The 2021 Stanley Cup Final was a thrilling matchup between two of the NHL's most historic and successful franchises, the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The series went the full seven games, with the Lightning ultimately emerging victorious in a dramatic Game 7 overtime victory.
The Canadiens, who had not won the Stanley Cup since 1993, were looking to end their long championship drought. They had a strong regular season, finishing second in the North Division, and they upset the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets in the first two rounds of the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference Final, they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games to reach the Stanley Cup Final.
The Lightning, meanwhile, were looking to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup and their third in franchise history. They had a dominant regular season, finishing first overall in the NHL. They defeated the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Islanders in the first three rounds of the playoffs before facing the Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Final.
Who Won the Stanley Cup 2021
The 2021 Stanley Cup Final was a thrilling matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning, with the Lightning ultimately winning in a dramatic Game 7 overtime victory.
- Canadiens vs. Lightning
- Seven-game series
- Lightning win in Game 7 OT
- Canadiens' long drought continues
- Lightning's second straight Cup
- Third Cup in franchise history
- Andrei Vasilevskiy's heroics
- Nikita Kucherov's offensive explosion
- Brayden Point's playoff dominance
- Historic moment for Tampa Bay
The Lightning's victory was a testament to their resilience and skill. They were able to overcome a 3-1 series deficit against the Canadiens and win three straight games to capture the Stanley Cup. The Lightning are now one of the most successful teams in the NHL, and they will look to continue their dominance in the years to come.
Canadiens vs. Lightning
The 2021 Stanley Cup Final matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning was a highly anticipated series between two of the NHL's most storied franchises. The Canadiens were looking to end their 28-year Stanley Cup drought, while the Lightning were looking to win their second consecutive championship and third in franchise history.
The series lived up to the hype, with both teams playing at a high level and the games being decided by small margins. The Lightning ultimately won the series in seven games, but the Canadiens gave them a run for their money. Montreal won the first two games of the series at home, but the Lightning responded by winning the next three games to take a 3-2 series lead. The Canadiens then won Game 6 in overtime to force a Game 7.
Game 7 was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading chances. The Lightning eventually won the game in overtime on a goal by Ross Colton, giving them their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship.
The Canadiens' loss was a disappointing end to a season that had seen them reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1993. However, they can be proud of their effort and resilience throughout the playoffs. The Lightning, meanwhile, cemented their status as one of the NHL's elite teams with their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory.
The Canadiens and Lightning are two of the most storied franchises in NHL history, and their matchup in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final was a fitting one. Both teams played hard and gave it their all, but in the end, it was the Lightning who emerged victorious.
Seven-game series
The 2021 Stanley Cup Final was a seven-game series, with the Tampa Bay Lightning ultimately defeating the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 overtime.
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Game 1:
Canadiens win 4-3
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Game 2:
Canadiens win 3-1
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Game 3:
Lightning win 6-3
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Game 4:
Lightning win 3-2
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Game 5:
Lightning win 1-0
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Game 6:
Canadiens win 3-2 (OT)
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Game 7:
Lightning win 1-0 (OT)
The series was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams playing at a high level. The Canadiens were the first team to win two games, but the Lightning responded by winning three straight games to take a 3-2 series lead. The Canadiens then won Game 6 in overtime to force a Game 7.
Game 7 was a tense and exciting affair, with both teams trading chances. The Lightning eventually won the game in overtime on a goal by Ross Colton, giving them their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship.
Lightning win in Game 7 OT
The Tampa Bay Lightning won the 2021 Stanley Cup in Game 7 overtime with a 1-0 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Ross Colton scored the game-winning goal at 12:02 of the first overtime period, giving the Lightning their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship and third in franchise history.
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Andrei Vasilevskiy's heroics:
Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy was the hero of Game 7, stopping all 32 shots he faced. He made several key saves in overtime, including a point-blank stop on Canadiens forward Josh Anderson.
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Nikita Kucherov's offensive explosion:
Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov had a huge Game 7, recording two assists and generating several other scoring chances. He was a constant threat on the ice and was a major factor in the Lightning's victory.
