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List of teams that have overcome 3–0 series deficits

Updated: Wikipedia source

List of teams that have overcome 3–0 series deficits

The following is the list of teams that have overcome 3–0 series deficits in a best-of-seven playoff series, otherwise known as a reverse sweep. The listed teams won four consecutive games after losing the first three. Unsuccessful comebacks are also listed, in which teams evened a series after being behind 3–0, then lost game seven of the series.

Tables

· Key
Eventual champion
Eventual champion
Col 1
Eventual champion
Indicates the team down 3–0 was the home team in game seven
Indicates the series winner went on to win the championship
Indicates the team down 3–0 was the home team in game seven
Indicates series in the championship round
Eventual champion
Indicates the series winner went on to win the championship
· National Hockey League › Successful comebacks
1942 Stanley Cup Finals
1942 Stanley Cup Finals
Year and series
1942 Stanley Cup Finals
Series Winner
Toronto Maple Leafs
Series Loser
Detroit Red Wings
Note(s)
Only time in the Stanley Cup Finals.
1975 Stanley Cup quarterfinals
1975 Stanley Cup quarterfinals
Year and series
1975 Stanley Cup quarterfinals
Series Winner
New York Islanders
Series Loser
Pittsburgh Penguins
Note(s)
New York won a record eight games while facing elimination this playoff year.
2010 Eastern Conference semifinals
2010 Eastern Conference semifinals
Year and series
2010 Eastern Conference semifinals
Series Winner
Philadelphia Flyers
Series Loser
Boston Bruins
Note(s)
Philadelphia also overcame a 3–0 goal deficit in the seventh game.
2014 Western Conference quarterfinals
2014 Western Conference quarterfinals
Year and series
2014 Western Conference quarterfinals
Series Winner
Los Angeles Kings
Series Loser
San Jose Sharks
Note(s)
Los Angeles won three game sevens in this playoff year and holds the record for most elimination games won in a single playoff year for a Stanley Cup champion, with seven. This was the second time that a team has overcome a 0–3 deficit and gone on to win the Stanley Cup.
Year and series
Series Winner
Series Loser
Note(s)
1942 Stanley Cup Finals
Toronto Maple Leafs
Detroit Red Wings
Only time in the Stanley Cup Finals.
1975 Stanley Cup quarterfinals
New York Islanders
Pittsburgh Penguins
New York won a record eight games while facing elimination this playoff year.
2010 Eastern Conference semifinals
Philadelphia Flyers
Boston Bruins
Philadelphia also overcame a 3–0 goal deficit in the seventh game.
2014 Western Conference quarterfinals
Los Angeles Kings
San Jose Sharks
Los Angeles won three game sevens in this playoff year and holds the record for most elimination games won in a single playoff year for a Stanley Cup champion, with seven. This was the second time that a team has overcome a 0–3 deficit and gone on to win the Stanley Cup.
· National Hockey League › Unsuccessful comebacks
1939 Stanley Cup semifinals
1939 Stanley Cup semifinals
Year and series
1939 Stanley Cup semifinals
Series Loser
New York Rangers
Series Winner
Boston Bruins
Note(s)
Boston won game seven in triple overtime.
1945 Stanley Cup Finals
1945 Stanley Cup Finals
Year and series
1945 Stanley Cup Finals
Series Loser
Detroit Red Wings
Series Winner
Toronto Maple Leafs
Note(s)
Detroit nearly got revenge on Toronto for a blown 3–0 lead three years previously.
1975 Stanley Cup semifinals
1975 Stanley Cup semifinals
Year and series
1975 Stanley Cup semifinals
Series Loser
New York Islanders
Series Winner
Philadelphia Flyers
Note(s)
New York successfully came back from a 3–0 deficit to win in the previous round.
2011 Western Conference quarterfinals
2011 Western Conference quarterfinals
Year and series
2011 Western Conference quarterfinals
Series Loser
Chicago Blackhawks
Series Winner
Vancouver Canucks
Note(s)
The Presidents' Trophy-winning Canucks won game seven in overtime after Chicago tied it 1–1 with a shorthanded goal by forward and captain Jonathan Toews with 1:56 left in the third period. Should Chicago have won, it would have been the third straight playoff year that they beat Vancouver, as they eliminated them in six games in the conference semifinals in both 2009 and 2010. It also would've been the fourth time in NHL history and first time a Presidents' Trophy winner would lose a series after initially taking a 3–0 series lead.
2011 Western Conference semifinals
2011 Western Conference semifinals
Year and series
2011 Western Conference semifinals
Series Loser
Detroit Red Wings
Series Winner
San Jose Sharks
Note(s)
For the second time in the same year, a team forced a game seven after being down 3–0. Except for an empty net goal in game six, every game in this series was decided by one goal.
