REVIEW: NHL’s Devils extend rags-to-riches story

ICE HOCKEY - The New Jersey Devils have reached the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, one year after failing to reach the NHL playoffs. They can make it the 10th time in history (93 seasons) that the trophy is won by a team that did not reach the postseason in their previous campaign. Since the playoffs field expanded to 16 teams in 1980, three teams have managed the feat in 31 seasons.

Teams winning Stanley Cup after not reaching playoffs the season before

1926 - Montreal Maroons

1934 - Chicago Blackhawks

1936 - Detroit Red Wings

1938 - Chicago Blackhawks

1947 - Toronto Maple Leafs

1971 - Montreal Canadiens

1991 - Pittsburgh Penguins

1994 - New York Rangers

2006 - Carolina Hurricanes