If you Could Change Five Outcomes in Hockey History

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

These can be any type of series from any level of hockey. Also, I’m not counting Wings series, because then everyone would just pick those. That probably deserves its own thread.

1994 Stanley Cup Final (Rangers vs. Canucks)

Yeah, I was rooting for Vancouver big time. Those cool Halloween color jerseys, and Bure was my favorite non Wings player ever. He was amazing in those playoffs and was real close to being the first European player to win the Conn Smythe, 8 years before Lidstrom won it. Also, New York were clearly the media darlings here in the US and the Messier love was annoying to me. They were essentially the Oilers team relocated to New York.

I guess in retrospect, Vancouver fans would be more arrogant today had they won (is that even possible?), and the Rangers would still likely not have a Cup since 1940. But I’d still change the outcome of this series if I could.

1972 Summit Series (Russia vs. Canada)

I know the Canadian posters here won’t agree with me, but I’ve always regretted that they won the series. I admire the skill level and machine like approach those Russian teams had. Probably the most skilled team ever. The dirty play by Clarke is one of the cheapest incidents in hockey history and clearly turned the series in an unfair way. The whole team was just full of arrogant pricks.

In retrospect, this wouldn’t have changed much. The series would still be just as important today if Russia had won. Actually, in Russia they remember the series as being one where they showed they could compete with the Canadians, and not a series where they choked the last 3 games at home. However, Paul Henderson likely wouldn't be a household name in Canada.

2003 Stanley Cup Final (Devils vs. Ducks)

Even though they embarrassed us by sweeping our Hall of Fame team in the first round, I still rooted for the Ducks to go all the way. Back then, I actually liked Paul Kariya and they had several veterans like Oates and Thomas that had never won a Cup. Also, I really didn’t want to see Jersey win their 3rd Cup of the era, which wound up tying the Wings.

If this happened, it’d be the biggest upset in league history, having a 7 seed win the Cup.

2010 Stanley Cup Final (Chicago vs. Philadelphia)

This one is pretty easy to explain. I hate the Hawks and their arrogant fanbase. And there’s that whole Hossa thing, potentially losing 3 Finals in a row with 3 different teams.

If they had lost, they’d still have to gut their entire supporting cast in the offseason, because of their cap issues. But they would likely have a hungrier team in the near future.

1996 Stanley Cup Final (Colorado vs. Florida)

This wasn't a close series, but because I hated Colorado, I had to put this on the list. Would have been a massive upset, much like the Florida Marlins winning the World Series the following year. The only bad effect I can foresee, is that Detroit would have it tougher in 1997, since Colorado would have been hungrier to win the Cup.

Also, I was originally going to include the 1999 Finals instead of this, but realized that had Buffalo won, Hasek wouldn't have likely come to Detroit in 2002. Hence, we probably would have lost to Colorado that year too. So I'll leave that series as it ended up.

[lookalive07 251]

I don't think I could list five, but I will say I'd have liked the Pittsburgh/Carolina series in 2009 to go more than 4 games. Even though the Wings took the first two games of the series, Pittsburgh had a longer break because of the sweep, and it probably gave them more gas in the tank to do what we all know they ended up doing (I won't reiterate that story).

[CrimsonFlame 424]

Wings in 2011

Wings in 2010

Wings in 2009

Wings in 2007

Wings in 2006

Oh wait I didn't read the title

[T-Ruff 47]

Oilers to beat the Canes back when they played for the Cup. Canes got pretty lucky throughout that Cup run, the Sabres who played them in the ECF or the Oilers would have been a better winner in my book.

Senators to beat the Ducks in 07. Back when I really hated the Ducks and the Sens were becoming my 2nd favourite team. Besides the fact they got pretty fortunate to beat the Wings in the ECF, would have much preferred to see Alfy raise the cup than that Niedermayer punk.

Leafs to beat the Canes in 2002 ECF. I don't have anything against the Canes (with their 2nd appearance on this list), but a Leafs/Wings Final would have been great. And we all know the Cup was won in the WCF that year anyway so it wouldn't have changed the outcome

Flyers to beat the Hawks in the SCF as OP said. Flyers are one of my favourite teams and of course the Hawks suck.

Bruins to beat the Canes in the 2009 ECSF (lol Canes again). Carolina squeeked by Boston in 7 but by then Carolina was completely depleted and worn out, making for an easy sweep by the Penguins. Boston would have given the Penguins a much better run, which would have resulted in a more worn out team facing the Wings in the SCF, or perhaps an original 6 SCF (though I still would have preferred a rematch)

Babcock and the Ducks to beat the Devils in 03, was cheering for Kariya and company hard, would have been nice to see the team that beat the Wings go all the way.

