Who has the Most Buzzer Beaters in NHL History?

Publish date: 2024-06-30

In the fast-paced and thrilling sport of ice hockey, few moments match the excitement of a buzzer beater. A buzzer beater occurs when a player scores a goal just before the final buzzer sounds, often sealing a victory or forcing overtime. These last-second goals can be the result of skill, determination, and sheer luck. While buzzer beaters are relatively rare in the NHL, there have been several players throughout history who have developed a knack for scoring in these crucial moments. In this article, we will explore some of the players who have tallied the most buzzer beaters in NHL history.

Wayne Gretzky

It comes as no surprise that the Great One, Wayne Gretzky, leads the list of players with the most buzzer beaters in NHL history. Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, and his ability to come through in clutch moments is legendary. Throughout his illustrious career, Gretzky scored a staggering 15 buzzer beaters. His exceptional vision, hockey IQ, and precise shooting skills allowed him to find the back of the net in the dying seconds of the game, leaving fans and opponents in awe.

Mario Lemieux

Another hockey legend, Mario Lemieux, takes the second spot on this list. Lemieux was a dominant force on the ice, known for his exceptional skill and creativity. Over the course of his career, Lemieux scored 12 buzzer beaters, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. His combination of size, speed, and scoring touch made him a formidable opponent, and his clutch goals further solidified his status as one of the greatest players in NHL history.

Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe, often referred to as Mr. Hockey, was a true icon of the sport. Known for his physicality and scoring prowess, Howe was a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Throughout his career, he netted 10 buzzer beaters, demonstrating his ability to deliver in clutch situations. Howe's longevity in the game allowed him to accumulate an impressive number of goals, and his buzzer beaters added to his legacy as one of the game's greatest players.

Jaromir Jagr

Jaromir Jagr, one of the most productive players in NHL history, also finds himself on this list. Jagr's longevity and consistency allowed him to score 9 buzzer beaters throughout his career. His combination of size, strength, and skill made him a scoring threat in every game he played. Jagr's ability to stay cool under pressure and deliver in crucial moments earned him a reputation as a clutch player, and his buzzer beaters only added to his impressive resume.

Alex Ovechkin

The Russian sniper, Alex Ovechkin, has built a reputation as one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. Known for his powerful shot and goal-scoring instincts, Ovechkin has scored 8 buzzer beaters over the course of his career. His ability to find open ice and unleash his lethal shot in the dying seconds of a game has led to numerous last-second goals. Ovechkin's knack for scoring in clutch moments has cemented his status as one of the most exciting players to watch in the NHL.

While these players have tallied the most buzzer beaters in NHL history, it is important to note that the number of buzzer beaters a player has is not the sole measure of their greatness. Buzzer beaters are rare occurrences, and scoring in these moments requires a combination of skill, timing, and luck. Nevertheless, the players mentioned above have proven time and time again that they possess the ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.

Buzzer beaters in the NHL are moments of sheer excitement and exhilaration. As we have seen, players like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe, Jaromir Jagr, and Alex Ovechkin have showcased their ability to score in these crucial moments throughout their careers. These players have left an indelible mark on the game of hockey and have solidified their places in NHL history. As the game continues to evolve and new stars emerge, it will be fascinating to see who will join this elite list of players with the most buzzer beaters in NHL history.