The
2002 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championships of the
National Hockey LeagueThe National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
, was played from April until June. The
Detroit Red WingsThe Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
defeated the
Carolina HurricanesThe Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
four games to one to clinch the 10th championship in their history. It was the Hurricanes first ever appearance in the championship round. Red Wings defenseman
Nicklas LidstromNicklas Erik Lidström is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman who has played his entire National Hockey League career with the Detroit Red Wings, and is their captain...
was awarded the
Conn Smythe TrophyThe Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded annually to the player judged most valuable to his team during the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup playoffs. The Conn Smythe Trophy has been awarded 46 times to 40 players since the 1964–65 NHL season...
as the MVP of the playoffs. It was the ninth championship for Red Wings coach
Scotty BowmanWilliam Scott "Scotty" Bowman is a retired National Hockey League head coach. He holds the record for most wins in league history, with 1,244 wins in the regular season and 223 in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He coached the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, and...
, who announced his retirement after the deciding game of the series. The Phoenix Coyotes would play their last playoff games at America West Arena and would miss the playoffs until 2010 when they played in Glendale.
The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference, played best-of-7 series for conference quarterfinals, semifinals and championships, and then the conference champions played a best-of-7 series for the
Stanley CupThe Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
.
A record 25 shutouts were recorded in the 2002 Playoffs and, for the first time since 1991, not a single team was swept in a playoff series.
For the first time in history, both teams from the province of
AlbertaAlberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
, the
Calgary Flames and the Edmonton OilersThe Battle of Alberta is a term applied to the intense rivalry between the Canadian cities of Edmonton, the capital of the province of Alberta, and Calgary, the province's largest city...
missed the playoffs in the same season. This would not happen again until
2010The 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 14, 2010, after the 2009–10 NHL regular season. The Finals ended on June 9, 2010, with the Chicago Blackhawks defeating the Philadelphia Flyers four games to two to win their fourth championship and their first since 1961...
and
2011The 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 13, 2011, after the conclusion of the 2010–11 NHL regular season. Game 1 of the Finals was held on June 1, while Game 7 was held on June 15...
.
Playoff seeds
A total of 16 teams qualified for the playoffs. The
Detroit Red WingsThe Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
were the
Presidents' TrophyThe Presidents' Trophy is an award presented by the National Hockey League to the team that finishes with the most points in the league during the regular season. If two teams tie for the most points, then the trophy goes to the team with the most wins. The winning team is also awarded C$350,000...
winners with 116 points.
Eastern Conference
- Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
– Northeast DivisionThe NHL's Northeast Division was formed in 1993 as part of the Eastern Conference in a league realignment, the predecessor of which was the Adams Division...
and Eastern ConferenceThe Eastern Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Western Conference....
regular season champions, 101 points
- Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
– Atlantic DivisionThe NHL's Atlantic Division was formed in 1993 as part of the Eastern Conference in a league realignment, the predecessor of which was the Patrick Division. It is the only division in the NHL where all of its current members have won the Stanley Cup at least twice, though only three teams have won...
champions, 97 points
- Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
– Southeast DivisionThe NHL's Southeast Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Eastern Conference due to expansion.The Southeast Division is the only one of the six divisions that does not have a precursor from the Wales/Campbell conference era ....
champions, 91 points
- Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
– 100 points
- New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
– 96 points
- New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
– 95 points
- Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
– 94 points
- Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
– 87 points
Western Conference
- Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
– Central DivisionThe NHL's Central Division was formed in 1993 as part of the Western Conference in a league realignment, the predecessor of which was the Norris Division.The Central Division consists of the Western Conference's easternmost teams.-Current lineup:...
and Western ConferenceThe Western Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Eastern Conference....
regular season champions, 116 points
- Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
– Northwest DivisionThe NHL's Northwest Division was formed in 1998 as part of the Western Conference due to expansion. Like the Pacific Division, the Northwest Division is also a descendant of the former Smythe Division, as three of its Canadian teams played in that division from 1981–1993...
champions, 99 points (45 wins)
- San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
– Pacific DivisionThe National Hockey League's Pacific Division is one of three divisions that make up the Western Conference. It was formed in 1993 as part of a league realignment...
champions, 99 points (44 wins)
- St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team is named after the famous W. C. Handy song "St. Louis Blues", and plays in the 19,150-seat Scottrade...
– 98 points
- Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
– 96 points
- Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....
– 95 points (40 wins, 7 points head–to–head vs. Los Angeles)
- Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
– 95 points (40 wins, 3 points head-to-head vs. Phoenix)
- Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
– 94 points
Playoff bracket
Note: All dates in 2002.
