third period. Giguère delivered a masterful performance with 45 saves on 45 shots for the shutout, while Emery made 21 saves on 22 shots, marking the first 1–0 decision in a Stanley Cup Final since 2003.[136][137] Shifting to Ottawa for Game 3 on June 2, 2007, at Scotiabank Place, the Senators rallied for a 5–3 victory, narrowing the series to 2–1. The Ducks built a 2–1 lead after the first period with power-play goals from Andy McDonald at 3:35 and Ryan Getzlaf at 19:31 around Daniel Alfredsson's power-play tally at 7:51, then Corey Perry made it 3–1 at 11:41 even strength. Ottawa responded in the second with Chris Neil at 2:22 and Dean McAmmond at 9:09 even strength to close within one. In the third, Mike Fisher tied it at 1:49 even strength, and Anton Volchenkov scored the winner at 9:35 even strength; the turning point was Ottawa's four unanswered goals after trailing 3–0.[138] Game 4 on June 4, 2007, in Ottawa, resulted in a 3–2 Ducks win, putting Anaheim on the brink of the championship at 3–1 in the series. Andy McDonald opened scoring at 7:32 of the first even strength, but Daniel Alfredsson tied it at 16:48 on a short-handed goal. Corey Perry put the Ducks ahead at 6:35 of the second even strength, and after Chris Neil tied it at 5:52 of the third even strength, Samuel Pahlsson scored the game-winner at 13:26 even strength. Giguère's 26 saves were crucial in a tightly contested affair where Anaheim converted 0 of 4 power-play opportunities.[139][140] The series concluded in Game 5 on June 6, 2007, at the Honda Center, where the Ducks clinched their first Stanley Cup with a decisive 6–2 victory. The Ducks jumped to a 3–0 lead in the first period with Andy McDonald’s power-play goal at 3:41 (assists: Getzlaf, Pronger), Corey Perry at 9:22 even strength (assists: Moen, S. Niedermayer), and Ryan Getzlaf at 17:41 even strength (assists: R. Niedermayer, Moen). Alfredsson cut it to 3–1 on power play at 4:31 of the second (assists: Spezza, Heatley), but Travis Moen restored the three-goal lead at 15:44 even strength (assists: Ebbett, Parros), and McDonald added another power-play goal at 19:44 (assists: Lupul, Selanne). Moen scored his second at 5:41 of the third even strength (assists: Kunitz, Beauchemin), and Wade Redden replied with a power-play empty-netter at 19:42 (assists: Fisher, Neil). Emery was pulled after allowing three goals on nine shots at 17:41 of the first, with Martin Gerber surrendering three more.[141][142] Throughout the series, the Ducks went 3–0 at home and 1–1 on the road, while Ottawa outshot Anaheim 157–139 overall, yet Giguère's .931 save percentage (146/157) proved pivotal in the Ducks' championship run.[129]Player Statistics
Skaters
The skaters in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs demonstrated exceptional offensive contributions across all rounds, with Ottawa Senators forwards dominating the points race due to their deep run to the Final. Leading the postseason in scoring were three Senators players tied with 22 points each, highlighting the team's balanced attack.[143]Points Leaders (Top 10)
The following table lists the top 10 skaters by total points (goals plus assists), including games played for context on their contributions over the playoffs' 85 total games.[144]| Rank | Player | Team | GP | G | A | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Alfredsson | OTT | 20 | 14 | 8 | 22 |
| 1 | Dany Heatley | OTT | 20 | 7 | 15 | 22 |
| 1 | Jason Spezza | OTT | 20 | 7 | 15 | 22 |
| 4 | Nicklas Lidström | DET | 18 | 4 | 14 | 18 |
| 5 | Ryan Getzlaf | ANA | 21 | 7 | 10 | 17 |
| 6 | Pavel Datsyuk | DET | 18 | 8 | 8 | 16 |
| 7 | Corey Perry | ANA | 21 | 6 | 9 | 15 |
| 7 | Teemu Selänne | ANA | 21 | 5 | 10 | 15 |
| 7 | Chris Pronger | ANA | 19 | 3 | 12 | 15 |
| 7 | Daniel Brière | BUF | 16 | 3 | 12 | 15 |
Goals Leaders (Top 5)
