Unmitigated Disaster Trivia Quiz

Answer: Chicago Blackhawks

In 1938, the Chicago Blackhawks pulled off one of the most unexpected championship runs in NHL history. Despite finishing the regular season with a poor record and barely qualifying for the playoffs, they managed to defeat stronger teams through a combination of timely scoring, resilient defense, and unconventional goaltending solutions. Their playoff journey included victories over the Montreal Canadiens and New York Americans, culminating in a Stanley Cup win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Remarkably, they used three different goaltenders during the playoffs due to injuries, which added to the drama and improbability of their success.

However, the following season in 1939 was a stark contrast. The team failed to build on their championship momentum and ended up at the bottom of the standings. Their performance remained inconsistent, and they lacked the depth and stability needed to compete effectively. As a result, they missed the playoffs entirely, highlighting how their previous success had been more of a short-lived surge than a sign of lasting dominance.

Answer: New York Rangers

In 1940, the New York Rangers captured the Stanley Cup thanks to a strong regular season and a well-rounded playoff performance. They had a solid core of skilled forwards and dependable defensemen, and their goaltending was reliable throughout the campaign. The team finished second in the league and advanced through the playoffs by defeating Boston in their first round, and overcoming the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Finals. Their victory was sealed in dramatic fashion, with three of their four wins in overtime, including an overtime goal in the final game, clinching the championship.

However, the following season in 1941 saw a sharp decline. The Rangers struggled to maintain their previous form and ended up missing the playoffs. Several factors contributed to this downturn, including player turnover and injuries that weakened the roster, a lack of depth that resulted in inconsistent play, and the external pressures of World War II that affected team operations and player availability.

Answer: Toronto Maple Leafs

In 1967, the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup by relying on a roster filled with seasoned veterans and strong goaltending. Although they weren't the top team during the regular season, their experience and composure helped them navigate the playoffs successfully. They defeated the Chicago Black Hawks in the semifinals and then overcame the Montreal Canadiens in the Finals, securing the championship in six games. The team's leadership and clutch performances were key to their success.

However, the following season (1967-68) brought major changes to the NHL. The league expanded from six to twelve teams and introduced a new divisional format. Despite the expansion, only four teams from each division qualified for the playoffs. Toronto, now facing a more competitive environment and dealing with an aging roster, struggled to keep pace. Their performance declined, and they finished outside the playoff picture.

Answer: Boston Bruins

In 1970, the Boston Bruins captured the Stanley Cup with a powerful and well-balanced team. They were led by stars Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito, who contributed heavily on both offense and defense. The team dominated throughout the playoffs, knocking off the New York Rangers in round one, then ending the season of the league-leading Chicago Black Hawks, and finally culminating in a sweep of the Western Conference champion St. Louis Blues in the Finals. Orr's airborne goal in overtime of Game 4 became an iconic image in hockey history, symbolizing the Bruins' triumph and flair.

Despite their success, the Bruins failed to make the playoffs in 1971, which was a surprising outcome given their talent. Several factors contributed to this reversal, including injuries to key players, stronger competition in their division as other teams improved, and inconsistency in performance and defensive lapses that cost them crucial games.

Answer: New York Rangers

In the 1991-92 NHL season, the New York Rangers were the league's top regular-season team, earning the Presidents' Trophy. Their success was driven by a strong core of players, including Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, and Mike Richter. The team played with consistency, had solid goaltending, and was effective on both ends of the ice, finishing with the best overall record in the league. Despite this outstanding finish, the team was ousted in the second round of the playoffs by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

However, the following season in 1992-93 was a major disappointment. Despite having much of the same roster, the Rangers failed to qualify for the playoffs. Several issues contributed to this decline, including injuries to key players (especially on defense) that weakened their lineup and disrupted team chemistry, a coaching change mid-season that created instability (Roger Neilson was replaced by Ron Smith), and defensive struggles that saw their season end with a negative goal differential. Inconsistent play throughout the season meant they couldn't string together enough wins to stay competitive in a tough division.

Answer: Carolina Hurricanes

In 2006, the Carolina Hurricanes won their first Stanley Cup by combining strong leadership, youthful energy, and clutch performances. Their roster featured a mix of experienced veterans like Rod Brind'Amour and rising stars such as Eric Staal. Rookie goaltender Cam Ward emerged as a key figure during the playoffs, helping the team defeat several tough opponents, including the Edmonton Oilers in a seven-game Final. The Hurricanes played with speed, depth, and resilience, making them one of the most dynamic teams that season.