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Brayden Point's playoff dominance:
Lightning forward Brayden Point continued his impressive playoff performance in Game 7, scoring several key goals and generating several other scoring chances. He was one of the Lightning's most dangerous players throughout the playoffs and was a major contributor to their Stanley Cup victory.
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Historic moment for Tampa Bay:
The Lightning's victory in Game 7 was a historic moment for the franchise. It was their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship and their third in franchise history. The Lightning are now one of the NHL's most successful teams, and their victory in Game 7 was a testament to their skill, resilience, and determination.
The Lightning's victory in Game 7 was a fitting end to a thrilling Stanley Cup Final series. Both teams played hard and gave it their all, but in the end, it was the Lightning who emerged victorious.
Canadiens' long drought continues
The Montreal Canadiens' loss in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final extended their Stanley Cup drought to 28 years. It is the longest active Stanley Cup drought in the NHL and the second-longest in franchise history.
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Missed opportunities:
The Canadiens had several opportunities to end their Stanley Cup drought in recent years, but they have come up short each time. They lost in the Eastern Conference Final in 2014, 2015, and 2021, and they lost in the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.
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Lack of elite talent:
The Canadiens have not had a truly elite player since Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin entered the NHL in 2005. Carey Price is a world-class goaltender, but he needs more help from his teammates in order to win a Stanley Cup.
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Bad luck:
The Canadiens have also had some bad luck in recent years. They have been injured by key players at inopportune times, and they have lost some games in heartbreaking fashion.
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Hope for the future:
Despite their recent struggles, the Canadiens have some hope for the future. They have a young and talented roster, and they have a lot of cap space to spend on free agents. If they can make some smart moves this offseason, they could be contenders for the Stanley Cup next season.
The Canadiens' Stanley Cup drought is a source of frustration for fans, but it is also a source of motivation. The team is determined to end the drought and bring the Stanley Cup back to Montreal.
Lightning's second straight Cup
The Tampa Bay Lightning became the first team to win back-to-back Stanley Cups since the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017 with their victory in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. It is the Lightning's third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.
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Dominant regular season:
The Lightning had a dominant regular season in 2020-21, finishing with the best record in the NHL. They were led by Nikita Kucherov, who won the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player.
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Strong playoff performance:
The Lightning continued their strong play in the playoffs, defeating the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Islanders in the first three rounds. They then defeated the Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Final in seven games.
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Andrei Vasilevskiy's brilliance:
Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy was brilliant in the playoffs, posting a 16-7 record with a 1.90 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage. He was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the playoffs' most valuable player.
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Resilience and determination:
The Lightning showed great resilience and determination in the playoffs. They overcame a 3-1 series deficit against the Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Final, and they won several games in overtime.
The Lightning's second straight Stanley Cup victory is a testament to their skill, depth, and resilience. They are one of the NHL's most dominant teams, and they will be a contender for the Stanley Cup for years to come.
Third Cup in franchise history
The Tampa Bay Lightning's victory in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final was their third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. They previously won the Stanley Cup in 2004 and 2020.
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2004 Stanley Cup:
The Lightning won their first Stanley Cup in 2004, defeating the Calgary Flames in seven games. Martin St. Louis was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the playoffs' most valuable player.
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2020 Stanley Cup:
The Lightning won their second Stanley Cup in 2020, defeating the Dallas Stars in six games. Victor Hedman was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the playoffs' most valuable player.
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2021 Stanley Cup:
The Lightning won their third Stanley Cup in 2021, defeating the Montreal Canadiens in seven games. Andrei Vasilevskiy was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the playoffs' most valuable player.
The Lightning are now one of the most successful teams in the NHL, and they are one of only a few teams to win three Stanley Cups in the past decade. They have a bright future, and they will be a contender for the Stanley Cup for years to come.
Andrei Vasilevskiy's heroics
Andrei Vasilevskiy was the hero of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the playoffs' most valuable player after posting a 16-7 record with a 1.90 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage.
