Is the Presidents` Trophy curse set to strike again this year?
For the last 11 NHL seasons, the team winning the Presidents` Trophy (awarded for the best regular-season record) has not gone on to win the Stanley Cup. More strikingly, none of the last 11 winners have even reached the Stanley Cup Final.
Overall, in the 38 seasons the trophy has existed, only eight winners have also won the Stanley Cup. With the Winnipeg Jets currently tied 2-2 in their first-round playoff series against the St. Louis Blues, the threat of the curse seems very real.
Here are the eight teams the Jets are hoping to follow, who successfully broke the curse:
Chicago Blackhawks, 2012-13
The most recent team to achieve this feat. They won both trophies in a season shortened by a lockout. Patrick Kane was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy, contributing significantly with 9 goals and 10 assists in the playoffs.
Detroit Red Wings, 2007-08
Dominated the regular season with 115 points, winning their division by 24 points and boasting the league`s best defense (fewest goals allowed). Henrik Zetterberg, their leading goal-scorer in the regular season, won the Conn Smythe after a 27-point playoff performance.
Detroit Red Wings, 2001-02
This Red Wings team was even more dominant, finishing 15 points ahead of the next best team and winning their division by 18 points. Hall of Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidström received the Conn Smythe, marking his third Stanley Cup victory with Detroit.
Colorado Avalanche, 2000-01
Their win, followed by Detroit`s, is the only instance of back-to-back Presidents` Trophy and Stanley Cup winners. Goalie Patrick Roy earned his third Conn Smythe Trophy, a record that still stands.
Dallas Stars, 1998-99
Known for their strong defense, Dallas led the league in fewest goals allowed. This continued in the playoffs, where they conceded more than two goals in only one of their 12 wins. Mike Modano led the team in regular-season points, while Joe Nieuwendyk was awarded the Conn Smythe.
New York Rangers, 1993-94
After finishing ahead of rivals New Jersey Devils in the regular season, they faced them in a thrilling seven-game Eastern Conference Final that included three double-overtime games. Their Stanley Cup Final against the Vancouver Canucks also went the full seven games. Defenseman Brian Leetch, the Conn Smythe winner, scored the first goal in the decisive Game 7.
Calgary Flames, 1988-89
This season was dominated by Calgary (117 points) and Montreal (115 points), significantly ahead of the rest of the league. They fittingly met in the Stanley Cup Final, with Calgary winning in six games. Defenseman Al MacInnis was awarded the Conn Smythe after racking up 24 playoff assists.
Edmonton Oilers, 1986-87
Led by the legendary Wayne Gretzky, who won his eighth Hart Trophy while leading the league in goals, assists, and plus/minus. Gretzky was instrumental in their playoff run with 29 assists. This was the Oilers` third Stanley Cup during a dominant period where they won four in five years.
