Miracle on Manchester
The largest single-game postseason comeback is known as the Miracle on Manchester. It occurred in game 3 of the 1982 division semifinals between the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers. It was a Kings home game on Manchester Boulevard in Inglewood, but the Kings were massive underdogs. The Edmonton Oilers had the best record as a team and won four Stanley Cups in the 80s, and this was the first year they became a juggernaut; they were second in the league with 48 wins. In addition, the Oilers had Wayne Gretzky and six other Hall-of-Famers.
On the other hand, the Kings were considered a disappointment during the regular season, with 24 wins, after winning 43 games the previous season. LA already shocked the Oilers by winning game one but was down 0-5 by the end of the second period in game 3. After that, fans started leaving the stadium. However, in a miracle, the Kings would score five times in the third to tie it and then win in OT on a goal by Daryl Evans.
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Quotes
When you get momentum going, it's crazy what happens.
Bernie Nicholls
References
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Hockey Reference
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Statmuse
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'Miracle on Manchester' remains one of greatest comebacks in NHL history
Nothing about the Stanley Cup Playoff game between the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers on April 10, 1982, made sense. Even after it ended in overtime, hockey sages still were scratching their heads.
NHL
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Kings Hope They Can Play It Again : How Great Was That Win Over Oilers? Well, Greater Than Gretzky; In Fact, It Was So Great That for Two Weeks L.A. Was a Hockey Town
The room would be filled with the sights and sounds of the most astonishing game in the Kings’ 17-year history, perhaps the greatest comeback ever in Stanley Cup playoff history.
Los Angeles Times