2024 Stanley Cup Finals
2024 Stanley Cup Finals
Year and series
2024 Stanley Cup Finals
Series Loser
Edmonton Oilers
Series Winner
Florida Panthers
Note(s)
Florida won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Edmonton forward and captain Connor McDavid became only the sixth player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy despite losing the Finals.
Year and series
Series Loser
Series Winner
Note(s)
1939 Stanley Cup semifinals
New York Rangers
Boston Bruins
Boston won game seven in triple overtime.
1945 Stanley Cup Finals
Detroit Red Wings
Toronto Maple Leafs
Detroit nearly got revenge on Toronto for a blown 3–0 lead three years previously.
1975 Stanley Cup semifinals
New York Islanders
Philadelphia Flyers
New York successfully came back from a 3–0 deficit to win in the previous round.
2011 Western Conference quarterfinals
Chicago Blackhawks
Vancouver Canucks
The Presidents' Trophy-winning Canucks won game seven in overtime after Chicago tied it 1–1 with a shorthanded goal by forward and captain Jonathan Toews with 1:56 left in the third period. Should Chicago have won, it would have been the third straight playoff year that they beat Vancouver, as they eliminated them in six games in the conference semifinals in both 2009 and 2010. It also would've been the fourth time in NHL history and first time a Presidents' Trophy winner would lose a series after initially taking a 3–0 series lead.
2011 Western Conference semifinals
Detroit Red Wings
San Jose Sharks
For the second time in the same year, a team forced a game seven after being down 3–0. Except for an empty net goal in game six, every game in this series was decided by one goal.
2024 Stanley Cup Finals
Edmonton Oilers
Florida Panthers
Florida won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Edmonton forward and captain Connor McDavid became only the sixth player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy despite losing the Finals.
· Major League Baseball › Successful comebacks
2004 American League Championship Series
2004 American League Championship Series
Year and series
2004 American League Championship Series
Series Winner
Boston Red Sox
Series Loser
New York Yankees
Note(s)
Boston trailed in the ninth inning in game four before tying the game and eventually winning in the 12th inning. Boston also trailed by two runs in the eighth inning of game five before tying the game in that inning and eventually winning in the 14th inning. Boston would then go on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals to win the World Series for the first time since 1918.
Year and series
Series Winner
Series Loser
Note(s)
2004 American League Championship Series
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Boston trailed in the ninth inning in game four before tying the game and eventually winning in the 12th inning. Boston also trailed by two runs in the eighth inning of game five before tying the game in that inning and eventually winning in the 14th inning. Boston would then go on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals to win the World Series for the first time since 1918.
· Major League Baseball › Unsuccessful comebacks
2020 American League Championship Series
2020 American League Championship Series
Year and series
2020 American League Championship Series
Series Loser
Houston Astros
Series Winner
Tampa Bay Rays
Note(s)
Series was played at a neutral site due to the COVID-19 pandemic with no off-days that saw Tampa bat last for Games 1-2 and Games 6-7.
Year and series
Series Loser
Series Winner
Note(s)
2020 American League Championship Series
Houston Astros
Tampa Bay Rays
Series was played at a neutral site due to the COVID-19 pandemic with no off-days that saw Tampa bat last for Games 1-2 and Games 6-7.
· National Basketball Association › Unsuccessful comebacks
1951 NBA Finals
1951 NBA Finals
Year and series
1951 NBA Finals
Series Loser
New York Knicks
Series Winner
Rochester Royals
Note(s)
New York became the first team to force a game seven after trailing 3–0 in the series. Was just 4th NBA series of all time where a team had a 3–0 lead.
1994 Western Conference semifinals
1994 Western Conference semifinals
Year and series
1994 Western Conference semifinals
Series Loser
Denver Nuggets
Series Winner
Utah Jazz
Note(s)
Denver overcame a 2–0 deficit to win a best-of-five series in the previous round.
2003 Western Conference first round
2003 Western Conference first round
Year and series
2003 Western Conference first round
Series Loser
Portland Trail Blazers
Series Winner
Dallas Mavericks
Note(s)
Portland went on a 21–0 run in the third quarter of game four to avoid a 4–0 sweep by Dallas. Portland led game seven 90–88 with 4:43 left and tied the score 93–93 with 4:28 left, but Dallas dominated in the final minutes to win by 12 points. This was the first year the first round expanded to a best-of-seven series; the series would have been a 3–0 sweep if played one year earlier.
2023 Eastern Conference finals
2023 Eastern Conference finals
Year and series
2023 Eastern Conference finals
Series Loser
Boston Celtics
Series Winner
Miami Heat
Note(s)
Boston became the first team to host a game seven after trailing 3–0 in a series.