Scoring leaders
Note: GP = Games Played, G = Goals, A = Assists, Pts = Points
| Player | Team | GP | G | A | P |
| Peter Forsberg Peter Mattias "Foppa" Forsberg is a retired Swedish professional ice hockey player and currently an assistant general manager of Modo Sports. Known for his on-ice vision and physical play, Forsberg is considered one of the most complete players of his generation... |
Colorado |
20 |
9 |
18 |
27 |
Steve YzermanStephen Gregory "Steve" Yzerman is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player and current general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League... |
Detroit |
23 |
6 |
17 |
23 |
Joe SakicJoseph Steven "Joe" Sakic is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player and current hockey executive. He played his entire National Hockey League career with the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise. In his 20-year tenure, Sakic won the Stanley Cup twice, captured numerous NHL... |
Colorado |
21 |
9 |
10 |
19 |
Brendan ShanahanBrendan Frederick "Shanny" Shanahan is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey winger who currently serves as the National Hockey League's Vice President of Hockey and Business Development and head disciplinarian. Originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils second overall in the 1987 NHL Entry... |
Detroit |
23 |
8 |
11 |
19 |
| Gary Roberts |
Toronto |
19 |
7 |
12 |
19 |
| Sergei Fedorov Sergei Viktorovich Fedorov is a Russian professional ice hockey forward and occasional defenceman... |
Detroit |
23 |
5 |
14 |
19 |
Brett HullBrett Andrew Hull is a former Canadian-American NHL player and the former Executive Vice President of the Dallas Stars. He is the son of Bobby Hull and nephew of Dennis Hull, both former NHL players. Hull is also known as "The Golden Brett," which is a play off of his father's nickname, "The... |
Detroit |
23 |
10 |
8 |
18 |
Ron FrancisRonald Michael Francis, Jr. is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played 23 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs... |
Carolina |
23 |
6 |
10 |
16 |
Nicklas LidstromNicklas Erik Lidström is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman who has played his entire National Hockey League career with the Detroit Red Wings, and is their captain... |
Detroit |
23 |
5 |
11 |
16 |
| Alyn McCauley Alyn Daniel McCauley is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League for ten years with the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and the Los Angeles Kings... |
Toronto |
20 |
5 |
10 |
15 |
Eastern Conference
| (1)Boston vs. (8)Montreal |
| Date | Away | Home | Score |
| April 18 |
Montreal 5 |
2 Boston |
|
| April 21 |
Montreal 4 |
6 Boston |
|
| April 23 |
Boston 3 |
5 Montreal |
|
| April 25 |
Boston 5 |
2 Montreal |
|
| April 27 |
Montreal 2 |
1 Boston |
|
| April 29 |
Boston 1 |
2 Montreal |
|
| Montreal wins series 4–2 |
|
| (2)Philadelphia vs. (7)Ottawa |
| Date | Away | Home | OT | Score |
| April 17 |
Ottawa 0 |
1 Philadelphia |
OT |
|
| April 20 |
Ottawa 3 |
0 Philadelphia |
|
|
| April 22 |
Philadelphia 0 |
3 Ottawa |
|
|
| April 24 |
Philadelphia 0 |
3 Ottawa |
|
|
| April 26 |
Ottawa 2 |
1 Philadelphia |
OT |
|
| Ottawa wins series 4–1 |
|
| (3)Carolina vs. (6)New Jersey |
| Date | Away | Home | OT | Score |
| April 17 |
New Jersey 1 |
2 Carolina |
|
|
| April 19 |
New Jersey 1 |
2 Carolina |
OT |
|
| April 21 |
Carolina 0 |
4 New Jersey |
|
|
| April 23 |
Carolina 1 |
3 New Jersey |
|
|
| April 24 |
New Jersey 2 |
3 Carolina |
OT |
|
| April 27 |
Carolina 1 |
0 New Jersey |
|
|