Daniel Alfredsson led all skaters in goals with 14, many of which came on the power play during Ottawa's conference finals victory over Buffalo. The Ducks' Andy McDonald followed with 10 goals in their championship run.[143]| Rank | Player | Team | G |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Alfredsson | OTT | 14 |
| 2 | Andy McDonald | ANA | 10 |
| 3 | Pavel Datsyuk | DET | 8 |
| 3 | Chris Drury | BUF | 8 |
| 3 | Brian Gionta | NJD | 8 |
Assists Leaders (Top 5)
Assists were evenly distributed among playmakers, with Heatley and Spezza tying for the lead at 15 each, setting up key goals in Ottawa's 16 playoff victories. Lidström's 14 assists underscored his defensive prowess from the blue line.[143]| Rank | Player | Team | A |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dany Heatley | OTT | 15 |
| 1 | Jason Spezza | OTT | 15 |
| 3 | Nicklas Lidström | DET | 14 |
| 4 | Daniel Brière | BUF | 12 |
| 4 | Chris Pronger | ANA | 12 |
Other Metrics
Among defensive metrics, Chris Pronger topped the plus/minus rating with +10, tied with Samuel Påhlsson, reflecting Anaheim's strong team defense en route to the Cup win.[144] Plus/Minus Leaders (Top 5)| Rank | Player | Team | +/- | GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Pronger | ANA | +10 | 19 |
| 1 | Samuel Påhlsson | ANA | +10 | 21 |
| 3 | Dmitri Kalinin | BUF | +9 | 16 |
| 3 | Rob Niedermayer | ANA | +9 | 21 |
| 3 | Michael Nylander | NYR | +9 | 10 |
| Rank | Player | Team | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Alfredsson | OTT | 6 |
| 2 | Tomas Holmström | DET | 4 |
| 2 | François Beauchemin | ANA | 4 |
| 2 | Pavel Datsyuk | DET | 4 |
| 2 | Nicklas Lidström | DET | 4 |
- Scott Niedermayer (ANA): 2
- Daniel Alfredsson (OTT): 1
- Teemu Selänne (ANA): 1
- Scott Gomez (NJD): 1
- Travis Moen (ANA): 1
- Brenden Morrow (DAL): 1
- Taylor Pyatt (VAN): 1
- Mathieu Schneider (DET): 1
Goaltenders
The goaltenders in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs demonstrated exceptional performance, anchoring their teams' defenses through high-stakes series and contributing to memorable runs. Leaders in key metrics like wins, goals against average (GAA), save percentage, and shutouts often came from deep playoff contenders, with Anaheim Ducks' Jean-Sébastien Giguère and Ottawa Senators' Ray Emery standing out for their volume of games played and overall impact.[145][146]Wins Leaders
The following table lists the top five goaltenders by wins, highlighting those who secured the most victories across all playoff rounds (minimum 3 games played).| Rank | Goaltender | Team | GP | Wins | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ray Emery | Ottawa Senators | 20 | 13 | 1,249 |
| 1 | Jean-Sébastien Giguère | Anaheim Ducks | 18 | 13 | 1,067 |
| 3 | Dominik Hašek | Detroit Red Wings | 18 | 10 | 1,140 |
| 4 | Ryan Miller | Buffalo Sabres | 16 | 9 | 1,029 |
| 5 | Henrik Lundqvist | New York Rangers | 10 | 6 | 637 |
Goals Against Average Leaders
GAA measures efficiency in preventing goals, calculated per 60 minutes (minimum 300 minutes played for broader context, but top performers listed with at least 5 GP).| Rank | Goaltender | Team | GP | GAA | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marty Turco | Dallas Stars | 7 | 1.30 | 509 |
| 2 | Roberto Luongo | Vancouver Canucks | 12 | 1.77 | 847 |
| 3 | Dominik Hašek | Detroit Red Wings | 18 | 1.79 | 1,140 |
| 4 | Jean-Sébastien Giguère | Anaheim Ducks | 18 | 1.97 | 1,067 |
| 5 | Henrik Lundqvist | New York Rangers | 10 | 2.07 | 637 |
Save Percentage Leaders
Save percentage reflects the proportion of shots stopped (minimum 150 shots faced).| Rank | Goaltender | Team | GP | SV% | Shots Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marty Turco | Dallas Stars | 7 | .952 | 229 |
| 2 | Roberto Luongo | Vancouver Canucks | 12 | .941 | 427 |
| 3 | Henrik Lundqvist | New York Rangers | 10 | .924 | 351 |
| 4 | Dominik Hašek | Detroit Red Wings | 18 | .923 | 623 |
| 5 | Jean-Sébastien Giguère | Anaheim Ducks | 18 | .922 | 458 |