Year and series
Series Loser
Series Winner
Note(s)
1951 NBA Finals
New York Knicks
Rochester Royals
New York became the first team to force a game seven after trailing 3–0 in the series. Was just 4th NBA series of all time where a team had a 3–0 lead.
1994 Western Conference semifinals
Denver Nuggets
Utah Jazz
Denver overcame a 2–0 deficit to win a best-of-five series in the previous round.
2003 Western Conference first round
Portland Trail Blazers
Dallas Mavericks
Portland went on a 21–0 run in the third quarter of game four to avoid a 4–0 sweep by Dallas. Portland led game seven 90–88 with 4:43 left and tied the score 93–93 with 4:28 left, but Dallas dominated in the final minutes to win by 12 points. This was the first year the first round expanded to a best-of-seven series; the series would have been a 3–0 sweep if played one year earlier.
2023 Eastern Conference finals
Boston Celtics
Miami Heat
Boston became the first team to host a game seven after trailing 3–0 in a series.
· Other leagues › Successful comebacks › Baseball
1958 Japan Series
1958 Japan Series
Year and series
1958 Japan Series
Series Winner
Nishitetsu Lions
Series Loser
Yomiuri Giants
Sports league
Nippon Professional Baseball
Note(s)
Nishitetsu was 1 inning away from elimination in Game 5, but tied the game 3–3 in the bottom of the ninth inning to force extras.
1971 Serie del Rey
1971 Serie del Rey
Year and series
1971 Serie del Rey
Series Winner
Jalisco Horsemen
Series Loser
Saltillo Saraperos
Sports league
Mexican Baseball League
1986 Japan Series
1986 Japan Series
Year and series
1986 Japan Series
Series Winner
Seibu Lions
Series Loser
Hiroshima Toyo Carp
Sports league
Nippon Professional Baseball
1989 Japan Series
1989 Japan Series
Year and series
1989 Japan Series
Series Winner
Yomiuri Giants
Series Loser
Kintetsu Buffaloes
Sports league
Nippon Professional Baseball
2021 Serie del Rey
2021 Serie del Rey
Year and series
2021 Serie del Rey
Series Winner
Tijuana Bulls
Series Loser
Yucatán Lions
Sports league
Mexican Baseball League
Note(s)
Tijuana was 1 base away from elimination in Game 5, when Yucatán had the winning run at third base in the bottom of the ninth inning. However, Fernando Rodney struck out the next batter to send the game to extra innings, where Tijuana eventually won to extend the series.
2023 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs first round
2023 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs first round
Year and series
2023 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs first round
Series Winner
Rojos del Águila de Veracruz
Series Loser
Pericos de Puebla
Sports league
Mexican Baseball League
2024 Mexican Baseball League South Zone Championship Series
2024 Mexican Baseball League South Zone Championship Series
Year and series
2024 Mexican Baseball League South Zone Championship Series
Series Winner
Mexico Diablos
Series Loser
Oaxaca Warriors
Sports league
Mexican Baseball League
Year and series
Series Winner
Series Loser
Sports league
Note(s)
1958 Japan Series
Nishitetsu Lions
Yomiuri Giants
Nippon Professional Baseball
Nishitetsu was 1 inning away from elimination in Game 5, but tied the game 3–3 in the bottom of the ninth inning to force extras.
1971 Serie del Rey
Jalisco Horsemen
Saltillo Saraperos
Mexican Baseball League
1986 Japan Series
Seibu Lions
Hiroshima Toyo Carp
Nippon Professional Baseball
1989 Japan Series
Yomiuri Giants
Kintetsu Buffaloes
Nippon Professional Baseball
2021 Serie del Rey
Tijuana Bulls
Yucatán Lions
Mexican Baseball League
Tijuana was 1 base away from elimination in Game 5, when Yucatán had the winning run at third base in the bottom of the ninth inning. However, Fernando Rodney struck out the next batter to send the game to extra innings, where Tijuana eventually won to extend the series.
2023 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs first round
Rojos del Águila de Veracruz
Pericos de Puebla
Mexican Baseball League
2024 Mexican Baseball League South Zone Championship Series
Mexico Diablos
Oaxaca Warriors
Mexican Baseball League
· Other leagues › Successful comebacks › World Basketball
2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup Finals
2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup Finals
Note(s)
2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup Finals
Col 2
San Miguel Beermen
Col 3
Alaska Aces
Col 4
Philippine Basketball Association
Col 5
Games 4 and 5 of the comeback went to overtime.