[Seraph 240]

I didn't dig the last Olympic outcome. I have always been a USA hockey fan and it was so amazing to have tied the gold medal game with only a few seconds left. Then in OT, the Crosby parade ensued and stunk up the party.

EDIT: I have noticed that a lot of us Wings fans did cheer for the Ducks in 03 when they beat us and went to the finals. Kind of a strange phenomenon considering how much we've hated on them more recently after a hard series loss. Maybe it was because everyone was so baffled by Gigure's streak, and no one wanted the Devils to match us in cups. Or maybe we were all mesmerized by the old jerseys and wanted the Disney movie ending. It's kind of awkward thinking back now and remembering that they were quite seriously called, "The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim."

Edited March 14, 2012 by The Nephilim

[crispychris 45]

Game 5 scf 2008 I was sitting on the glass, perfect seat to watch us hoist the cup.

Game 7 scf 2009 I was there. I gtfo after the the horn sounded. If I would have stayed I would have been in that shot of 87 hoisting the cup. That was the most upset I have ever been after a sporting event I did not play in myself. That was a long flight home.

[Valas19 50]

Not sure that this is in the same spirit as the topic suggests but to have Todd Bertuzzi not sucker punch Steve Moore thereby ending his career would be nice.

[Majsheppard 203]

2010 Stanley Cup Final (Chicago vs. Philadelphia)

This one is pretty easy to explain. I hate the Hawks and their arrogant fanbase. And there’s that whole Hossa thing, potentially losing 3 Finals in a row with 3 different teams.

If they had lost, they’d still have to gut their entire supporting cast in the offseason, because of their cap issues. But they would likely have a hungrier team in the near future.

I can honestly say my first thought before reading anything more than the title was in 2010... but not the final. Instead I would rather change the earlier round between Nashville and Chicago. The infamous Hossa no-boot. If they just kicked him out of the game like they did to Ovechkin earlier in the year, he isn't there to score a game winner. I would have loved to see Nashville win that game, and if they did I say with 95% certainty that every subsequent series would have been different. That stands out to me as one of the worst blunders in NHL history.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

I didn't dig the last Olympic outcome. I have always been a USA hockey fan and it was so amazing to have tied the gold medal game with only a few seconds left. Then in OT, the Crosby parade ensued and stunk up the party.

EDIT: I have noticed that a lot of us Wings fans did cheer for the Ducks in 03 when they beat us and went to the finals. Kind of a strange phenomenon considering how much we've hated on them more recently after a hard series loss. Maybe it was because everyone was so baffled by Gigure's streak, and no one wanted the Devils to match us in cups. Or maybe we were all mesmerized by the old jerseys and wanted the Disney movie ending. It's kind of awkward thinking back now and remembering that they were quite seriously called, "The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim."

Well, it has hard to hate that Ducks team. They didn't really have anybody that I hated.

You're right about the last Olympics, though. That's my blunder to have forgotten that on my list.

Game 5 scf 2008 I was sitting on the glass, perfect seat to watch us hoist the cup.

Game 7 scf 2009 I was there. I gtfo after the the horn sounded. If I would have stayed I would have been in that shot of 87 hoisting the cup. That was the most upset I have ever been after a sporting event I did not play in myself. That was a long flight home.

Looks like a few people didn't read the thread title.

Not sure that this is in the same spirit as the topic suggests but to have Todd Bertuzzi not sucker punch Steve Moore thereby ending his career would be nice.

Well, I was thinking more of series.

If we're talking cheapshots which ended careers, I'd throw in Beukeboom and LaFontaine before Steve Moore.

I can honestly say my first thought before reading anything more than the title was in 2010... but not the final. Instead I would rather change the earlier round between Nashville and Chicago. The infamous Hossa no-boot. If they just kicked him out of the game like they did to Ovechkin earlier in the year, he isn't there to score a game winner. I would have loved to see Nashville win that game, and if they did I say with 95% certainty that every subsequent series would have been different. That stands out to me as one of the worst blunders in NHL history.

I remember that.

But then San Jose would have likely faced Philly in the Finals. Because we still wouldn't have gotten past San Jose in either the next round or in a later round.

Edited March 14, 2012 by GMRwings1983

[Cajanek_Spielmacher 47]

1996 Gretzky would not have lost the puck and then scored the winner in 2OT. As if any Blues fan would pick any other game. Maybe having a miracle in 68, 69 or 70 but I am not that delusional................YET!!

