Steve Yzerman, The Captain & Best NHL Forwards Ever
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", ranking the best Maple Leafs goalies since 1990, Flames First Nations & Metis connections, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
Today in Hockey History: May 10
The most famous goal in National Hockey League history was scored on this date. In addition, memories were made during dynastic runs in Montreal and New York while numerous teams got one step closer to hockey’s ultimate prize. The THW time machine is fueled up and ready to take back through the years so we can relive all the great moments May 10 has given us.
Steve Yzerman, The Captain
To locals, he was simply known as “The Captain.” Unfortunately overshadowed by two guys named Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux over most of his career, Steve Yzerman finally got the respect he deserved in 1997 when he finally led the Detroit Red Wings to that ever-elusive Stanley Cup, a drought of 42 years had ended. The Captain became a legend.
Ranking the Maple Leafs’ Best Goalies Since 1990
Only in the past five seasons since I began to cover the Maple Leafs for The Hockey Writers have I started to marry my academic background and my interest in hockey. This is a research post, where I used a simple research methodology to answer the following question: “Since 1990, who has been the best Maple Leafs’ goalie?”
Today in Hockey History: May 9
Today’s history lesson is full of great Stanley Cup Playoff memories, including exciting overtime goals, huge offensive performances, and big-time goaltending. Plus, a Hall of Famer and favorite in Motown is celebrating another trip around the sun.
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The Best NHL Forwards Ever: A Lineup For the Ages
Over the National Hockey League’s 107-year history, we have had many legendary players take part in the coolest game on ice. The storied franchises of the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, and New York Islanders brought us legends like Wayne Gretzky, Guy Lafleur, Mike Bossy, Gordie Howe, and more, who dazzled us every time they stepped onto the ice.
Calgary Flames’ First Nation and Metis Connections
Only 11 players with indigenous roots have ever laced up a pair of skates for the Calgary Flames in the 40 years that the team has been in Calgary. During this time, non-indigenous Canadians have made up approximately 75% of the estimated 960 players who played for the team. This means that of all the players ever to don a Flames’ sweater, only 1.5% had aboriginal roots even though First Nations. Metis and Inuit people make up almost 4.9% of the Canadian population.