2024-25 MNBA The League Semifinals
2024-25 MNBA The League Semifinals
Note(s)
2024-25 MNBA The League Semifinals
Col 2
Bishrelt Metal
Col 3
SG Apes
Col 4
Mongolian National Basketball Association
Col 5
Bishrelt Metal overcome 0-3 deficit in a tight scheduled 20 day span. They played in BCL twice during the playoff series.
Note(s)
2015–16 PBA Philippine Cup Finals
San Miguel Beermen
Alaska Aces
Philippine Basketball Association
Games 4 and 5 of the comeback went to overtime.
2024-25 MNBA The League Semifinals
Bishrelt Metal
SG Apes
Mongolian National Basketball Association
Bishrelt Metal overcome 0-3 deficit in a tight scheduled 20 day span. They played in BCL twice during the playoff series.
· Other leagues › Successful comebacks › Ice hockey
1960 AHL Calder Cup playoffs round 1
1960 AHL Calder Cup playoffs round 1
Year and series
1960 AHL Calder Cup playoffs round 1
Series Winner
Rochester Americans
Series Loser
Cleveland Barons
Sports league
American Hockey League
1989 AHL Southern Division finals
1989 AHL Southern Division finals
Year and series
1989 AHL Southern Division finals
Series Winner
Adirondack Red Wings
Series Loser
Hershey Bears
Sports league
American Hockey League
Note(s)
Games five and seven of the comeback went to overtime.
1996 WHL first round
1996 WHL first round
Year and series
1996 WHL first round
Series Winner
Spokane Chiefs
Series Loser
Portland Winter Hawks
Sports league
Western Hockey League
1999 IHL Eastern Conference finals
1999 IHL Eastern Conference finals
Year and series
1999 IHL Eastern Conference finals
Series Winner
Orlando Solar Bears
Series Loser
Detroit Vipers
Sports league
International Hockey League
2006 Nationalliga A quarterfinals
2006 Nationalliga A quarterfinals
Year and series
2006 Nationalliga A quarterfinals
Series Winner
Lugano
Series Loser
Ambri-Piotta
Sports league
National League (ice hockey)
2007 Nationalliga A quarterfinals
2007 Nationalliga A quarterfinals
Year and series
2007 Nationalliga A quarterfinals
Series Winner
Zug
Series Loser
Rapperswil-Jona
Sports league
National League (ice hockey)
2008 National League A Quarterfinals
2008 National League A Quarterfinals
Year and series
2008 National League A Quarterfinals
Series Winner
Davos
Series Loser
Zug
Sports league
National League (ice hockey)
2008 Slovak Extraliga quarterfinals
2008 Slovak Extraliga quarterfinals
Year and series
2008 Slovak Extraliga quarterfinals
Series Winner
Dukla Trenčín
Series Loser
Martin
Sports league
Slovak Extraliga (ice hockey)
2010 ECHL American Conference finals
2010 ECHL American Conference finals
Year and series
2010 ECHL American Conference finals
Series Winner
Cincinnati Cyclones
Series Loser
Reading Royals
Sports league
ECHL
Note(s)
The only goal of game seven was scored by Cincinnati forward Barrett Ehgoetz 13:48 into the game.
2010 OHL Western Conference finals
2010 OHL Western Conference finals
Year and series
2010 OHL Western Conference finals
Series Winner
Windsor Spitfires
Series Loser
Kitchener Rangers
Sports league
Ontario Hockey League
2010 CCHL East Division Semifinals
2010 CCHL East Division Semifinals
Year and series
2010 CCHL East Division Semifinals
Series Winner
Wellington Dukes
Series Loser
Markham Waxers
Sports league
Central Canadian Hockey League
2011 Slovak Extraliga quarterfinals
2011 Slovak Extraliga quarterfinals
Year and series
2011 Slovak Extraliga quarterfinals
Series Winner
Dukla Trenčín
Series Loser
Slovan Bratislava
Sports league
Slovak Extraliga (ice hockey)
2012 Liiga quarterfinals
2012 Liiga quarterfinals
Year and series
2012 Liiga quarterfinals
Series Winner
Espoo Blues
Series Loser
KalPa
Sports league
Finnish Elite League (ice hockey)
2013 AHL Eastern Conference semifinals
2013 AHL Eastern Conference semifinals
Year and series
2013 AHL Eastern Conference semifinals
Series Winner
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Series Loser
