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Ranking the Best Overtime Goals From the First Round

Ranking the Best Overtime Goals From the First Round
John Smark Editorials

Overtime hockey provides some of the most exhilarating moments in sports year after year. This was no different in the early stages of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. There were 15 games decided after regulation in this year’s opening round, leaving behind memories forever cemented in NHL history. The top 5 overtime goals from this years’ first round featured young talent, improbable heroes, and household names.

5. Nick Suzuki vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Two emerging stars in Montreal, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, showcased their creativity in this two-on-none breakaway. Caufield intercepted a pass at the blue line and broke free, leading to some unselfish back-and-forth passing between him and Suzuki. Suzuki buried the point-blank one-timer against Toronto’s Jack Campbell. The goal sparked Montreal’s comeback from a 3-1 series deficit. They won the series in seven games and extended the Leafs’ Stanley Cup drought to 55 years.

4. Nikolaj Ehlers vs. Edmonton Oilers

This one came in the blink of an eye. Down 4-1 with eight minutes remaining, the Winnipeg Jets were able to mount an incredible comeback to force overtime in Game 3. Immediately off the faceoff, Nikolaj Ehlers sent a blistering wrist shot over the shoulder of Edmonton’s Mike Smith, who didn’t see the puck coming. Winnipeg swept the Oilers with overtime wins in Games 2, 3 and 4.

3. Ryan Lomberg vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

In the first postseason series of the Battle of Florida, an unlikely hero capped off a 6-5 barn burner. With five points in 45 NHL games, Ryan Lomberg was provided a golden opportunity after Frank Vatrano snuck a skillful pass behind Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman. Lomberg found the top corner over Vezina finalist Andrei Vasilevskiy, and became the center of a celebratory mosh pit. However, the Panthers would fall 4-2 in the series against the defending Stanley Cup champions.

2. Kyle Palmieri vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

As Islanders’ announcer Brendan Burke would say, “Game 1 to the Island!” The Isles’ trade deadline acquisition received a pass from J-G Pageau while breaking towards the net, and found a sliver of space above Penguins’ goaltender Tristan Jarry. Palmieri’s placement on this shot was perfect, and it gave the Islanders a 1-0 series lead. They would go on to send the Penguins home in six games, clinching a series on Nassau Coliseum ice for the first time since 1993.

1. Brad Marchand vs. Washington Capitals

A powerful slapshot just 39 seconds into the extra period was the best of the overtime goals from this year’s First Round. After tying the game with less than three minutes remaining in Game 2, Boston looked to even their series against Washington. Matt Grzelcyk sent a cross-ice pass to Brad Marchand, who ripped a bullet past Craig Anderson from the right faceoff circle. They would win four straight against the Caps, setting them up for a second-round matchup against the Islanders.

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