[esteef 2,679]

It's not hockey, but I would let Jim Kelly win one damned Superbowl!!

esteef

[Jersey Wing 1,521]

I'd change the outcome of the Salt Lake City and Vancouver gold medal hockey games. The Salt Lake City game first because St. Herbie coached that one. I'd take away the Rangers game 7 win over Vancouver and have Linden finish with a hat trick in that one. I hate the Canucks for all the right reasons but since moving to the NY market that 1994 year is already insufferable. I'd change the outcome of the Buffalo vs Dallas Cup Final too. Brett Hull's foot was in the crease that rule was a 100% adamant rule all year long until at the very end. Yeah I know it was only game six but if I can change the outcome the Sabres win that cup.

Now for number five follow me here, work with me people. Game seven on the 2009 Final. I don't want to change a THING the Wings did all night. I do not want to affect their play in any way shape or form. I only want to change that Max Talbot scored two times for Pittsburgh. Near as I can tell that only affects the Penguins, not the Wings.

Edited March 16, 2012 by Jersey Wing

[MabusIncarnate 5,359]

I'd change the outcome of that Red Wings/Canadiens game in the 90's that chased Roy out of Montreal. They won 11-1 I believe, and that was the night that Roy was so embarassed that it turned out being his last game in Montreal. He then goes to Colorado where he continued to be in my nightmares until his retirement. Maybe if that game against Montreal never happened, Roy never winds up on Colorado unless a later incident occurred.

I really can't come up with five.. but this one stood out in my mind.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

I'd change the outcome of the Salt Lake City and Vancouver gold medal hockey games. The Salt Lake City game first because St. Herbie coached that one. I'd take away the Rangers game 7 win over Vancouver and have Linden finish with a hat trick in that one. I hate the Canucks for all the right reasons but since moving to the NY market that 1994 year is already insufferable. I'd change the outcome of the Buffalo vs Dallas Cup Final too. Brett Hull's foot was in the crease that rule was a 100% adamant rule all year long until at the very end. Yeah I know it was only game six but if I can change the outcome the Sabres win that cup.

Now for number five follow me here, work with me people. Game seven on the 2009 Final. I don't want to change a THING the Wings did all night. I do not want to affect their play in any way shape or form. I only want to change that Max Talbot scored two times for Pittsburgh. Near as I can tell that only affects the Penguins, not the Wings.

As I stated in my OP, if the Sabres won that Cup in 1999, it's doubtful that Hasek would have come to Detroit in search of his first Cup.

And what did it matter which Pens player scored? I hate Talbot too, but I wouldn't feel any better if Hal Gill and Staal scored or something.

[Barrie 900]

1972 Summit Series (Russia vs. Canada)

I know the Canadian posters here won’t agree with me, but I’ve always regretted that they won the series. I admire the skill level and machine like approach those Russian teams had. Probably the most skilled team ever. The dirty play by Clarke is one of the cheapest incidents in hockey history and clearly turned the series in an unfair way. The whole team was just full of arrogant pricks.

In retrospect, this wouldn’t have changed much. The series would still be just as important today if Russia had won. Actually, in Russia they remember the series as being one where they showed they could compete with the Canadians, and not a series where they choked the last 3 games at home. However, Paul Henderson likely wouldn't be a household name in Canada.

Despite being Canadian, because of Clarke's slash, I'm not too impressed with the team Canada win. It would have been a more satisfying win if Russia had all their best players.

Also, sometimes people forget that it wasn't really Team Canada, it was team NHL. WHA players, Howe and Hull, weren't allowed to play, plus Orr was injured.

I've always wondered what it would be like if Team Canada/NHL would have lost. I guess instead the 1976 Canada Cup, and Orr's 2002 Yzerman type performance, would be the defining moment in Canadian Hockey history.

To answer the OP question, off hand, mine would be any winning series by the 1995 Devils, 2003 Ducks, 2004 Flames, and 2006 Oilers (that don't involve the Red Wings). Teams that play the trap and ride a hot goalie, all they do is encourage other 5-8 seeds to try it and they ruin the flow of the game. Also it's led to this, just make the playoffs anything can happen mentality, creating teams only striving for mediocrity, instead of becoming powerhouses.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

Despite being Canadian, because of Clarke's slash, I'm not too impressed with the team Canada win. It would have been a more satisfying win if Russia had all their best players.

Also, sometimes people forget that it wasn't really Team Canada, it was team NHL. WHA players, Howe and Hull, weren't allowed to play, plus Orr was injured.

I've always wondered what it would be like if Team Canada/NHL would have lost. I guess instead the 1976 Canada Cup, and Orr's 2002 Yzerman type performance, would be the defining moment in Canadian Hockey history.

