2011 Stanley Cup Championship
Bruins end 39-year drought, defeat Canucks in seven games.
The 2011 Stanley Cup Final was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2010–11 season, and the culmination of the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Eastern Conference champion Boston Bruins defeated the Western Conference champion Vancouver Canucks in seven games to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1972. Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs.
Quick Facts
- Playoff record
- 16 wins, 9 losses
Lore & Background
The Canucks had home ice advantage in the Final by winning the Presidents' Trophy as the team that finished with the best regular season record (117 points). They were also the first Canadian team to have home ice advantage in the Final since the Montreal Canadiens had it in 1993. The Canucks were also the last Canadian team to reach the Finals until 2021. It was the furthest distance between two cities in NHL history for the Finals, at 4023 km, until 2024 and 2025 as both were between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. The eight goals scored by Vancouver is the lowest number of goals scored by any team in a full seven-game series in NHL history. It was the fourth consecutive Stanley Cup Final in which the road team won the Stanley Cup.
Reader's Guide
The series began on June 1 and ended on June 15. The games varied widely between those played in Vancouver and those in Boston. Prior to game seven, the Bruins scored two goals in three games played in Vancouver (games one, two, and five), against 17 scored in three games at Boston (games three, four, and six). On the other hand, while he posted two 1–0 shutouts in Vancouver (games one and five), Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo was replaced with the backup Cory Schneider twice in three games (games four and six) in Boston. The Bruins scored almost three times the number of total goals as the Canucks, (23–8 in the series), and scored as many goals in a single game (game three) as the Canucks did during the entire series, but the Canucks still won three games (games one, two, and five, respectively).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the Bruins during their 2011 playoff run?
Captain Zdeno Chara and head coach Claude Julien guided the team through a gritty defensive performance. Their leadership was instrumental in overcoming significant odds throughout the postseason.
What were the Bruins' final standings during the 2011 playoffs?
Boston finished with a record of 16 wins and 9 losses across all rounds. This successful campaign culminated in lifting the Cup for the first time since 1972.
What playing style defined the 2011 Bruins team?
They were known as a defensive juggernaut that relied on relentless forechecking and physical grit. This approach allowed them to shut down opponents consistently during the Finals.
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