Every Stanley Cup winning season begins by qualifying for the postseason. Only 8 teams, however, take the second crucial step of winning a playoff series. For the remaining 24 teams, the playoff series win drought begins.
The chart below describes, in descending order, the number of seasons each of these 24 teams has gone without winning a series in the Stanley Cup playoffs, showing the last year they actually won a postseason series.
| Team | Seasons | Last Series Win |
| Buffalo | 16
|
|
| Detroit |
10
|
|
| Los Angeles | 9
|
|
| Minnesota | 8
|
|
| Anaheim | 6
|
|
| Ottawa | 6
|
|
| Nashville | 5
|
|
| Pittsburgh | 5
|
|
| Washington | 5
|
|
| San Jose |
4
|
|
| Arizona | 3
|
|
| Chicago | 3
|
|
| Columbus | 3
|
|
| Philadelphia | 3
|
|
| Vancouver | 3
|
|
| Boston |
2
|
|
| Montreal |
2
|
|
| New York* | 2
|
|
| Winnipeg | 2
|
|
| Calgary |
1
|
|
| Colorado |
1
|
|
| New York** |
1
|
|
| St. Louis |
1
|
|
| Tampa Bay |
1
|
* New York Islanders
** New York Rangers
The Florida Panthers hold the all-time series win drought record of 24 seasons, a streak that was snapped in their first round win over the Washington Capitals in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. The current leader is the Buffalo Sabres at 16 winless postseasons.
In 2023, the Toronto Maple Leafs ended a 17 season winless streak where they qualified for the playoffs 7 times and fell to their first round opponent every time (Boston 2013, Washington 2017, Boston 2018, Boston 2019, Columbus 2020, Montreal 2021, Tampa Bay 2022). 5 of the 7 series saw the Maples Leafs lose in a deciding game 7, including all 3 series against Boston ... one of which they held a 4-1 third period lead (2013) only to collapse in spectacular fashion before the final buzzer.
This year it was Boston's turn to implode as the President's Trophy winning squad squandered a 3-1 series lead and a 3-2 lead in the final minute of Game 7 to fall to Florida in overtime and extend their drought. Playoff berths are harder to come by every year. Make the most of each opportunity as parity promises your window will likely quickly close.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Qualification Droughts.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Final Appearance Droughts.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Championship Droughts.
The Florida Panthers hold the all-time series win drought record of 24 seasons, a streak that was snapped in their first round win over the Washington Capitals in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. The current leader is the Buffalo Sabres at 16 winless postseasons.
In 2023, the Toronto Maple Leafs ended a 17 season winless streak where they qualified for the playoffs 7 times and fell to their first round opponent every time (Boston 2013, Washington 2017, Boston 2018, Boston 2019, Columbus 2020, Montreal 2021, Tampa Bay 2022). 5 of the 7 series saw the Maples Leafs lose in a deciding game 7, including all 3 series against Boston ... one of which they held a 4-1 third period lead (2013) only to collapse in spectacular fashion before the final buzzer.
This year it was Boston's turn to implode as the President's Trophy winning squad squandered a 3-1 series lead and a 3-2 lead in the final minute of Game 7 to fall to Florida in overtime and extend their drought. Playoff berths are harder to come by every year. Make the most of each opportunity as parity promises your window will likely quickly close.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Qualification Droughts.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Final Appearance Droughts.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Championship Droughts.
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