Providence Bruins
Sports league
American Hockey League
2013 WHL Western Conference quarterfinals
2013 WHL Western Conference quarterfinals
Year and series
2013 WHL Western Conference quarterfinals
Series Winner
Kelowna Rockets
Series Loser
Seattle Thunderbirds
Sports league
Western Hockey League
2014 OHL Eastern Conference quarterfinals
2014 OHL Eastern Conference quarterfinals
Year and series
2014 OHL Eastern Conference quarterfinals
Series Winner
Peterborough Petes
Series Loser
Kingston Frontenacs
Sports league
Ontario Hockey League
2015 KHL Western Conference Finals
2015 KHL Western Conference Finals
Year and series
2015 KHL Western Conference Finals
Series Winner
SKA Saint Petersburg
Series Loser
CSKA Moscow
Sports league
Kontinental Hockey League
2016 VHL first round [ru]
2016 VHL first round [ru]
Year and series
2016 VHL first round [ru]
Series Winner
Dynamo Balashikha
Series Loser
Buran Voronezh
Sports league
Supreme Hockey League
2017 Latvian Premier League Hockey Championship Finals
2017 Latvian Premier League Hockey Championship Finals
Year and series
2017 Latvian Premier League Hockey Championship Finals
Series Winner
HK Kurbads
Series Loser
HK MOGO
Sports league
Latvian Premier League
2019 OHL Western Conference semifinals
2019 OHL Western Conference semifinals
Year and series
2019 OHL Western Conference semifinals
Series Winner
Guelph Storm
Series Loser
London Knights
Sports league
Ontario Hockey League
2022 NL Quarterfinals
2022 NL Quarterfinals
Year and series
2022 NL Quarterfinals
Series Winner
HC Davos
Series Loser
SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
Sports league
National League (ice hockey)
2022 NL Finals
2022 NL Finals
Year and series
2022 NL Finals
Series Winner
EV Zug
Series Loser
ZSC Lions
Sports league
National League (ice hockey)
2023 WHL Eastern Conference semifinals
2023 WHL Eastern Conference semifinals
Year and series
2023 WHL Eastern Conference semifinals
Series Winner
Saskatoon Blades
Series Loser
Red Deer Rebels
Sports league
Western Hockey League
2023–24 Czech Extraliga semifinals
2023–24 Czech Extraliga semifinals
Year and series
2023–24 Czech Extraliga semifinals
Series Winner
Třinec
Series Loser
Sparta Praha
Sports league
Czech Extraliga
Note(s)
Coincidentally, in the previous round, Třinec nearly blew a 3–0 lead of their own, before winning game seven.
2025 VHL first round [ru]
2025 VHL first round [ru]
Year and series
2025 VHL first round [ru]
Series Winner
Dynamo Saint-Petersburg
Series Loser
Buran Voronezh
Sports league
All-Russian Hockey League
2024–25 OHL Eastern Conference semifinals
2024–25 OHL Eastern Conference semifinals
Year and series
2024–25 OHL Eastern Conference semifinals
Series Winner
Kitchener Rangers
Series Loser
Windsor Spitfires
Sports league
Ontario Hockey League
Note(s)
The Kitchener Rangers had been defeated by the Windsor Spitfires in 2010 with a 3–0 comeback of their own.
Year and series
Series Winner
Series Loser
Sports league
Note(s)
1960 AHL Calder Cup playoffs round 1
Rochester Americans
Cleveland Barons
American Hockey League
1989 AHL Southern Division finals
Adirondack Red Wings
Hershey Bears
American Hockey League
Games five and seven of the comeback went to overtime.
1996 WHL first round
Spokane Chiefs
Portland Winter Hawks
Western Hockey League
1999 IHL Eastern Conference finals
Orlando Solar Bears
Detroit Vipers
International Hockey League
2006 Nationalliga A quarterfinals
Lugano
Ambri-Piotta
National League (ice hockey)
2007 Nationalliga A quarterfinals
Zug
Rapperswil-Jona
National League (ice hockey)
2008 National League A Quarterfinals
Davos
Zug
National League (ice hockey)
2008 Slovak Extraliga quarterfinals
Dukla Trenčín
Martin
Slovak Extraliga (ice hockey)
2010 ECHL American Conference finals
Cincinnati Cyclones
Reading Royals
ECHL
The only goal of game seven was scored by Cincinnati forward Barrett Ehgoetz 13:48 into the game.
