stringtranslate.com

List of teams that have overcome 3–1 series deficits

The Chicago Cubs celebrating their victory in the 2016 World Series, which they won in seven games after trailing three games to one

The following is the list of teams that have overcome 3–1 series deficits mainly concerning North American professional sports within a best-of-seven series. The listed teams won three consecutive games after being down three games to one. Unsuccessful comebacks are also listed, in which teams evened a series after being behind 3–1, then lost the final game of the series.

The best-of-seven playoff structure is common in North American professional sports, particularly in the sports of baseball, basketball, and ice hockey. And prominently in three of the major North American professional sports leagues: Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League.

There are also some intermediate North American leagues below the major league level that use the best-of-seven format such as hockey's Calder Cup. The format is also used outside of North America, including the Taiwan Series baseball tournament, the final round of the Japan Series, the Chinese, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, and Turkish baseball leagues, and later rounds of the Gagarin Cup of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) based in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and China.

All 3–1 deficit comebacks in a seven-game series involve winning three straight elimination games, finally featuring a double-elimination game seven. Longer series of this nature are almost always structured as single-elimination knockout tournaments, so one more loss ends playoff contention for the losing side.

This is similar to a comeback from a 2–0 series deficit in a best-of-five series, which also requires winning three straight games.

Implicit in overcoming a 3–1 series deficit are all teams who have overcome a 3–0 series deficit. These are noted in the series comment cells and—lacking an explicit column in the tabular format—can be identified with a "3–0".

Background

Three major North American professional sports leagues have playoff series that can reach a seventh game: Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Hockey League (NHL). In the history of these leagues, teams that were down 3–1 in a series have come back to win the series 58 times; 14 times in MLB, 13 times in the NBA, and 31 times in the NHL. The most recent instance was accomplished by the Florida Panthers of the NHL in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

There have been three instances of a team coming back from a 3–1 deficit twice in the same postseason; occurring once in the MLB, NBA, and NHL. The most recent instance was by the Denver Nuggets in the 2020 NBA playoffs.

Key

Major League Baseball

Successful comebacks

MLB teams have overcome 3–1 deficits 14 times (including one 3–0 deficit), six of which occurred in the World Series.[1] This does not count the 1903 World Series, during which the Boston Americans (or Puritans, or Pilgrims, depending on the source, and later known as the Red Sox) came back from a 3–1 deficit to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates, five games to three, as that was a best-of-nine series.[2]

Unsuccessful comebacks

Six other MLB teams have evened the series after being down 3–1 (including one down 3–0), only to lose game seven.

National Basketball Association

Successful comebacks

NBA teams have overcome 3–1 deficits 13 times, only one of which occurred in the NBA Finals.[15] The NBA is the only major North American sport with seven-game playoff series where no team has overcome a 3–0 deficit.

Unsuccessful comebacks

NBA teams have overcome 3–1 deficits to force a seventh game 22 times, only to lose the series. In four of these instances, a team was down 3–0 in the series.

National Hockey League

Successful comebacks

NHL teams have overcome 3–1 deficits 32 times, the most recent instance being accomplished by the Florida Panthers during the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs.[24] The Rangers, the Vancouver Canucks, and the Montreal Canadiens are tied with the most successful 3–1 series comebacks in the NHL, with three. Four times a team comeback from 3–0 down and only one instance has occurred during the Stanley Cup Finals, accomplished in 1942 by the Toronto Maple Leafs, who initially trailed 3–0.[25]

Unsuccessful comebacks

NHL teams have managed to force a seventh game while facing a 3–1 series deficit 33 times, only to lose the series in the seventh game subsequently. Six instances consisted of falling behind 3–0 in the series before losing in Game Seven.


