In the thrilling world of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, few moments rival the tension and excitement of a Game 7 overtime. It's a rare occurrence where the stakes are at their absolute highest: one goal decides who advances and whose season ends. Historically, these moments are frequent in the Stanley Cup Playoffs but have only happened a few times in the Stanley Cup Final.

Of the 197 Game 7s in Stanley Cup Playoffs history, 49 have required overtime. In those games, the home teams have a slight advantage with a 26-23 record.

The first Game 7 overtime game-winner happened before 1939 Stanley Cup Final, when the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers faced off in the Semifinal Series. Mel Hill scored in the third overtime to send the Bruins to the Stanley Cup Final, where they beat the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Only two Stanley Cup Final Game 7s have gone to overtime, both won by the Detroit Red Wings. In 1950, Pete Babando scored in double overtime to defeat the New York Rangers. Then in 1954, Tony Leswick scored in overtime to give Detroit the win against the Montreal Canadiens.

Since the 2001 Playoffs, there have been 22 Game 7 overtime-winning goals, most of which have come in the First or Second Round.

Some memorable Game 7 overtime goals include:

• 2014 Western Conference Final: Alec Martinez of the Los Angeles Kings scored against the Chicago Blackhawks six minutes into overtime. The Kings went on to win the Stanley Cup.
• 2012 Eastern Conference Quarterfinal: Adam Henrique of the New Jersey Devils scored in double overtime against the Florida Panthers.

The longest Game 7 overtime took place in 1987, requiring four overtime periods, when the New York Islanders defeated the Washington Capitals in the "Easter Epic". Of the 49 overtime Game 7s, 32 ended in the first overtime, 12 in double overtime, 1 in triple overtime, and 1 in quadruple overtime.

These games often feature unlikely heroes. Pete Babando, who scored the double-overtime winner in the 1950 Stanley Cup Final, only had 6 goals and 6 assists in his single season with the Red Wings. Mel Hill, who scored the first Game 7 Overtime game-winner, only had 10 goals in the 1938-39 season.

The rarity and unpredictability of Game 7 overtime goals contribute to their legendary status. They encapsulate the essence of playoff hockey: sudden-death drama, heroics from unexpected players, and the agony of defeat for the losing side.