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Stellar regular season:
Vasilevskiy had a stellar regular season in 2020-21, posting a 31-10-1 record with a 2.21 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage. He was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender.
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Dominant playoff performance:
Vasilevskiy was even better in the playoffs, posting a 16-7 record with a 1.90 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage. He made several key saves in the Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens, including a point-blank save on Josh Anderson in overtime of Game 7.
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Calm under pressure:
Vasilevskiy is known for his calm demeanor under pressure. He never seems to get rattled, even in the most high-pressure situations. This was evident in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, when he made several key saves to preserve the Lightning's lead.
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One of the best goaltenders in the NHL:
Vasilevskiy is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, a Vezina Trophy winner, and a Conn Smythe Trophy winner. He is still only 27 years old, and he has many more years of elite goaltending ahead of him.
Vasilevskiy's heroics in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final were a major factor in the Lightning's victory. He is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL, and he is a big reason why the Lightning are one of the most successful teams in the league.
Nikita Kucherov's offensive explosion
Nikita Kucherov had an offensive explosion in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, recording two goals and eight assists in seven games. He was a major factor in the Lightning's victory, and he was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the playoffs' most valuable player.
Kucherov was a force on the ice throughout the playoffs, but he was especially dominant in the Stanley Cup Final. He scored a goal and added two assists in Game 1, and he had two assists in Game 2. He then scored the game-winning goal in Game 3, and he added two more assists in Game 4. Kucherov was held pointless in Game 5, but he bounced back with two assists in Game 6. He then assisted on Ross Colton's game-winning goal in overtime of Game 7.
Kucherov's offensive explosion was a major factor in the Lightning's victory. He was a constant threat on the ice, and he created scoring chances for his teammates all series long. He is one of the most dangerous players in the NHL, and he was at his best in the Stanley Cup Final.
Kucherov's Conn Smythe Trophy victory is a testament to his incredible performance in the playoffs. He is the first Russian player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy since Evgeni Malkin in 2009. Kucherov is also the first Lightning player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Kucherov's offensive explosion in the Stanley Cup Final was one of the most dominant performances by a player in recent memory. He was a major factor in the Lightning's victory, and he is a deserving winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Brayden Point's playoff dominance
Brayden Point continued his playoff dominance in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, scoring three goals and adding three assists in seven games. He was a major factor in the Lightning's victory, and he is one of the most dangerous players in the NHL when the playoffs roll around.
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Clutch performer:
Point is a clutch performer who always seems to come up big in the playoffs. He has scored some of the biggest goals in Lightning history, including the game-winning goal in Game 7 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.
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Offensive production:
Point is a dangerous offensive player who can score goals and set up his teammates. He has great hands and a quick release, and he is always a threat to make something happen.
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Two-way play:
Point is not just a one-dimensional offensive player. He is also a responsible two-way player who can play in all situations. He is good at winning puck battles and creating turnovers, and he is also a good penalty killer.
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Future star:
Point is still only 25 years old, and he is already one of the best players in the NHL. He is a key part of the Lightning's core, and he is poised to have a long and successful career.
Point's playoff dominance is a major reason why the Lightning have been so successful in recent years. He is a game-changer who can take over a game at any time. He is one of the most exciting young players in the NHL, and he is sure to be a star for many years to come.
Historic moment for Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Lightning's victory in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final was a historic moment for the franchise and the city of Tampa Bay. It was the Lightning's third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history, and it was their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory.
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Back-to-back Stanley Cups:
The Lightning became the first team to win back-to-back Stanley Cups since the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. It is a testament to the Lightning's skill, depth, and resilience.
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Third Stanley Cup in franchise history:
The Lightning's victory gave them their third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. They previously won the Stanley Cup in 2004 and 2020. The Lightning are now one of the most successful teams in the NHL.
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First Stanley Cup for many fans:
For many Lightning fans, the 2021 Stanley Cup victory was their first. The Lightning had not won a Stanley Cup since 2004, and many fans had never seen their team win the Stanley Cup before. The victory was a special moment for the Lightning and their fans.
