2012 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 7 vs Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins: the oldest NHL team in the United States, with six Stanley Cup championships and a history stretching back to 1924.
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making them the third-oldest active team in the NHL, and the oldest in the United States.
- Game Date
- April 26, 2012
- Winning Goal Scorer
- Chris Kelly
Lore & Background
The Bruins are one of the "Original Six" NHL teams, along with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. They have won six Stanley Cup championships, tied for fourth-most of any team with the Blackhawks (trailing the Canadiens, Maple Leafs, and Red Wings, with 24, 13, and 11, respectively), and tied for second-most for an NHL team based in the United States. The Bruins have also won the Presidents' Trophy four times, with their most recent win in 2022–23 amassing 135 points—the most in one season in NHL history.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the BB&T Center was thick with humidity and anticipation as the clock wound down into overtime. In the silence that followed a missed shot, every skater felt the weight of the franchise resting on their shoulders. Then, with a sudden burst of speed from the corner, the puck found its way to Milan Lucic's stick. The net bulged, the crowd gasped in unison, and the dream of a deep playoff run evaporated into the humid Florida night.
Reader's Guide
The first facility to host the Bruins was the Boston Arena (later known as Matthews Arena), the world's oldest (built 1909–10) indoor ice hockey facility at the time of its closure in December 2025 and subsequent demolition in 2026. Following the Bruins' departure from the Boston Arena, the team played its home games at the Boston Garden for 67 seasons, beginning in 1928 and concluding in 1995, when they moved to TD Garden.
Did You Know?
- On December 1, 1924, the Bruins won the first ever NHL game played in the United States, hosting the Montreal Maroons at Boston Arena.
- The Bruins' original uniform colors of brown and yellow came from owner Charles Adams' grocery chain, First National Stores.
- Bruins defenseman Eddie Shore became one of the greatest players in NHL history.
- The 1928–29 season featured the NHL debut of goaltender Tiny Thompson, who helped the Bruins win their first Stanley Cup.
- In 1929–30, the Bruins posted the best-ever regular season winning percentage in the NHL (.875), a record which still stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played in Game 7 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between Florida and Boston?
The match featured the young Florida Panthers against the heavily favored Boston Bruins on May 5, 2012. This decisive seventh game took place at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, marking the culmination of a miraculous playoff run for the home team.
What was the final outcome and score of this historic Game 7?
The Boston Bruins defeated the Florida Panthers with a final score of 3-2 after overtime. Milan Lucic scored the winning goal for Boston, ending the series 4-3 in their favor and eliminating the Panthers from the postseason.
Who was the goaltender for the Florida Panthers during this heartbreaking loss?
Veteran netminder Chris Osgood started in goal for the Panthers as they fought to keep their season alive. Despite his efforts, he could not stop the Bruins' overtime winner that sealed the series victory for Boston.
Why is this specific game considered such a defining moment in franchise history?
This match represents one of the most agonizing moments for the franchise because it ended a miraculous run where a young team overcame significant odds to reach the second round. The sudden overtime defeat against a storied opponent left a lasting impact on fans and players alike.
How did the 2012 playoff series between these two teams conclude?
The series concluded with Boston winning the fourth game of the seven-game set, advancing to the next round while ending Florida's hopes. The victory was secured in dramatic fashion during overtime in Sunrise, highlighting a clash between resilience and experience.
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