Ranking the Most Clutch NHL Game 7 Performances of the 2000s

The 2014-15 NHL playoffs will feature two Game 7s in the conference finals, and it will be only the third time that it has happened in NHL history, according to Elias Sports Bureau via John Buccigross of ESPN.com. The first occurrence came in 1964, and the second was in 2000.

It doesn't get any better than seeing an amazing series come down to a final winner-take-all contest, and having two in the final round before the Cup Final is going to be special. 

For that reason we thought it would be a good idea to go back and look at some of the most clutch Game 7 performances over the last 15 years. With that in mind, here are the greatest Game 7 performances since 2000.

Honorable Mentions

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Martin Brodeur, 2003 Stanley Cup Final: The New Jersey Devils recorded a shutout in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, and Martin Brodeur made 24 saves. Recording a shutout in pivotal Cup Final game is impressive, but after taking a lead, New Jersey really shut down the Anaheim Ducks and their ability to generate any form of offense.

Manny Fernandez, 2003 Western Conference Quarterfinal: The Colorado Avalanche were a powerhouse team in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but they were upset in the first round of the 2003 playoffs. Many people remember Andrew Brunette scoring against Patrick Roy to end the netminder's career, but many forget about the other goalie in that game. Manny Fernandez was sensational for Minnesota, stopping 43 of 45 shots in the overtime victory.

Luc Robitaille, 2002 Western Conference Final: The final game of the 2002 Western Conference Final was a blowout that saw Patrick Roy give up six goals on 16 shots. During the game a number of Red Wings flexed their offensive muscle, and Luc Robitaille's performance stands out. The Hall of Fame winger recorded a goal and two assists during the series ender, and he only played 11 minutes, 46 seconds.

8. Patrice Bergeron, 2013

Game Stats: Two goals and one assist

Situation: Eastern Conference Quarterfinal vs. Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs were so close to putting the Boston Bruins away in the first round of the playoffs, and the team had a 4-1 lead in the third period. The lead quickly vanished as the Bruins surged back, and Patrice Bergeron played a big role in the comeback.

He recorded the game-tying and game-winning goal, and he also picked up an assist during the Bruins' unexpected Game 7 comeback. 

7. Justin Williams, 2006

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Game Stats: One goal and two assists

Situation: Eastern Conference Final vs. Buffalo Sabres

Justin Williams is known as Mr. Game 7 because of his ability to come through for his team when it is most important. He holds the record for most goals scored in Game 7 history, and one of his top performances came back in 2006.

Williams and the Hurricanes were in for a Game 7 after losing Game 6 to the Sabres, and Mr. Game 7 tallied a goal and two assists to send his team to the Final. The Hurricanes went on to defeat the Edmonton Oilers, and Williams would score a game-winner in that series as well.

6. Jeremy Roenick, 2008

Game Stats: Two goals and two assists

Situation: Western Conference Quarterfinal vs. Calgary Flames

Jeremy Roenick did some amazing things in his lengthy NHL career, but he was clearly out of gas at the end of the 2008 season. Things got so bad that he was a healthy scratch for Game 6, a game the Sharks ended up losing.

Head coach Ron Wilson decided to put the veteran back in the lineup for Game 7, and the move paid off in a big way, as J.R. went on to score two goals and two assists.

5. Jaroslav Halak, 2010

Game Stats: 41 saves

Situation: 2010 Eastern Conference Quarterfinal vs. Washington Capitals

Jaroslav Halak's performance against the Washington Capitals was legendary, and his Game 7 effort was one of the most impressive displays of goaltending during a single game in quite some time.

The Canadiens went down 3-1 in the series, and on the back of Halak, they were able to win three games in a row. In the pivotal game, he completely shut the door, tallying 41 saves on 42 shots.

4. Tim Thomas, 2011

Game Stats: 37-save shutout

Situation: Stanley Cup Final vs. Vancouver Canucks

Tim Thomas won three Game 7s on the way to Boston Bruins' Stanley Cup championship in 2011, and his performance in the Final was amazing. The Bruins won the game 4-0, but some crucial saves by Thomas prevented the Canucks from mounting any type of comeback.

He earned the Conn Smythe Trophy for his postseason efforts.

3. Ruslan Fedotenko, 2004

Game Stats: Two goals 

Situation: Stanley Cup Final vs. Calgary Flames

Tyler Johnson has been turning heads this postseason for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and he is currently tied for the team record of goals scored during a single playoff run. Back in 2004 Ruslan Fedotenko scored 12 goals after tallying 17 during the regular season.

The 25-year-old forward's two biggest games were in the Stanley Cup Final versus Calgary, and it was the perfect ending to an amazing run for the hardworking forward.

2. Mike Rupp, 2003

Game Stats: One goal and two assists

Situation: Stanley Cup Final vs. Anaheim Ducks

Mike Rupp was a mere rookie when his New Jersey Devils made the 2003 Stanley Cup Final, yet he was a major difference-maker. During the pivotal Game 7, he scored a goal and assisted on both of Jeff Friesen's goals. 

It was an unexpected performance for Rupp, especially when you consider he appeared in only 26 games during the regular season.

1. Max Talbot, 2009

Game Stats: Two goals

Situation: Stanley Cup Final vs. Detroit Red Wings

Max Talbot has a reputation of being a solid complementary player, but in Game 7 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Final he was a true star. Sidney Crosby played 9:59, whereas Talbot logged 19:08 and took 28 shifts.

It was an unexpected showing from Talbot against a talented Detroit Red Wings squad, and his performance remains one of the best in the history of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

All stats from Hockey-Reference via Wikipedia's NHL Game 7 listing.