| Carolina wins series 4–2 |
|
| (4)Toronto vs. (5)New York Islanders |
| Date | Away | Home | Score |
| April 18 |
NY Islanders 1 |
3 Toronto |
|
| April 20 |
NY Islanders 0 |
2 Toronto |
|
| April 23 |
Toronto 1 |
6 NY Islanders |
|
| April 24 |
Toronto 3 |
4 NY Islanders |
|
| April 26 |
NY Islanders 3 |
6 Toronto |
|
| April 28 |
Toronto 3 |
5 NY Islanders |
|
| April 30 |
NY Islanders 2 |
4 Toronto |
|
| Toronto wins series 4–3 |
|
Western Conference
| (1)Detroit vs. (8)Vancouver |
| Date | Away | Home |
| April 17 |
Vancouver 4 |
3 Detroit |
OT |
| April 19 |
Vancouver 5 |
2 Detroit |
| April 21 |
Detroit 3 |
1 Vancouver |
| April 23 |
Detroit 4 |
2 Vancouver |
| April 25 |
Vancouver 0 |
4 Detroit |
| April 27 |
Detroit 6 |
4 Vancouver |
| Detroit wins series 4–2 |
|
| (2)Colorado vs. (7)Los Angeles |
| Date | Away | Home |
| April 18 |
Los Angeles 3 |
4 Colorado |
| April 20 |
Los Angeles 3 |
5 Colorado |
| April 22 |
Colorado 1 |
3 Los Angeles |
| April 23 |
Colorado 1 |
0 Los Angeles |
| April 25 |
Los Angeles 1 |
0 Colorado |
OT |
| April 27 |
Colorado 1 |
3 Los Angeles |
| April 29 |
Los Angeles 0 |
4 Colorado |
| Colorado wins series 4–3 |
|
| (3)San Jose vs. (6)Phoenix |
| Date | Away | Home |
| April 17 |
Phoenix 1 |
2 San Jose |
| April 20 |
Phoenix 3 |
1 San Jose |
| April 22 |
San Jose 4 |
1 Phoenix |
| April 24 |
San Jose 2 |
1 Phoenix |
| April 26 |
Phoenix 1 |
4 San Jose |
| San Jose wins series 4–1 |
|
| (4)St. Louis vs. (5)Chicago |
| Date | Away | Home |
| April 18 |
Chicago 2 |
1 St. Louis |
| April 20 |
Chicago 0 |
2 St. Louis |
| April 21 |
St. Louis 4 |
0 Chicago |
| April 23 |
St. Louis 1 |
0 Chicago |
| April 25 |
Chicago 3 |
5 St. Louis |
| St. Louis wins series 4–1 |
|
Conference semi-finals
Eastern Conference
| (3)Carolina vs. (8)Montreal |
| Date | Away | Home |
| May 3 |
Montreal 0 |
2 Carolina |
| May 5 |
Montreal 4 |
1 Carolina |
| May 7 |
Carolina 1 |
2 Montreal |
OT |
| May 9 |
Carolina 4 |
3 Montreal |
OT |
| May 12 |
Montreal 1 |
5 Carolina |
| May 13 |
Carolina 8 |
2 Montreal |
| Carolina wins series 4–2 |
|
| (4)Toronto vs. (7)Ottawa |
| Date | Away | Home |
| May 2 |
Ottawa 5 |
0 Toronto |
| May 4 |
Ottawa 2 |
3 Toronto |
3OT |
| May 6 |
Toronto 2 |
3 Ottawa |
| May 8 |
Toronto 2 |
1 Ottawa |
| May 10 |
Ottawa 4 |
2 Toronto |
| May 12 |
Toronto 4 |
3 Ottawa |
| May 14 |
Ottawa 0 |
3 Toronto |
| Toronto wins series 4–3 |
|
Western Conference
| (1)Detroit vs. (4)St. Louis |
| Date | Away | Home |
| May 2 |
St. Louis 0 |
2 Detroit |
| May 4 |
St. Louis 2 |
3 Detroit |
| May 7 |
Detroit 1 |
6 St. Louis |
| May 9 |
Detroit 4 |
3 St. Louis |
| May 11 |
St. Louis 0 |
4 Detroit |
| Detroit wins series 4–1 |
|
| (2)Colorado vs. (3)San Jose |
| Date | Away | Home |
| May 1 |
San Jose 6 |
3 Colorado |
| May 4 |
San Jose 2 |
8 Colorado |
| May 6 |
Colorado 4 |
6 San Jose |
| May 8 |
Colorado 4 |
1 San Jose |
| May 11 |
San Jose 5 |
3 Colorado |
| May 13 |
Colorado 2 |
1 San Jose |
OT |
| May 15 |
San Jose 0 |
1 Colorado |
| Colorado wins series 4–3 |
|
Conference finals
Eastern Conference
| (3)Carolina vs. (4)Toronto |
| Date | Away | Home |
| May 16 |
Toronto 2 |
1 Carolina |
| May 19 |
Toronto 1 |
2 Carolina |
OT |
| May 21 |
Carolina 2 |
1 Toronto |
OT |
| May 23 |
Carolina 3 |
0 Toronto |
| May 25 |
Toronto 1 |
0 Carolina |
| May 28 |
Carolina 2 |
1 Toronto |
OT |
Carolina wins series 4–2 and Prince of Wales TrophyThe Prince of Wales Trophy, also known as the Wales Trophy, is an award presented by the National Hockey League to the Eastern Conference playoff champions, prior to the final series of games for the Stanley Cup...