2010 OHL Western Conference finals
Windsor Spitfires
Kitchener Rangers
Ontario Hockey League
2010 CCHL East Division Semifinals
Wellington Dukes
Markham Waxers
Central Canadian Hockey League
2011 Slovak Extraliga quarterfinals
Dukla Trenčín
Slovan Bratislava
Slovak Extraliga (ice hockey)
2012 Liiga quarterfinals
Espoo Blues
KalPa
Finnish Elite League (ice hockey)
2013 AHL Eastern Conference semifinals
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
Providence Bruins
American Hockey League
2013 WHL Western Conference quarterfinals
Kelowna Rockets
Seattle Thunderbirds
Western Hockey League
2014 OHL Eastern Conference quarterfinals
Peterborough Petes
Kingston Frontenacs
Ontario Hockey League
2015 KHL Western Conference Finals
SKA Saint Petersburg
CSKA Moscow
Kontinental Hockey League
2016 VHL first round [ru]
Dynamo Balashikha
Buran Voronezh
Supreme Hockey League
2017 Latvian Premier League Hockey Championship Finals
HK Kurbads
HK MOGO
Latvian Premier League
2019 OHL Western Conference semifinals
Guelph Storm
London Knights
Ontario Hockey League
2022 NL Quarterfinals
HC Davos
SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
National League (ice hockey)
2022 NL Finals
EV Zug
ZSC Lions
National League (ice hockey)
2023 WHL Eastern Conference semifinals
Saskatoon Blades
Red Deer Rebels
Western Hockey League
2023–24 Czech Extraliga semifinals
Třinec
Sparta Praha
Czech Extraliga
Coincidentally, in the previous round, Třinec nearly blew a 3–0 lead of their own, before winning game seven.
2025 VHL first round [ru]
Dynamo Saint-Petersburg
Buran Voronezh
All-Russian Hockey League
2024–25 OHL Eastern Conference semifinals
Kitchener Rangers
Windsor Spitfires
Ontario Hockey League
The Kitchener Rangers had been defeated by the Windsor Spitfires in 2010 with a 3–0 comeback of their own.
· Other leagues › Unsuccessful comebacks › Baseball
1976 Japan Series
1976 Japan Series
Year and series
1976 Japan Series
Series Loser
Yomiuri Giants
Series Winner
Hankyu Braves
Sports league
Nippon Professional Baseball
2000 Korean Series
2000 Korean Series
Year and series
2000 Korean Series
Series Loser
Doosan Bears
Series Winner
Hyundai Unicorns
Sports league
KBO League
2015 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs Championship Series (South Region)
2015 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs Championship Series (South Region)
Year and series
2015 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs Championship Series (South Region)
Series Loser
Leones de Yucatán
Series Winner
Tigres de Quintana Roo
Sports league
Mexican Baseball League
Note(s)
Yucatán was the home team in five of the seven games (games 1, 2, 5, 6, 7).
2021 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs first round
2021 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs first round
Year and series
2021 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs first round
Series Loser
Algodoneros de Unión Laguna
Series Winner
Mariachis de Guadalajara
Sports league
Mexican Baseball League
2025 Pacific League Climax Series
2025 Pacific League Climax Series
Year and series
2025 Pacific League Climax Series
Series Loser
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
Series Winner
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
Sports league
Nippon Professional Baseball
Note(s)
The Pacific League regular season champion, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, is given a one-game advantage in the final stage. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters is the first team in NPB Climax Series history to force a winner-take-all Game 6 after going down to a 3–0 series deficit.
Year and series
Series Loser
Series Winner
Sports league
Note(s)
1976 Japan Series
Yomiuri Giants
Hankyu Braves
Nippon Professional Baseball
2000 Korean Series
Doosan Bears
Hyundai Unicorns
KBO League
2015 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs Championship Series (South Region)
Leones de Yucatán
Tigres de Quintana Roo
Mexican Baseball League
Yucatán was the home team in five of the seven games (games 1, 2, 5, 6, 7).
2021 Mexican Baseball League Playoffs first round
Algodoneros de Unión Laguna
Mariachis de Guadalajara
Mexican Baseball League
2025 Pacific League Climax Series
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
Nippon Professional Baseball
The Pacific League regular season champion, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, is given a one-game advantage in the final stage. Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters is the first team in NPB Climax Series history to force a winner-take-all Game 6 after going down to a 3–0 series deficit.
· Other leagues › Unsuccessful comebacks › Ice hockey
1990 WHL East Division Semi-Finals
1990 WHL East Division Semi-Finals
Year and series
1990 WHL East Division Semi-Finals
Series Loser
Saskatoon Blades
Series Winner
Lethbridge Hurricanes
Sports league
Western Hockey League
Note(s)
Lethbridge won game 7 and the series in overtime on a goal by Neil Hawryluk.