To answer the OP question, off hand, mine would be any winning series by the 1995 Devils, 2003 Ducks, 2004 Flames, and 2006 Oilers (that don't involve the Red Wings). Teams that play the trap and ride a hot goalie, all they do is encourage other 5-8 seeds to try it and they ruin the flow of the game. Also it's led to this, just make the playoffs anything can happen mentality, creating teams only striving for mediocrity, instead of becoming powerhouses.

Yeah, the fact that Orr and Hull were missing actually made Russia look a little weaker in that competition. I mean, those were the two best players in the world arguably. Certainly in Orr's case. If Canada lost, they could have always used that as a decent excuse.

Either way, the series wound up being way more than anyone could have anticipated.

[Barrie 900]

Now for number five follow me here, work with me people. Game seven on the 2009 Final. I don't want to change a THING the Wings did all night. I do not want to affect their play in any way shape or form. I only want to change that Max Talbot scored two times for Pittsburgh. Near as I can tell that only affects the Penguins, not the Wings.

A 5th cup would have been amazing, but the only regret I have from 2009 is that Ozzie didn't get the Conn Smythe. I'll forever say that Cindy and the Pens were handed that Cup, they didn't win it. Malkin should have been suspended for Game 3, and there should have been that to many men penalty called in Game 6. Bettman's dirty finger prints are all over that 2009 Penguins Championship.

It would have been great to win in 2006, but I still think if we're only going to win one Cup since 2002 with this team, 2008 was the year. Ozzie won the #1 spot back, McCarty made his return, and Yzerman had his hand in that win too as an assistant to Holland. Story book finish if you ask me.

[Barrie 900]

Either way, the series wound up being way more than anyone could have anticipated.

No doubt! My Dad was 20 in 1972 and has a lot of, "When game ___ was on I was watching it at ______" stories.

He has a great story of Game 8. He worked at a camera store then, and was working when the game was on. They had a TV on in the back and all the employees were watching. Customers were coming in, who didn't care about hockey, and they wouldn't go out to help them. An annoyed customer said to my Dad, "Ummm can you please give me a hand." My Dad said, "The game is on, we're not serving customers now."

[hooon 1,089]

I know the OP said no Wings, but since everyone else is doing it...

I don't want to be too much of a downer, but the Vladdy accident has to be up there for me.

If Vladdy could have been a mainstay with all of those other HOFers, it is reasonable to suggest the Wings could have won another Cup or two.

[Tr!PoD#19 524]

I'd change the outcome of that Red Wings/Canadiens game in the 90's that chased Roy out of Montreal. They won 11-1 I believe, and that was the night that Roy was so embarassed that it turned out being his last game in Montreal. He then goes to Colorado where he continued to be in my nightmares until his retirement. Maybe if that game against Montreal never happened, Roy never winds up on Colorado unless a later incident occurred.

I really can't come up with five.. but this one stood out in my mind.

Then we'd potentially be robbed of what was, in my opinion, the greatest hockey rivalry in history. This is something I'd never change

[Guest irishock]

Devils reaching the cup finals in 2009. Would have loved to serve revenge on those guys after 1995's sweep. No chance the 2009 Devils would have beaten us.

[sureWhyNot 19]

Not sure that this is in the same spirit as the topic suggests but to have Todd Bertuzzi not sucker punch Steve Moore thereby ending his career would be nice.

I will go even farther and say I wish Moore didn't throw an incredibly dirty hit on Naslund, which injured the then Canuck captain.

[jroc86 90]

Moore had it coming ... and if Bert never did that he'd likely still be in Vancouver. It took him years to regain some of his old form after the hate he had to endure for years after that incident. There have been countless sucker punches by goons and by players with marquee names over the past few decades - Bert/Moore was a freak accident and the 4 Av's that dogpiled on him immediatley after are likely just as responsible for his injuries.

Oh, and Moore was cleared to resume playing in 2006. He was in shape and offered a contract by Anaheim in2007 and turned it down because it would hurt his 38 million dollar case against Bert.

Not sure that this is in the same spirit as the topic suggests but to have Todd Bertuzzi not sucker punch Steve Moore thereby ending his career would be nice.

[Barrie 900]

Oh, and Moore was cleared to resume playing in 2006. He was in shape and offered a contract by Anaheim in2007 and turned it down because it would hurt his 38 million dollar case against Bert.

Wow, I've never heard that before! I've heard Moore was one of, if not the biggest, jerk in the league at the time, this just proves it!

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

Devils reaching the cup finals in 2009. Would have loved to serve revenge on those guys after 1995's sweep. No chance the 2009 Devils would have beaten us.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Devils weren't even close to reaching the Cup Finals in 2009.