See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f Played at a neutral site

References

  1. ^ Simon, Andrew (October 29, 2016). "From down 3-1, Cubs working on more history". MLB.com. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  2. ^ "1903 World Series". MLB.com. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "These teams came back from 3-1 deficits". MLB.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "MLB teams overcome a 3-1 deficit more often than you probably realise". www.sportingnews.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  5. ^ "October 17, 1979: 'Pops' Stargell named MVP as Pirates complete World Series comeback – Society for American Baseball Research". Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  6. ^ "Braves 15, Cardinals 0". AP NEWS. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  7. ^ Frey, Jennifer (1996-10-18). "BRAVES LAY DOWN CARDS, PICK UP PENNANT". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  8. ^ "Red Sox Crush Yankees in Historic Comeback". NPR.org. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  9. ^ "Drehs: Giants complete improbable comeback, advance to NLCS". ESPN.com. 2012-10-12. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  10. ^ "Knight: The Cardinals finally fall, hard". ESPN.com. 2012-10-23. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  11. ^ "Cubs complete uphill Series comeback". MLB.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  12. ^ Waldstein, David (2020-10-19). "Dodgers Rally to Win N.L.C.S. and Reach 3rd World Series in 4 Years". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  13. ^ Nightengale, Bob. "'The Rays are a damn good team': Tampa Bay fights off Houston in ALCS Game 7, advance to World Series". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  14. ^ "'A pretty special feeling': Rays headed to WS". MLB.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  15. ^ "NBA Playoff 3-1 Comebacks". Sports Illustrated. May 18, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "This Date in NBA History (May 30): Warriors win Game 7, complete 3-1 comeback vs. Thunder in 2016 Western Conference Finals". NBA.com Canada | The official site of the NBA. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  17. ^ May 18, foxsports; ET, 2015 at 11:22a (2015-05-18). "Rockets come back from 3-1 to advance to conference finals". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2021-05-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Isola, Frank. "Steph Curry and Warriors come back from 3-1 series deficit, defeat Thunder in Game 7, 96-88, to advance to NBA Finals". nydailynews.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  19. ^ Milestones, Bleacher Report. "Cavaliers Become 1st Team to Overcome 3-1 Deficit in NBA Finals". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  20. ^ "This Date in NBA History (June 19): Cavaliers edge Warriors in Game 7, complete historic 3-1 Finals comeback in 2016 and more". NBA.com Canada | The official site of the NBA. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  21. ^ Zillgitt, Jeff. "Opinion: Resiliency of Nuggets on display as they complete comeback from 3-1 down vs. Jazz". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  22. ^ Zillgitt, Jeff. "Nuggets stun Clippers, make NBA history in completing another 3-1 series comeback". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  23. ^ "Nuggets Overcome a 3-1 Deficit (Again), Advance to Western Conference Finals". Action Network. 2020-09-16. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  24. ^ "NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Comebacks". hockey-reference.com. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  25. ^ Prewitt, Alex (June 9, 2016). "Flying fish, fists and fines: Toronto's epic 0-3 Stanley Cup comeback". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  26. ^ Michel Anderson 2 years ago Follow @TLOMitch (2019-04-15). "New York Islanders 1975 Historic Playoff Comeback Against Penguins". Eyes On Isles. Retrieved 2021-05-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ Proteau, Adam. "Recalling the Easter Epic 25 years on". The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  28. ^ "Islanders Win Game and Series From Capitals in 4th Overtime". Los Angeles Times. 1987-04-19. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  29. ^ "N.H.L. PLAYOFFS; Red Wings Cap A Rare Comeback". The New York Times. AP. 1987-05-04. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  30. ^ "Stanley Cup Playoffs : Detroit Faces Oilers After Maple Leafs Crumble". Los Angeles Times. 1987-05-04. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  31. ^ "The Puck Stops Here for Oilers : Kings Score 6-3 Victory to Finish Off Comeback, Defending Champions". Los Angeles Times. 1989-04-16. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  32. ^ "HOCKEY; Oilers, in an Overtime, And Blues Take Series". The New York Times. AP. 1991-04-17. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  33. ^ a b "NHL PLAYOFFS : Red Wings Eliminate North Stars". Los Angeles Times. 1992-05-01. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  34. ^ Lapointe, Joe (1992-05-02). "HOCKEY; Penguins Oust Tight-Throated Capitals". