In sports, comebacks are the spirit of the competition. When our favorite team, competitor, or player chokes, sometimes all we can do is sit in disbelief at what we’ve just witnessed.
For many, this is the very heart of the game. Seeing the underdog make a grand comeback when everyone thought the game was over is exactly what keeps people playing and watching. There are hundreds of examples of comebacks in all types of media.
For all competitors, the art of the clutch is still one to be mastered.
It’s 1982, and the Edmonton Oilers are getting ready to face off against the Los Angeles Kings in possibly the greatest hockey playoffs match of all time; but you don’t quite know that yet.
They’re playing in the King’s home arena, the forum, situated on Manchester Boulevard. With the playoff structure that existed at the time, the top four teams from each division faced each other in the playoffs. The first seed (the best team) would fight the fourth seed, while the second and third seeds faced each other in round 1.
The Edmonton Oilers won their division with 111 points, while the King’s followed 48 points behind. The Oilers were seed one, the Kings in last. The Oilers in their third season in the NHL were destructive. With head coach Glen Sather, they were second place in the entire league behind the New York Islanders.
This match seemed to be a clean sweep before it even started, but the Kings weren’t going down without a fight.
The first match started, and the Oilers went up two points. Game three the Oilers went up another three. In a 5-0 lead, Oilers fans were already applauding the game, assuming it was over for the Kings.
The third game starts, and the Oilers are seeming confident. However, one point at a time, the Kings were finding their stride. After a destructive 30 minutes, the Oilers were tied 5-5 with the Kings. The stadium: Dead silent.
Oilers fans are in disbelief of the destruction they had been witnessing. The third best team in the entire league, falling to the hands of the Kings.
In overtime, the Kings would score a point in under three minutes, securing the game and moving on while sending the Oilers to losers.
Cheers BURST through the arena; Kings fans are elated. And with that game closed, the biggest comeback in NHL history was sealed.
The date is August 10th, 2024. You are at the biggest Smash Bros event of the year in a brand-new supermajor series for 200,000 dollars, SUPERNOVA. All the world’s best players are here; Acola (#1 in the world), Sonix (#2), spargo (#4), miya (#2), and loads of other top-level talent.
A smash bracket is double elimination, meaning you must lose twice. Once in the winner’s side of bracket, once in the loser’s side. In the losers’ side top 128 pools, a rather unassuming matchup would take place.
Luugi, the best Luigi in Britain; versus MKLeo, the best joker in the world. With Mkleo being seed 10th seed, and Luugi being seed 87, everyone expected a soft sweep. This match would be streamed, and the loser would be eliminated from the tournament.
The first game of the set starts, and Luugi is dominant. In one of his most dominant displays ever, Luugi goes up 2 stocks on MKleo. Leo takes one stock before Luugi closes out the game with a combo confirm. The score is 1-0. First to 3 wins.
The second game, and absolutely nothing changes. Luugi destroys MKLeo getting him to one stock in 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Luugi was smiling on stage and showing no signs of slowing down. Luugi would play the last stock carefully for a full two minutes, before finally taking Leos last stock.
Now, it is important to note that MKleo is a widely respected player, often regarded as one of the most consistent and talented performers smash has to offer. With this in mind, and seeing his pressure on Leo, Luugi would taunt on MKleo.
A massive sign of disrespect, and the crowd was roaring with excitement.
Mkleo is no stranger to being down in sets, even against opponents expected to win. Leo is known for making grandiose comebacks that nobody could have expected.
In the third game, Leo showed his unwavering “I will win” mentality; forging a good percent and stock lead. Luugi was falling into a deficit, and he was feeling the pressure. Leo was creating momentum and won game three in four minutes.
By game 5, Luugi was clearly struggling. He was losing his footing, and it was obvious that the thought of a comeback was racing through his mind. This game stayed more even between the competitors, mostly for the reasoning that Luugi and Leo played a little more reserved than normal. After 5 minutes and 37 seconds of hard-fought interactions, Leo would take game 4.
Sweating and visibly shaken, Luugi was on the edge of defeat. MKLeo, however, was as calm and precise as ever. MKLeo through this whole set, never forgot that the ability to win was in his hands the entire time.
In game 5, Luugi would unfold some of his most aggressive gameplay yet. However, this most likely played to his disadvantage, as MKLeo very quickly built a percent lead and ran with it. In one of the most painful displays of struggle I’ve seen, Luugi gets thrown off stage, and then spiked for a brutal 2-3 loss.
MKLeo and Luugi both walk away after shaking hands, Luugi visibly embarrassed, and MKLeo very clearly pleased with his performance.
For viewers all around the world, the clutch is the most hype and important moment of the event. Many competitors are remembered for their clutches, or lack thereof. One thing is for sure, however. That for all competitors, the art of the clutch is still one to be mastered.
