The Ten Best NHL Games of 2016


2016 has been an amazing year for the NHL. Hockey has become faster and more fun with ups and downs all year. It is now December we approach the end of 2016, Real Sport is giving out awards for the best games of year. Today we are looking at the Best Games of the 2016.  Each game is ranked by intensity, level of skill, enjoyment, and surprise. The last three Spots came so close that they could be switched around very easily.

10. The 2016 NHL All-Star Game
Each year the NHL looks for something new to make the All-Star Game interesting to the fans and bring in viewers. Fortunately for the NHL, the fans gifted them that opportunity with John Scott. Regardless of how badly the NHL handled the situation, it was an amazing show and Scott was able to put up 2 goals, including a breakaway.

9. Jagr Moves into Second

Although this may seem like a normal regular season game, Jarmoir Jagr moved into 2rd place in scoring ahead of Mark Messier with his 1,888th point. Jagr, the ageless wonder, still continues to score at a great pace, but is a total of 969 points behind Gretzky’s unbeatable record. Regardless It is a momentous milestone.

8. Auston Matthews Debut
When Matthews came into the league, everyone expected him to make an immediate impact on the team, but no one expected this. Matthews put up four goals in two periods. The showing by Matthews put all eyes on him and the leafs, and expectations have now shot through the roof.

7. North America v. Sweden

I included two world cup games on this list, when I could have put about five on. The overtime alone between Sweden and North America was exactly what the NHL set out to do in creating the World Cup of Hockey. It was a fast paced and high scoring game with the most amazing 3 on 3 ever put to ice. The game finished with a perfect goal form Nathan MacKinnon.

6. The Pittsburgh Penguins win the Stanley Cup

Pittsburgh victory was an exclamation point on a dominate second half of the season. The Penguins used their speed and skill to burry their opponents in goals and coast to a victory. The only reason this game doesn’t rank higher is because the Sharks were completely excused and outmatched.

5. The Winter Classic
Boston versus Montreal was a perfect original six matchup. Although the game wasn’t close, its always a good show when the NHL goes outside and it was very clear that the two teams hate each other with 28 penalty minutes between the two.

4 Canada v. Europe, World Cup Final
Team Europe was probably the last team that anyone expected to challenge Team Canada in the World Cup finals. Europe put in a good showing, but Canada’s firepower and skill was just too much for them to handle, and Canada proved its dominance again and became the World Champion.

3. St. Louis v. Chicago, Game 7
St. Louis and Chicago was maybe the hardest fought series of the 2016 NHL Playoffs. St. Louis was again tasked with taking down Chicago and they finally were successful in that mission. Game 7 was a chance for chance game with the goaltenders trying to outdueling each other. Troy Brouwer finished off the Blackhawks and put the Blues in the next round
2. Sharks Back to Back Shutouts, Western Conference Finals.

This one is cheating a little. San Jose completely shut down the Blues and exploded with seven goals in two games. The real hero is Martin Jones, stopping 48 shots and not letting in a goal once. Jones is the reason the Sharks made it this far and he showed that he is an elite goalie.

1.Penguins v. Capitals, Game 6
This game had absolutely everything that any hockey fan could want. An early explosion of goals, a comeback to force overtime, goaltenders standing on their heads, stars showing up, and an overtime hero. The Penguins eventually emerged over the Capitals, but Washington was on a sure and ready to take the game.

If you don’t agree with our rankings, please let us know in the comments what your list is.

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