The Greatest Hockey Goals in History
The Greatest Hockey Goals in History
Blog Article
The Greatest Hockey Goals in History
Hockey, a game of speed, skill, strategy, and raw physicality, has produced countless unforgettable moments. But few things captivate fans more than a truly spectacular goal. Whether it’s a game-winner in the dying seconds, a solo masterpiece, or a creative display of finesse and power, certain goals stand apart from the rest. These are the goals that echo through time, played and replayed on highlight reels, remembered in bars and arenas, and etched into the memories of hockey fans forever.
Below is a deep dive into some of the greatest hockey goals in history—from the NHL and international ice, from legends and underdogs alike.
Bobby Orr’s “Flying Goal” (1970 Stanley Cup Final)
slot bisa depo 5000 Bobby Orr’s goal in overtime of Game 4 of the 1970 Stanley Cup Final is arguably the most iconic image in hockey history. Just 40 seconds into overtime against the St. Louis Blues, Orr received a pass from Derek Sanderson and flipped it past goalie Glenn Hall while being tripped, sending him flying through the air with his arms raised in triumph.
Why It’s Great:
Clinched the Boston Bruins' first Stanley Cup in 29 years.
Symbolized Orr’s dominance as a defenseman who revolutionized the position.
Immortalized by Ray Lussier’s famous photograph of Orr in midair.
Mario Lemieux’s Solo Effort vs. North Stars (1991 Stanley Cup Final)
In Game 2 of the 1991 Stanley Cup Final, Mario Lemieux put on a masterclass. Picking up the puck in his own zone, Lemieux deked past two Minnesota North Stars defenders and undressed goaltender Jon Casey with a smooth backhand to forehand move.
Why It’s Great:
Displayed Lemieux’s combination of size, grace, and hands.
Demonstrated his ability to completely dominate a game on his own.
Cemented his place among the greatest to ever play.
Alexander Ovechkin’s Falling Spin-o-Rama (2006 vs. Coyotes)
During his rookie season, Ovechkin scored a jaw-dropping goal against the Phoenix Coyotes that left fans and analysts speechless. After being knocked down, he managed to twist on his back, reach back with one hand, and flick the puck into the net past a bewildered Brian Boucher.
Why It’s Great:
Impossible angle and position.
One-handed while sliding on his back.
Signaled the arrival of a generational superstar.
Wayne Gretzky’s 50 in 39 Goal (1981)
While not the flashiest goal, Gretzky’s 50th goal in just his 39th game of the 1981-82 season is a historic milestone. Scoring five goals in that game alone, “The Great One” shattered the previous record of 50 goals in 50 games.
Why It’s Great:
Historic achievement that may never be matched.
Symbolic of Gretzky’s utter domination during his peak.
Part of a 92-goal season—still an NHL record.
Paul Henderson’s Goal (1972 Summit Series)
With the 1972 Summit Series between copyright and the Soviet Union tied, Game 8 came down to the wire. In the final minute, Paul Henderson scored the most celebrated goal in Canadian hockey history to win the series.
Why It’s Great:
United a nation.
Played a crucial role in Cold War sports history.
A clutch goal under immense pressure on the international stage.
Sidney Crosby’s “Golden Goal” (2010 Olympics)
In overtime of the gold medal game at the Vancouver Olympics, Crosby took a pass from Jarome Iginla and beat Ryan Miller with a quick shot from a tight angle. The “Golden Goal” secured the gold medal for copyright on home ice.
Why It’s Great:
Olympics. Overtime. Gold medal. On home soil.
Instant classic and legacy-defining moment for Crosby.
Millions watched it live, making it one of the most memorable goals ever.
Connor McDavid’s 1 vs. 4 Goal vs. Rangers (2021)
Connor McDavid left fans breathless with his 2021 goal against the New York Rangers. Taking on four defenders, McDavid danced through all of them with ridiculous speed and stickhandling before roofing the puck past Alexandar Georgiev.
Why It’s Great:
Showcased elite skating, puck control, and finish.
Against a full line of defenders.
A viral goal that perfectly encapsulated McDavid’s unique brilliance.
Pavel Datsyuk’s Breakaway Wizardry (Multiple Occasions)
Pavel Datsyuk wasn’t known for one specific goal, but rather a highlight reel of breakaway and shootout moves that defied physics. His signature “Datsyukian deke” fooled goaltenders and wowed fans throughout the 2000s.
Why It’s Great:
Unpredictable and poetic moves.
Consistently made the extraordinary look easy.
Revolutionized shootout and breakaway technique.
Teemu Selanne’s Record-Breaking Goal (1993)
In his rookie season with the Winnipeg Jets, Selanne scored his 54th goal of the year, breaking Mike Bossy’s rookie record. After scoring, Selanne celebrated by throwing his glove in the air and “shooting it” with his stick.
Why It’s Great:
Part of a 76-goal rookie season—still a record.
Unforgettable and spontaneous celebration.
Cemented Selanne as one of the greatest goal-scorers of his generation.
Peter Forsberg’s Olympic Shootout Goal (1994)
In the gold medal shootout of the 1994 Olympics, Forsberg scored a legendary goal by pulling the puck to one side and tucking it in one-handed—a move that was later immortalized on a Swedish postage stamp.
Why It’s Great:
Incredible finesse under Olympic gold medal pressure.
Became a blueprint for future shootout goals.
Elevated Forsberg’s profile worldwide.
Claude Lemieux’s Laser (1997 Playoffs)
In Game 1 of the 1997 playoffs, Lemieux rifled a slapshot over the shoulder of Dominik Hasek from a seemingly impossible angle. While not the most technically impressive, the goal shifted the momentum of the series.
Why It’s Great:
Huge momentum changer in a playoff series.
Scored on one of the greatest goaltenders of all time.
Proof that timing and context can make a goal legendary.
Jason Blake’s Between-the-Legs Goal (2006)
Blake’s goal against the Los Angeles Kings stands out as one of the finest examples of creativity. Charging toward the net, he pulled the puck between his own legs and snapped it top corner.
Why It’s Great:
High-risk, high-reward technique.
Confidence and precision in the moment.
A highlight-reel gem for the ages.
Jaromir Jagr’s 1-Handed OT Goal (1992 Playoffs)