1997 Stanley Cup playoffs

1997 Stanley Cup playoffs
Tournament details
DatesApril 16–June 7, 1997
Teams16
Defending championsColorado Avalanche
Final positions
ChampionsDetroit Red Wings
Runner-upPhiladelphia Flyers
Tournament statistics
Scoring leader(s)Eric Lindros (Flyers) (26 points)
MVPMike Vernon (Red Wings)
← 1996
1998 →

The 1997 Stanley Cup playoffs, the playoff tournament of the National Hockey League (NHL), began on April 16, 1997, following the completion of the 1996–97 NHL season. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference, played best-of-seven series for conference quarter-finals, semi-finals and championships, and then the conference champions played a best-of-seven series for the Stanley Cup.

The playoffs ended on June 7, with the Detroit Red Wings defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in a four-game sweep to win their eighth Stanley Cup championship in their history, and their first in 42 years. Red Wings goaltender Mike Vernon was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff's Most Valuable Player. This was the only time Ray Bourque missed the playoffs in his career. His team, the Boston Bruins, missed the playoffs for the first time since 1967, ending their 29-year consecutive playoffs appearances record.

The Stanley Cup, awarded to the champion of the NHL.