The 2006-07 season, however, was a stark contrast. Despite retaining much of their championship lineup, the Hurricanes failed to qualify for the playoffs. Several factors contributed to this decline, including injuries to important players that disrupted their rhythm and weakened their overall performance, inconsistent results throughout the season that made it difficult to build momentum, and stronger competition in the Eastern Conference.

Answer: Buffalo Sabres

In the 2006-07 NHL season, the Buffalo Sabres were one of the league's most dominant teams. They finished with the best regular-season record, earning the Presidents' Trophy. Their success was built on a fast-paced, high-scoring style of play, supported by a deep roster and strong goaltending. Players like Daniel Briere, Chris Drury, Thomas Vanek, and Ryan Miller were central to their success, helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals, where they unfortunately lost to the Ottawa Senators.

However, the following season in 2007-08 saw a significant drop in performance. Despite retaining some core talent, the Sabres missed the playoffs. Several key factors contributed to this decline, including a loss of key players (both Briere and Drury left the team during the offseason), which weakened their leadership and offensive depth, leadership challenges as they rotated players through the captain's role, and inconsistent results where they struggled to maintain the same level of play and dropped crucial games, especially late in the season.

Answer: Boston Bruins

In the 2013-14 NHL season, the Boston Bruins were one of the most consistent and well-rounded teams in the league. Their strong defensive structure, reliable goaltending from Tuukka Rask, and balanced scoring helped them finish first overall in the regular season, earning the Presidents' Trophy. They were dominant at both ends of the ice and looked poised for another deep playoff run. Unfortunately, they lost to the Montreal Canadians in the second round who came from behind to win the series in seven games.

However, the following season in 2014-15 saw a surprising drop in performance. Despite finishing with 96 points, a total that often secures a playoff spot, the Bruins missed the postseason. Several factors contributed to this outcome, including salary cap limitations (they lost Jarome Iginla and Johnny Boychuk) that weakened both their offensive depth and defensive stability, injuries to core players, including David Krejci and Zdeno Chara, that disrupted the team's rhythm, and a lack of scoring depth; the Bruins had difficulty generating offense consistently, which led to missed opportunities. Tough competition in the Eastern Conference meant that even small lapses had major consequences. Several teams were tightly packed in the standings, and Boston fell just short.

Answer: Los Angeles Kings

In the 2013-14 NHL season, the Los Angeles Kings won the Stanley Cup by showcasing resilience, depth, and clutch performances. Their playoff journey was especially intense, as they overcame multiple elimination games and defeated strong opponents like the San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, and Chicago Blackhawks before beating the New York Rangers in the Final. The team was anchored by standout players such as Jonathan Quick, Drew Doughty, and Anze Kopitar, and their ability to perform under pressure was a defining trait of their championship run.

But, the following season in 2014-15 saw a surprising downturn. Despite retaining most of their championship roster, the Kings failed to qualify for the playoffs. Several factors contributed to this unexpected outcome, including inconsistent play throughout the regular season that made it difficult for the team to build momentum, struggles on the road; poor performance away from Los Angeles hurt their overall standings, and tight competition in the Western Conference. This meant that even small lapses had significant consequences. The playoff race was extremely close, and the Kings fell just short.

And, for the first time in the same year, BOTH the Presidents' Trophy winner and the Stanley Cup winner failed to make the playoffs the following year.

Answer: New York Rangers

In the 2023-24 NHL season, the New York Rangers were one of the most dominant teams in the league. They finished with the best regular-season record, earning the Presidents' Trophy. Their success was built on strong goaltending, a deep forward group, and a well-structured defensive system. The team consistently found ways to win, including numerous comeback victories, and looked poised for a deep playoff run. Regardless, they came up against a hot Florida Panthers team in the Conference Final, who went on to win their first Stanley Cup.

The 2024-25 season brought a dramatic shift for New York. Despite having much of the same roster, the Rangers missed the playoffs. Several key factors contributed to this unexpected outcome, including the departure of team captain Jacob Trouba during the season, a midseason collapse where the team went through a prolonged slump, and a decline in their special teams play (especially the power play). Some critics also argue that the tactical approach under head coach Peter Laviolette, which aimed to blend physical play with skill, didn't seem to align well with the roster's strengths. Even with midseason player additions, the team couldn't find consistent success.