Puck Prose
Fansided

NHL: 30 best Game 7 performances in Stanley Cup history

By Hans Themistode

COLUMBUS, OH - MAY 07: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck during the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena on May 7, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. Detroit defeated Columbus 5-2. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - MAY 07: Seth Jones #3 of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck during the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Nationwide Arena on May 7, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. Detroit defeated Columbus 5-2. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
17 of 31
Next
Mike Rupp
Mike Rupp (Photo by Rocky Widner/Getty Image) /

NHL: 30 best Game 7 performances in Stanley Cup history: 15. Mike Rupp

  • 2 assist
  • 1 goal
  • 3 points

Without question, Jean-Sebastien Giguere of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim was deserving of his 2003 Stanley Cup MVP but the most impactful player, at least in the final game, was Mike Rupp of the New Jersey Devils.

Heading into that year’s Stanley Cup, Rupp was somewhat of an afterthought. The Stanley Cup was simply not dependent on his stick. At least, that’s what most believed originally. Throughout the first six games of the series, Rupp went about his business completely under the radar. Sure he was strong, fast and played hard but his stats at the end of each night were horrific. During the first six games, Rupp scored only a single goal. While his normal small role was expected, Rupp broke out in a huge way in Game 7.

On the night, Rupp assisted on two goals and placed a nail in the coffin of the Ducks by scoring one himself. As previously mentioned, Jean-Sebastien Giguere of the Ducks went home with the game’s MVP award despite his team coming up short. With the general inept play of Rupp and how inconsequential he was viewed as a member of the Devils and their championship run, it’s only right that he takes his rightful place on this list and receives his well deserved moment in the sun.

Home/NHL News