Top Five: Best Game Sevens Since 2004
By DJ Smith
May 12, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Boston Bruins head coach Claude Julien talks to Dougie Hamilton (27) and Jarome Iginla (12) and Milan Lucic (17) during a time out during the third period in game six of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
With Game 7 only hours away, the Bruins and Habs are getting ready to meet up for a chance to matchup with the Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals. But since we have some time before the puck drops, lets take a look at the best Game 7’s in Boston since 2004.
5. 2012 NBA Finals: Celtics vs. Heat
In 2012 the Celtics and Heat matched up for the third consecutive year, and in 2012 they took it to the limit going to a full seven games to decide a winner. The Celtics started off strong, however Kevin Garnett got into some foul trouble that limited his role in the second quarter. At half the Celtics had a 7-point lead, and all was looking well, but after a final push by Lebron James, and Chris Bosh (who was 3-3 on 3PT), the Heat finally burned the Celtics 101-88.
4. 2007 ALCS: Red Sox vs. Indians
2007 brought a ton of excitement for the Red Sox, after a lowly 2006 season. With the addition of J.D Drew, Julio Lugo, and Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox Nation was rejuvenated for 2007. They ultimately matched up with the Indians in the 2007 ALCS and after falling down 3 games to 1, the Sox managed to come back and tie the series setting up a pivotal Game Seven at Fenway. Rookies Dustin Pedoria and Jacoby Ellsbury were clicking on all cylinders, which culminated in a 6 run 7th inning that shut the door on the Indians season. Dice-K went five innings, giving up 6 hits and 2 earned runs, followed by 2 shutout innings by Hideki Okajima and a 2 inning save for Jonathan Papeblon, that led the Sox to an ALCS victory.
**Authors Note**
These next three are really hard to put in order, but here we go.
3. 2011 Eastern Conference Finals: Bruins vs. Lightning
In 2011, the Bruins matched up with the Lightning in the 2011 Eastern Conference Final that some regard as one of the best games of the season. The game was the perfect example of a full 60-minute effort that hockey analysts always point to as a key to the game, both teams played the full 60-minutes on that night. Tim Thomas who went 24-24 on saves said after the game “That was as close to a perfect Game 7 as you are going to get.” The game was scoreless for the first 52 minutes until Nathan Horton beat Dwayne Roloson and sent the TD Garden into frenzy. The Bruins held the Lightning for the remaining time, and the Bruins went on to face the Vancouver Canucks in the 2011 Stanley Cup Final…
2. 2011 Stanley Cup Finals: Bruins vs. Canucks
In Boston there was pandemonium after the B’s had defeated the Lightning to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. Now they faced an intimidating Canucks team, that looked unstoppable going in. Tim Thomas was able to establish himself as a Bruins legend, after posting a shutout, making 37 saves and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy. Patrice Bergeron, and Brad Marchand each scored two goals to finally cap off an incredible run to win the Stanley Cup.
- 2013 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals: Bruins vs. Maple Leafs
The Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs matched up in the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, and after gaining a quick 3-1 series lead the Bruins fell on their face and were forced to go to a game seven. We all know the story now, the Bruins fell 4-1 with ten minutes left, but after a Nathan Horton goal, a Milian Lucic goal and final a Patrice Bergeron shot in the final minute, the Bruins tied up the game. Bergeron then scored again in 06:05 in overtime to cap off one of the best games in Bruins history and continued on in the 2013 NHL Playoffs.
Well there is the list, like I said the last three were really tough to place. I hope everyone’s excited for tonight, leave a comment below and give me your thoughts on the list, or your predictions for tonight’s game.
Go Bruins!