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Economic impact:
The Lightning's Stanley Cup victory had a positive economic impact on the Tampa Bay area. The Stanley Cup Final games generated millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses. The victory also helped to boost tourism in the area.
The Lightning's Stanley Cup victory was a historic moment for the franchise, the city of Tampa Bay, and the entire Lightning fan base. It was a special time that will be remembered for years to come.
FAQ
Have some questions about who won the Stanley Cup in 2021? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Question 1: Who won the Stanley Cup in 2021?
Answer: The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Montreal Canadiens in seven games to win the Stanley Cup in 2021.
Question 2: Where was the Stanley Cup Final played in 2021?
Answer: The Stanley Cup Final was played at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, and Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Question 3: Who was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 2021?
Answer: Andrei Vasilevskiy won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' most valuable player.
Question 4: Who was the leading scorer in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final?
Answer: Nikita Kucherov led all scorers in the Stanley Cup Final with two goals and eight assists for 10 points.
Question 5: How many Stanley Cups have the Tampa Bay Lightning won?
Answer: The Tampa Bay Lightning have won three Stanley Cups in franchise history, in 2004, 2020, and 2021.
Question 6: Who is the captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning?
Answer: Steven Stamkos is the captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Question 7: When was the last time the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup?
Answer: The Montreal Canadiens last won the Stanley Cup in 1993.
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These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about who won the Stanley Cup in 2021. For more information, you can visit the NHL's website or follow the Tampa Bay Lightning on social media.
Here are some additional tips for learning more about the 2021 Stanley Cup Final:
Tips
Here are a few tips for learning more about who won the Stanley Cup in 2021:
Tip 1: Watch the Stanley Cup Final games.
The best way to learn about the Stanley Cup Final is to watch the games. You can watch the games on TV or online, or you can listen to them on the radio. Pay attention to the players and the teams, and try to understand why one team is winning and the other team is losing.
Tip 2: Read about the Stanley Cup Final.
There are many articles and blog posts written about the Stanley Cup Final. You can find these articles and blog posts online, or you can read them in newspapers and magazines. Reading about the Stanley Cup Final will help you to learn more about the teams, the players, and the history of the Stanley Cup.
Tip 3: Talk to other hockey fans.
If you know other hockey fans, talk to them about the Stanley Cup Final. Ask them who they think is going to win, and why. You can also talk about your favorite players and teams. Talking to other hockey fans will help you to learn more about the Stanley Cup Final and the NHL.
Tip 4: Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame.
If you have the opportunity, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario. The Hockey Hall of Fame has a section dedicated to the Stanley Cup, and you can learn a lot about the history of the Stanley Cup and the teams that have won it. You can also see the Stanley Cup up close.
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These are just a few tips for learning more about who won the Stanley Cup in 2021. By following these tips, you can become a more knowledgeable hockey fan and impress your friends with your knowledge of the Stanley Cup Final.
Now that you know more about who won the Stanley Cup in 2021, you can enjoy the rest of the NHL season and look forward to the next Stanley Cup Final.
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Montreal Canadiens in seven games to win the Stanley Cup in 2021. It was the Lightning's third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history, and it was their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory. The Lightning were led by Nikita Kucherov, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' most valuable player. Andrei Vasilevskiy was also brilliant in goal for the Lightning, posting a 16-7 record with a 1.90 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage.
The Canadiens gave the Lightning a run for their money, but in the end, the Lightning's experience and depth proved to be too much for the Canadiens. The Canadiens have not won the Stanley Cup since 1993, and they will be hoping to end their long drought next season.
The 2021 Stanley Cup Final was a thrilling series that showcased the best of the NHL. The Lightning are a deserving champion, and they will be looking to continue their dominance in the years to come.
Closing Message:
Thank you for reading our article about who won the Stanley Cup in 2021. We hope you enjoyed learning more about the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Montreal Canadiens. We encourage you to continue following the NHL and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The NHL is a great sport, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs are always exciting. Thanks for reading!