1997 OHL Semi-Finals
1997 OHL Semi-Finals
Year and series
1997 OHL Semi-Finals
Series Loser
Guelph Storm
Series Winner
Ottawa 67's
Sports league
Ontario Hockey League
2007 OHL Western Conference Semifinals
2007 OHL Western Conference Semifinals
Year and series
2007 OHL Western Conference Semifinals
Series Loser
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Series Winner
London Knights
Sports league
Ontario Hockey League
2008 J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals
2008 J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals
Year and series
2008 J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals
Series Loser
Belleville Bulls
Series Winner
Kitchener Rangers
Sports league
Ontario Hockey League
2012 WHL Western Conference Semi-finals
2012 WHL Western Conference Semi-finals
Year and series
2012 WHL Western Conference Semi-finals
Series Loser
Kamloops Blazers
Series Winner
Portland Winterhawks
Sports league
Western Hockey League
2015 Clarence Schmalz Cup Finals
2015 Clarence Schmalz Cup Finals
Year and series
2015 Clarence Schmalz Cup Finals
Series Loser
Port Hope Panthers
Series Winner
Essex 73's
Sports league
Ontario Hockey Association
2017 VHL first round [ru]
2017 VHL first round [ru]
Year and series
2017 VHL first round [ru]
Series Loser
Yermak Angarsk
Series Winner
Sputnik Nizhny Tagil
Sports league
Supreme Hockey League
2023–24 Czech Extraliga Quarterfinals
2023–24 Czech Extraliga Quarterfinals
Year and series
2023–24 Czech Extraliga Quarterfinals
Series Loser
České Budějovice
Series Winner
Třinec
Sports league
Czech Extraliga
Note(s)
After avoiding the comeback, Třinec went on to complete a 3–0 comeback of their own in the next round.
2024 Liiga Quarterfinals
2024 Liiga Quarterfinals
Year and series
2024 Liiga Quarterfinals
Series Loser
Helsinki HIFK
Series Winner
Lahti Pelicans
Sports league
SM-liiga (Finland)
2024 OHL Eastern Conference Finals
2024 OHL Eastern Conference Finals
Year and series
2024 OHL Eastern Conference Finals
Series Loser
North Bay Battalion
Series Winner
Oshawa Generals
Sports league
Ontario Hockey League
2024 AHL Eastern Conference Finals
2024 AHL Eastern Conference Finals
Year and series
2024 AHL Eastern Conference Finals
Series Loser
Cleveland Monsters
Series Winner
Hershey Bears
Sports league
American Hockey League
Note(s)
Game 7 won by Hershey in overtime on a goal by Garrett Roe.
2025 VHL first round [ru]
2025 VHL first round [ru]
Year and series
2025 VHL first round [ru]
Series Loser
Metallurg Novokuznetsk
Series Winner
HC Magnitka Magnitogorsk [ru]
Sports league
All-Russian Hockey League
Note(s)
Metallurg was a 1-seed after the regular season, Magnitka was a 16-seed.
Year and series
Series Loser
Series Winner
Sports league
Note(s)
1990 WHL East Division Semi-Finals
Saskatoon Blades
Lethbridge Hurricanes
Western Hockey League
Lethbridge won game 7 and the series in overtime on a goal by Neil Hawryluk.
1997 OHL Semi-Finals
Guelph Storm
Ottawa 67's
Ontario Hockey League
2007 OHL Western Conference Semifinals
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
London Knights
Ontario Hockey League
2008 J. Ross Robertson Cup Finals
Belleville Bulls
Kitchener Rangers
Ontario Hockey League
2012 WHL Western Conference Semi-finals
Kamloops Blazers
Portland Winterhawks
Western Hockey League
2015 Clarence Schmalz Cup Finals
Port Hope Panthers
Essex 73's
Ontario Hockey Association
2017 VHL first round [ru]
Yermak Angarsk
Sputnik Nizhny Tagil
Supreme Hockey League
2023–24 Czech Extraliga Quarterfinals
České Budějovice
Třinec
Czech Extraliga
After avoiding the comeback, Třinec went on to complete a 3–0 comeback of their own in the next round.
2024 Liiga Quarterfinals
Helsinki HIFK
Lahti Pelicans
SM-liiga (Finland)
2024 OHL Eastern Conference Finals
North Bay Battalion
Oshawa Generals
Ontario Hockey League
2024 AHL Eastern Conference Finals
Cleveland Monsters
Hershey Bears
American Hockey League
Game 7 won by Hershey in overtime on a goal by Garrett Roe.
2025 VHL first round [ru]
Metallurg Novokuznetsk
HC Magnitka Magnitogorsk [ru]
All-Russian Hockey League
Metallurg was a 1-seed after the regular season, Magnitka was a 16-seed.
· Other leagues › 3–0 Comebacks in a best-of-seven with ties
1986 Japan Series
1986 Japan Series
Year and series
1986 Japan Series
Series Winner
Seibu Lions
Series Loser
Hiroshima Toyo Carp
Sports league
Nippon Professional Baseball
Note(s)
Game 1 ended in a tie due to reaching the time limit of four hours, thirty minutes of game time in the 14th inning (in the final year before the rule was changed). Hiroshima won Games 2-4. Seibu won Games 5-8, with Game 5 being a win in the 12th inning. Nippon Professional Baseball does allow for games to be ended in ties, and this is also, to date, the only time a Japan Series went to an eighth game. The rule changed from 4:30 to 18 innings in 1987, 15 innings in 1994, and since 2018, 12 innings, and only applies from Games 1 to 7. There is no limit on innings in Game 8, and starting in 2021 the WBSC tiebreaker is implemented for the 13th inning.
