The 2013 Eastern Conference Finals Heartbreak
A defensive masterpiece: Bruins sweep the Penguins in the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals.
The 2013 Eastern Conference Finals pitted the Boston Bruins against the Pittsburgh Penguins in a hard-fought series that ended in a stunning sweep. Despite the Penguins' high-powered offense, the Bruins' defense and goaltending proved impenetrable, securing a 4-0 series victory and a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Quick Facts
- Winning goal scorer
- Brad Marchand (Game 4, 2nd period)
Lore & Background
The 2013 Eastern Conference Finals are remembered for the Bruins' relentless defensive dominance. They held the Penguins, who had the league's top offense, to just two goals in the entire series. Tuukka Rask's goaltending was historic, and the sweep was a stunning upset that silenced critics and propelled Boston to the Stanley Cup Final.
Reader's Guide
As of the end of the 2025–26 season, Montreal leads the regular season record, 367–286–103–12, and the playoff record, 106–71 against Boston.
Did You Know?
- The Bruins held the Penguins to just two goals in the entire series, though it is not an official NHL record for a conference final sweep—other sweeps, such as the 1998 Red Wings vs.
- Tuukka Rask posted a .985 save percentage, allowing only two goals on 134 shots.
- This was the first time the Bruins swept a conference final since 1978 (when they defeated the Flyers 4-1 in the Stanley Cup Semifinals, the de facto conference final at the time).
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