The Presidents' Trophy

Boston Bruins, 1990 Winner
The Presidents' Trophy
1990-91 Pro Set #387

The Presidents' Trophy has been awarded to the NHL team finishing with the most points in the regular season (since 1985-86).

Many people are fascinated by the "Presidents' Trophy Curse". It's simply tougher to win in the playoffs than in the regular season.

(New York Rangers, 1992 Winner)
Presidents' Trophy
1992-93 Upper Deck #34

The first time I heard about "the curse" was when the 1991-92 regular season champion New York Rangers got eliminated in the 1992 playoffs. Not only did they lose in the division finals (to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins), but to add insult to injury, the Rangers failed to make the Playoffs the following season (1992-93).

In 1993-94, the Rangers returned with a vengeance, and not only captured the President's Trophy, but also won the Stanley Cup Championship (ending a 54-year Stanley Cup drought).



Since then, other teams to successfully finish first in the regular season and go on to win the Stanley Cup are the Stars, Avs and Wings.


In recent history, the last team to win the President's Trophy and the Stanley Cup were the 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks - Although it should be noted that the 2012-13 lockout-shortened season was only 48 games... (Which seems to make for a more exciting season, fewer injuries and less burnout)