Year and series
Series Winner
Series Loser
Sports league
Note(s)
1986 Japan Series
Seibu Lions
Hiroshima Toyo Carp
Nippon Professional Baseball
Game 1 ended in a tie due to reaching the time limit of four hours, thirty minutes of game time in the 14th inning (in the final year before the rule was changed). Hiroshima won Games 2-4. Seibu won Games 5-8, with Game 5 being a win in the 12th inning. Nippon Professional Baseball does allow for games to be ended in ties, and this is also, to date, the only time a Japan Series went to an eighth game. The rule changed from 4:30 to 18 innings in 1987, 15 innings in 1994, and since 2018, 12 innings, and only applies from Games 1 to 7. There is no limit on innings in Game 8, and starting in 2021 the WBSC tiebreaker is implemented for the 13th inning.

References

  1. The New York Times
    https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5268189/2024/02/11/canada-usa-rivalry-series/
  2. Toronto Star
    https://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/the-leafs-pulled-off-the-reverse-sweep-81-years-ago-only-three-other-nhl-teams/article_f362ac0f-5cc5-5e92-925d-7af8998fd672.html
  3. MLB.com
    https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-playoff-format-faq
  4. NHL
    https://www.nhl.com/info/standings-info/playoff-format
  5. "How do the NBA playoffs work? NBA playoffs explained"
    https://blog.betway.com/basketball/how-do-the-nba-playoffs-work-nba-playoffs-explained/#:~:text=The%20playoffs%20use%20a%20best,progressing%20to%20the%20next%20round.
  6. "Oilers are the latest team to attempt a comeback from 3-0 deficit"
    https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/40400625/successful-unsuccessful-comebacks-3-0-deficit
  7. USA Today
    https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2024/06/22/3-0-series-comebacks-sports-history-oilers-panthers/74180200007/
  8. ESPN.com
    https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30127928/2020-mlb-playoffs-2020-astros-join-2004-red-sox-saturday-anatomy-0-3-comeback
  9. "Has any team come back from a 3-0 series deficit in NBA Playoffs history?"
    https://en.as.com/nba/has-any-team-come-back-from-a-3-0-series-deficit-in-nba-playoffs-history-n-4/
  10. Sportscasting
    https://www.sportscasting.com/mlb-2-reasons-baseballs-best-of-5-playoff-series-format-is-terrible
  11. NHL Records
    https://records.nhl.com/history/playoff-formats
  12. Fansided
    https://fansided.com/2017/10/12/nba-playoff-reform-adam-silver-history/
  13. NHL.com
    https://www.nhl.com/news/oilers-have-strong-belief-despite-3-0-deficit-in-stanley-cup-final
  14. nbcnews.com
    https://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/stanley-cup-finals-game-7-edmonton-oilers-florida-panthers-rcna158575
  15. houstonchronicle.com
    https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/astros/article/Astros-can-t-complete-comeback-in-Game-7-15656062.php
  16. Land Of Basketball.com
    https://www.landofbasketball.com/statistics/playoff_series_3_0.htm
  17. ESPN
    https://www.espn.com/nba/playbyplay/_/gameId/230504006
  18. AS USA
    https://en.as.com/nba/when-did-the-nba-change-the-playoffs-from-best-of-five-to-best-of-7-games-n/
  19. Due to the Mexican League playoff rules, Puebla also advanced to the following round as the losing team with the most wi
  20. MiLB.com
    https://www.milb.com/news/el-aguila-el-glorioso-completa-regreso-historico-y-va-contra-leones
  21. Marca México
    https://www.marca.com/mx/beisbol/mx/2024/09/02/66d4f9ddca4741b15b8b458b.html
  22. LHF.lv
    https://lhf.lv/lv/article/5092/foto-7-finalspele-hk-mogo-hk-kurbads-12
  23. "OHL Playoffs: Rangers complete reverse sweep vs. Spitfires"
    https://www.sportsnet.ca/juniors/article/ohl-roundup-rangers-complete-reverse-sweep-vs-spitfires/
  24. Windsor Star
    https://windsorstar.com/sports/hockey/73s-hit-the-road-for-final-shot-at-schmalz-cup-title
  25. Windsor Star
    https://windsorstar.com/sports/local-sports-roundup-stars-to-open-soccer-season-against-woodbridge-saturday
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