Remembering Guy Lafleur & History of Game 7 Overtime Series-Clinching Goals
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", Florida Panthers and the history of the rats, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
Today in Hockey History: April 24
If you had to choose two words to describe April 24 throughout the history of the National Hockey League, “overtime goal” would be the perfect pair to use. This date has provided some of the most memorable playoff goals ever scored, as well as some legends breaking records. The THW time machine is ready to take back through the years to relive all the best moments.
Guy Lafleur Gave Me a Lifetime of Memories
Guy Lafleur is one of the most renowned Montreal Canadiens players. His name belongs with other Habs legends, such as Jean Beliveau and Maurice Richard, as being named a true legend. They will go down in history as the holy trinity of Canadiens legends, not only because of what they did on the ice but also for how they captivated a fanbase.
Florida Panthers and the History of the Rats
With the Florida Panthers finally back in the NHL playoffs, a new generation of fans is getting to experience one of the best traditions in hockey. For older Panthers fans, the return of the rats to South Florida is a sight for sore eyes and leads them to fondly remember the Panthers’ magical run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1996. Yet, for the younger generation, a brief history lesson may be in order about the story behind the flying vermin.
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Today in Hockey History: April 23
Some of the National Hockey League’s “Original Six” teams made postseason memories on this date. However, there are plenty of the league’s newer franchises that made their mark on Stanley Cup Playoff history on April 23, as well. Let’s begin our daily trip back in time to relive all the best moments.
NHL’s History of Game 7 Overtime Series-Clinching Goals
There’s no better ending in all sports than sudden-death overtime and the Stanley Cup Playoffs always provide the best, most dramatic endings with some iconic memorable goals. However, a series ending with an overtime-winning goal is rare and when they occur, the moments are special, to say the least. How rare are Game 7 overtime winners? Well historically, they are frequent in the Stanley Cup Playoffs but have only happened a few times in the Stanley Cup Final.