Everyone who participates in sports dreams of shining during the biggest moments, aiming to leave a mark on history through victory. Sam Reinhart achieved just that with his extraordinary performance on Tuesday night.
The Florida Panthers center netted four goals in their 5-1 triumph over the Edmonton Oilers during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, enabling his team to claim consecutive Stanley Cup championships. Reinhart’s four goals equal the record for the most ever scored in a single Final game.
(Note: Even though Reinhart’s last two goals came against an empty net, both were registered from outside the Oilers’ attacking zone.)
As Reinhart and his teammates relish their success in South Florida, let’s review the ten standout championship performances since 2020, each requiring a series-clinching game and a victorious title claim.
Highlights of Notable Performances Since 2020
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Joe Burrow vs. Clemson (2020 National Championship Game): In an electrifying performance, Burrow completed 31 of 49 passes for 463 yards with five touchdowns.
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DeVonta Smith vs. Ohio State (2021 National Championship Game): Breaking records for receptions and touchdowns in a title game, Smith shone with 12 catches and three TDs.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Phoenix Suns (2021 NBA Finals, Game 6): Scoring 50 points, Antetokounmpo was pivotal in leading the Bucks to their first title since 1971.
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Jorge Soler vs. Houston Astros (2021 World Series, Game 6): Soler hit a three-run homer that ensured the Braves’ victory and earned him the World Series MVP honor.
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Cooper Kupp vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Super Bowl LVI): Kupp had a stellar game with eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, ultimately winning the MVP.
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Stephen Curry vs. Boston Celtics (2022 NBA Finals, Game 6): Curry’s 34 points helped seal the Warriors’ title, claiming his first Finals MVP in the process.
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Lionel Messi vs. France (2022 World Cup Final): In a game full of twists, Messi played a crucial role in Argentina’s victory after a penalty shootout.
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Jayson Tatum vs. Dallas Mavericks (2024 NBA Finals, Game 5): Tatum contributed significantly to a Celtics win with an all-around performance of 31 points and 11 assists.
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Desire Doue vs. Inter Milan (2025 UEFA Champions League Final): The young midfielder scored two goals and became the youngest player to score in a Champions League Final.
The four goals scored by Reinhart during the Stanley Cup Final gave him a series total of seven - the highest recorded in the series since Wayne Gretzky’s seven goals in 1985.
