Every Stanley Cup winning season begins by qualifying for the postseason. Only 8 teams, however, take the second crucial step of winning a playoff series. For the remaining 24 teams, the playoff series win drought begins.
The chart below describes, in descending order, the number of seasons each of these 24 teams has gone without winning a series in the Stanley Cup playoffs, showing the last year they actually won a postseason series. Where no year appears, that team has NEVER won a playoff series.
| Team | Seasons | Last Series Win |
| Toronto | 17
|
|
| Buffalo |
15
|
|
| New Jersey |
10
|
|
| Detroit | 9
|
|
| Los Angeles | 8
|
|
| Minnesota |
7
|
|
| Anaheim | 5
|
|
| Ottawa | 5
|
|
| Nashville | 4
|
|
| Pittsburgh |
4
|
|
| Washington |
4
|
|
| San Jose | 3
|
|
| Arizona | 2
|
|
| Chicago |
2
|
|
| Columbus |
2
|
|
| Dallas |
2
|
|
| Philadelphia |
2
|
|
| Vancouver | 2
|
|
| Boston |
1
|
|
| Montreal |
1
|
|
| New York * |
1
|
|
| Winnipeg |
1
|
|
| Vegas |
1
|
|
| Seattle |
1
|
* New York Islanders
The Florida Panthers hold the all-time series win drought record of 24 seasons, a streak that was snapped in their first round win over the Washington Capitals in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs.
The current leader is the Toronto Maple Leafs with 17 seasons separating them from a postseason series win. Interestingly, they have qualified for the playoffs 7 times during this span, including the past 6 seasons, losing to their first round opponent every time (Boston 2013, Washington 2017, Boston 2018, Boston 2019, Columbus 2020, Montreal 2021, Tampa Bay 2022). 5 of the 7 series saw the Maples Leafs lose in a deciding game 7, including all 3 series against Boston ... one of which they held a 4-1 third period lead (2013) only to collapse in spectacular fashion before the final buzzer.
Nashville, Pittsburgh and Washington skated in all 4 playoffs during their 4 year drought, failing to eliminate their first round opponent every time. Minnesota qualified for 6 postseasons during their 7 year drought, losing in the opening round each time. Ottawa, on the other hand, has not seen any postseason action during their 5 year drought.
Playoff berths are harder to come by every year. Make the most of each opportunity as parity promises your window will likely quickly close.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Qualification Droughts.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Final Appearance Droughts.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Championship Droughts.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Qualification Droughts.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Final Appearance Droughts.
* See also NHL Stanley Cup Championship Droughts.
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