|
|
Western Conference
| (1)Detroit vs. (2)Colorado |
| Date | Away | Home |
| May 18 |
Colorado 3 |
5 Detroit |
| May 20 |
Colorado 4 |
3 Detroit |
OT |
| May 22 |
Detroit 2 |
1 Colorado |
OT |
| May 25 |
Detroit 2 |
3 Colorado |
| May 27 |
Colorado 2 |
1 Detroit |
OT |
| May 29 |
Detroit 2 |
0 Colorado |
| May 31 |
Colorado 0 |
7 Detroit |
Detroit wins series 4–3 and Clarence S. Campbell BowlThe Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, or simply the Campbell Bowl, is a National Hockey League trophy awarded to the Western Conference playoff champions. It is named after Clarence S. Campbell, who served as President of the NHL from to . The trophy itself is constructed of sterling silver, crafted in...
|
|
Stanley Cup Finals
| (W1)Detroit vs. (E3)Carolina |
| Date | Away | Home |
| June 4 |
Carolina 3 |
2 Detroit |
OT |
| June 6 |
Carolina 1 |
3 Detroit |
| June 8 |
Detroit 3 |
2 Carolina |
3OT1 |
| June 10 |
Detroit 3 |
0 Carolina |
| June 13 |
Carolina 1 |
3 Detroit |
Detroit wins series 4–1 and Stanley CupThe Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
|
Nicklas LidstromNicklas Erik Lidström is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman who has played his entire National Hockey League career with the Detroit Red Wings, and is their captain... (Detroit) wins Conn Smythe TrophyThe Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded annually to the player judged most valuable to his team during the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup playoffs. The Conn Smythe Trophy has been awarded 46 times to 40 players since the 1964–65 NHL season...
|
|
1As of 2008, the playoff game on June 8, 2002 between Detroit and Carolina is the 18th longest NHL overtime game. 54 minutes and 47 seconds of overtime were played before Igor LarionovIgor Nikolayevich Larionov is a Russian retired professional ice hockey player, known as The Professor. Along with Viacheslav Fetisov, he was instrumental in breaking the barrier that stopped Soviet players from joining the National Hockey League . He primarily played the centre position, and is...
of Detroit scored the game-winning goal. It is also the longest home debut in Stanley Cup Finals history. Larionov had just broken his own record for oldest player to score a final-round goal, set less than 2 hours previous. He was 42 years and 172 days old at the time.
Playoff Awards
Presidents' TrophyThe Presidents' Trophy is an award presented by the National Hockey League to the team that finishes with the most points in the league during the regular season. If two teams tie for the most points, then the trophy goes to the team with the most wins. The winning team is also awarded C$350,000... : |
Detroit Red WingsThe Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
|
Prince of Wales TrophyThe Prince of Wales Trophy, also known as the Wales Trophy, is an award presented by the National Hockey League to the Eastern Conference playoff champions, prior to the final series of games for the Stanley Cup... : |
Carolina HurricanesThe Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
|
Clarence S. Campbell BowlThe Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, or simply the Campbell Bowl, is a National Hockey League trophy awarded to the Western Conference playoff champions. It is named after Clarence S. Campbell, who served as President of the NHL from to . The trophy itself is constructed of sterling silver, crafted in... : |
Detroit Red WingsThe Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
|
Conn Smythe TrophyThe Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded annually to the player judged most valuable to his team during the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup playoffs. The Conn Smythe Trophy has been awarded 46 times to 40 players since the 1964–65 NHL season... : |
Nicklas LidstromNicklas Erik Lidström is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenseman who has played his entire National Hockey League career with the Detroit Red Wings, and is their captain... (Detroit) |
Playoff Scoring Leaders
Despite getting eliminated by the Red Wings in the Western Conference Final, Colorado forward
Peter ForsbergPeter Mattias "Foppa" Forsberg is a retired Swedish professional ice hockey player and currently an assistant general manager of Modo Sports. Known for his on-ice vision and physical play, Forsberg is considered one of the most complete players of his generation...
led the playoffs in scoring with 18 assists and 27 points.
Brett HullBrett Andrew Hull is a former Canadian-American NHL player and the former Executive Vice President of the Dallas Stars. He is the son of Bobby Hull and nephew of Dennis Hull, both former NHL players. Hull is also known as "The Golden Brett," which is a play off of his father's nickname, "The...
of the Detroit Red Wings led the playoffs with 10 goals.
See also
- List of Stanley Cup champions
- 2001–02 NHL season
- 2002 in sports
2002 in sports describes the year's events in world sport.-Alpine skiing:* Alpine Skiing World Cup** Men's overall season champion: Stephan Eberharter, Austria** Women's overall season champion: Michaela Dorfmeister, Austria-American football:...
External links