The Stanley Cup Finals have often featured rematches between the same two teams. One of the earliest examples dates back to the 1930s, when the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers faced off.
The Maple Leafs rank third in all-time Stanley Cup Final appearances, but they also hold a unique distinction as one of the few teams to play in back-to-back Finals against the same opponent. Not only were they part of the first such NHL matchup, but they also went on to win two consecutive titles against the same team.
During the 20th century, it was fairly common to see teams square off in consecutive Finals. Powerhouses like the Montreal Canadiens made history by not only appearing in multiple back-to-back Finals, but also winning consecutive titles over teams like the Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins.
Teams That Faced Each Other in Consecutive Stanley Cup Finals
Playing the same opponent in back-to-back Finals is a sign that both teams are at the top of their game and capable of sustaining that success across seasons. A prime example is the Detroit Red Wings, who reached four Finals between 1948 and 1955, facing two different opponents in those appearances.
| Season | Winner | Series result | Runner-up |
| 1932 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 3-0 | New York Rangers |
| 1933 | New York Rangers | 3-1 | Toronto Maple Leafs |
| 1948 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4-0 | Detroit Red Wings |
| 1949 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4-0 | Detroit Red Wings |
| 1954 | Detroit Red Wings | 4-3 | Montreal Canadiens |
| 1955 | Detroit Red Wings | 4-3 | Montreal Canadiens |
| 1957 | Montreal Canadiens | 4-1 | Boston Bruins |
| 1958 | Montreal Canadiens | 4-2 | Boston Bruins |
| 1959 | Montreal Canadiens | 4-1 | Toronto Maple Leafs |
| 1960 | Montreal Canadiens | 4-0 | Toronto Maple Leafs |
| 1963 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4-1 | Detroit Red Wings |
| 1964 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4-3 | Detroit Red Wings |
| 1968 | Montreal Canadiens | 4-0 | St. Louis Blues |
| 1969 | Montreal Canadiens | 4-0 | St. Louis Blues |
| 1977 | Montreal Canadiens | 4-0 | Boston Bruins |
| 1978 | Montreal Canadiens | 4–2 | Boston Bruins |
| 2008 | Detroit Red Wings | 4-2 | Pittsburgh Penguins |
| 2009 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 4-3 | Detroit Red Wings |
| 2024 | Florida Panthers | 4-3 | Edmonton Oilers |
| 2025 |
Now it’s time to make history once again in the Stanley Cup Finals, after more than half a decade without seeing a rematch between two teams fighting for the season’s biggest trophy. The Florida Panthers were dominant throughout the playoffs, but Edmonton also cruised through multiple series with 4-1 wins to reach the final stage.
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Among teams that have met in consecutive Finals, the Montreal Canadiens stand out. Not only do they hold the record for most Finals appearances, but they also lead in Stanley Cup victories.
Legendary Coaches in Repeat Finals
Toe Blake is remembered as one of the few head coaches to reach multiple consecutive Finals—not just against the same opponent but overall. Between 1955 and 1960, he led the Canadiens to five Stanley Cup titles. Hap Day also made his mark by guiding the Maple Leafs to five championships, including two consecutive wins over the Red Wings.