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  35. ^ BOSWELL, THOMAS (1992-05-02). "LEMIEUX: EFFORTLESS, EFFECTIVE". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  36. ^ "CANUCKS OUST THE FLAMES IN DOUBLE OT". Deseret News. Associated Press. 1994-05-01. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  37. ^ "1995 N.H.L. PLAYOFFS; Penguins Finish Comeback". The New York Times. The Associated Press. 1995-05-19. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  38. ^ "washingtonpost.com: Capitals' Season Ends as Penguins Rally From 3-1 Deficit". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  39. ^ "Washingtonpost.com: Caps Dumbfounded by Loss to Penguins". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  40. ^ "Race Is Wide Open After Rash of Upsets". Los Angeles Times. 1998-05-06. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  41. ^ "Washingtonpost.com: Blues Advance With Overtime Win Over Coyotes". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  42. ^ Diamos, Jason (2000-05-28). "HOCKEY; Comeback By the Devils Extra Hard on the Flyers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  43. ^ "Flyers, Lindros Floored by Devils". Los Angeles Times. 2000-05-27. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  44. ^ "Blues vs. Canucks - Game Recap - April 22, 2003". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  45. ^ "A Comeback for the Ages | Historical Website of the Montreal Canadiens". ourhistory.canadiens.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  46. ^ "ROUNDUP: N.H.L. PLAYOFFS; Canadiens And Flames Move On". The New York Times. The Associated Press. 2004-04-20. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  47. ^ "Rangers vs. Capitals - Game Recap - April 28, 2009". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  48. ^ "Bruins' collapse leaves players, fans empty". ESPN.com. 2010-05-15. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  49. ^ "Photos: Penguins Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round One, Game Seven". The Times. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  50. ^ "Lightning vs. Penguins - Game Recap - April 27, 2011". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  51. ^ "Red Wings vs. Blackhawks - Game Recap - May 29, 2013". ESPN. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  52. ^ Strauss, Ben (2013-05-30). "Chicago Caps Series Comeback With Overtime Goal". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  53. ^ Klein, Jeff Z. (2014-05-13). "At Their Best on the Brink". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  54. ^ Rohan, Tim (2015-05-14). "Sudden Life: Rangers Advance With Game 7 Win Over Capitals". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  55. ^ Prewitt, Alex (2015-05-13). "Rangers continue Game 7 mastery of Capitals". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  56. ^ "Sharks' comeback to win Game 7 against Golden Knights gives dads thrill". NHL.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  57. ^ "Sharks epic comeback against Golden Knights lights up social media". NHL.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  58. ^ "Maven's Memories: Isles Almost Pull Off Another Miracle Vs Flyers". NHL.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  59. ^ "Stanley Cup Playoffs : Flyers Don't Believe in Miracles, Oust Islanders, 5-1". Los Angeles Times. 1987-05-03. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  60. ^ Finn, Robin (1987-05-03). "N.H.L. PLAYOFFS; ISLANDERS ARE LEVELED BY FLYERS, 5-1". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  61. ^ Finn, Robin (1987-05-29). "FLYERS RALLY ONCE MORE, PUSH CUP FINAL TO LIMIT". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  62. ^ Fachet, Robert (1987-05-31). "OILERS-FLYERS SHOWDOWN WILL DETERMINE STANLEY CUP". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  63. ^ Fachet, Robert (1987-05-30). "STANLEY CUP MAGIC FLYERS FIND FORMULA". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  64. ^ "Oilers Work Overtime to Earn Series With Kings : Smythe Division: Edmonton beats Calgary, 5-4, on Tikkanen's third goal of the game". Los Angeles Times. 1991-04-17. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  65. ^ "Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins Box Score — May 1, 1992". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  66. ^ Lapointe, Joe (1994-06-10). "STANLEY CUP FINALS; Party Poopers! Canucks Postpone Rangers' Plans". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  67. ^ Moran, Malcolm (1994-06-11). "STANLEY CUP FINALS; Rangers' Run Is Slowed by Canucks' Rush". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  68. ^ Lapointe, Joe (1994-06-12). "STANLEY CUP FINALS; Rangers Sent Staggering Back Home for Game 7". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  69. ^ Lapointe, Joe (1994-06-15). "STANLEY CUP FINALS; No More 1940! Rangers Are Champs!". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  70. ^ "Sharks Ruin Spirit of St. Louis". Los Angeles Times. 2000-04-26. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  71. ^ "Seventh Heaven for Avalanche". Los Angeles Times. 2001-05-10. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  72. ^ "HOCKEY; Avalanche Advances". The New York Times. The Associated Press. 2002-04-30. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.