The 2004 Stanley Cup Run
Jarome Iginla will tragically go down as arguably the best player ever to not win a Stanley Cup. However, this shouldn’t affect his legacy one bit because he fully deserved one. Throughout his career, Iginla was a monster, posting 68 points in 81 games. None of his postseasons were more impressive than the 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs when he led the Flames to the Stanley Cup Final.
In each round, Calgary’s captain dropped the gloves during key moments. Each of these fights helped the Flames gain some momentum. Iginla’s fight against Vincent Lecavalier during the Stanley Cup Final remains one of the greatest in NHL history.
Iginla also made a huge impact on the scoreboard. In 26 games, he led the postseason in goals (13) and also posted 22 points. with a plus-minus rating of +13. The then 26-year-old forward also played an unheard of 23:18 per game during the playoffs.
During the regular season, Iginla won the second of his two Rocket Richards and once again finished second in the Hart Trophy voting. This time, however, it was quite warranted, with Martin St. Louis winning the award.
Iginla’s 2001-02 season is one deserving of praise. But when you look at what he did combined in the regular season and postseason in 2003-04, it’s hard to argue this season wasn’t his greatest one.