When Boston and St. Louis faced off for the Stanley Cup 49 years ago, it was a relatively forgettable series—except for one iconic photo. The Bruins have been finals regulars since then, but the road has been much trickier for the Blues.

Joe Thornton came so close to reaching the Stanley Cup Final against his old team, but the Sharks fell to the Blues in Game 6. Almost 40, will Thornton keep pursuing Lord Stanley's cup?

The Sharks’ four goals in four minutes. The Easter Epic. Too Many Men. The hockey gods have authored plenty of dramatic Game 7s, where a legacy can be defined for better or worse.

Across Canada and the northern U.S., warmer winters are quietly threatening a sporting heritage.