The best dynamic, getting to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, speaks about the NHL as one of the most thrilling championships; all of the teams desire to win the main trophy. But which teams took it a step further and demonstrated their ability to make the playoffs, season in, season out? In this article, we will reveal the Top 5 Longest Stanley Cup Playoff Streaks and explain their accomplishments in the history of the league.
1. Boston Bruins (29 Seasons)
The Boston Bruins have had the longest active streak of playoff appearances, with the team reaching the postseason every year from the 1967-1968 season to the 1995-96 season, according to the Hockey Writers. Over this amazing period, they played seven times for the Stanley Cup and secured only two victories, which made them one of the hottest teams in the NHL.
2. Chicago Blackhawks (28 years)
Equally impressive, the Blackhawks continuously made the playoffs in the next 28 seasons from 1969-70 to 1996-97. Recovery of this franchise began around the year 2010 with three consecutive Stanley Cup triumphs, proving that it had what it took to rule amidst competition.
3. Detroit Red Wings (25 Seasons)
The Red Wings went to the playoffs between the 1990-1991 and 2015-2016 seasons, an impressive run of 25 years in the playoffs. Constituting four Stanley Cup wins and indeed considered one of the most successful decades in franchise history with star players and deeper playoffs.
4. St. Louis Blues (25 Seasons)
The Blues also recorded an unbroken string of 25 consecutive playoff seasons from the 1979-1980 season to the 2003-2004 season, as per the Hockey Writers. Though they had problems in clinching the championship, they were a steady contender in the playoffs during this period.
5. Montreal Canadiens (24 Seasons)
For the next 24 years between 1970-71 and 1993-94, the Canadiens reached the playoffs. This gave them one of the most legendary and championship-rich histories in the history of hockey, even though they only won one cup during this year.
What are elements that could help a team to achieve such a long playoff run? The stability of management, gradual development of players, and coaching can be considered as certain activities that help the teams stay as great as before.
Thus, the five franchises analyzed in this paper represent the best examples of a long playoff run in the NHL. Since fans are waiting for the following seasons, which team do you suppose will attempt to overcome these records?
