Mazz’s Tiers: Top chokes in Boston sports history
It’s time for the latest Mazz’s Tiers! With the Boston Bruins on the verge of yet another choke in the playoffs, Mazz decided to rank the biggest choke in Boston…
Apr 30, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) reacts on the winning goal during overtime in game seven of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY SportsIt's time for the latest Mazz's Tiers! With the Boston Bruins on the verge of yet another choke in the playoffs, Mazz decided to rank the biggest choke in Boston sports history.
Before the tiers, here's a look at a few teams who could be on the list!
The 2009-10 Boston Bruins held a 3-0 series lead and a 3-0 lead in game 7 over the Philadelphia Flyers. The Bruins would go on to lose the game and the series 4-3.
The 2007 New England Patriots went 16-0 in the regular season and entered the Super Bowl 18-0. They would go on to lose to the New York Giants 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII.
The 1986 Boston Red Sox had a 3-2 series lead over the New York Mets in the World Series. They would famously go on to lose the series after the ball went through Bill Buckner's legs on Game 6 of the series.
The 2022-23 Boston Bruins set an NHL records for both wins and points in the regular season. They would jump out to a 3-1 series lead over the Florida Panthers in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, however, they would go on to lose the next three games to the Panthers and pull off one of the most epic collapses in NHL history.
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY SportsApr 30, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) reacts on the winning goal during overtime in game seven of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The 2018-19 Boston Bruins had home ice advantage in the Stanley Cup Finals against the St. Louis Blues. The Bruins would lose 3 of those 4 home games on home ice to lose the Stanley Cup.
The 2009-10 Boston Celtics took a 3-2 series lead to Los Angeles over the Lakers. The Celtics would go on to lose the series and fail to score 80 points in both games 6 and 7.
Tier 1
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 17 0 14 after Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
2007 New England Patriots - 18-0 and lose Super Bowl 42
1986 Boston Red Sox - The ball goes between Bill Buckner's legs
1978-79 Boston Bruins - Too many men on the ice
Tier 2
Winslow Townson/USA TODAY SportsJun 6, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) skates with the puck as Boston Bruins center David Krejci (46) falls to the ice during the third period in game five of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
2009-10 Boston Bruins - Blow a 3-0 series lead to the Philadelphia Flyers
1978 Boston Red Sox - A late season collapse causes the Red Sox to miss the playoffs by one game
2017 New England Patriots - Benching Malcolm Butler leads to the Patriots losing the Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles
2018-19 Boston Bruins - A 1-3 record on home ice causes the Bruins to lose the Stanley Cup to the St. Louis Blues
2022-23 Boston Bruins - The Bruins set an NHL record for wins and points and lose in the first round of the playoffs
2003 Boston Red Sox - Grady Little leaves Pedro Martinez in the game too long
Tier 3
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 16: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics goes up for a rebound against Kevon Looney #5 of the Golden State Warriors in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports - Pool/Getty Images)
2009-10 Boston Celtics - The Celtics blow a 3-2 series lead to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2010 NBA Finals
2021-22 Boston Celtics - The Celtics blow a 2-1 series lead to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals
2006 New England Patriots - The Patriots blow a 21-6 halftime lead to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game
2013 Boston Bruins - The Bruins let in 2 goals in 17 seconds to the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 6 to blow the game and lose the Stanley Cup
2011 Boston Red Sox- The Red Sox go 7-20 in the month of September and miss the playoffs on the final day of the season
2010 New England Patriots - The 14-2 Patriots lose to the New York Jets in the Divisional round of the playoffs
