Over the last two days, I have been looking back at 50 of the most memorable NHL moments of the year 2013. This will include big trade shocks, weird goals and everything above and beyond (positive and negative). Because there is such a variety of events that have happened this past year, and everyone will have different opinions on their importance or memorability the numbers are not a ranking, merely a way of keeping track of the events. You can see the first 25 here.
26) In Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final between the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks, it appeared that the Bruins were on their way to a big victory, leading 2-1 late in the third period. The Bruins seemed all set to force us back to Chicago for game seven. Instead, the Blackhawks had other plans scoring two goals in just seventeen seconds to win the game and the Stanley Cup.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXx6_7fpnKM
27) All of these moments would not be possible without the ending of the NHL Lockout. The lockout started on September 15th, 2012 and ended on January 6th, 2013, as the owners and players attempted to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. Sighs of relief were heard from hockey fans worldwide when the announcement was made that a deal had been reached.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Eyko_3R-g
28) This season Max Pacioretty’s goal celebrations have caused quite a stir. At first it was because of the lack of emotion he seemed to show each time he scored. However after a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs he pulled out a new “sheathing the sword” style of celebration, and has followed that up by repeating the celebration on a couple of other occassions. The move has drawn mixed reviews, but you can decide for yourself and view it here.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zbw_iGYgQys
29) In February, Jaromir Jagr then on the Dallas Stars played a game in Calgary where he was the recipient of a unique greeting from a group of Jaromir Jagr fans…. you can watch the light hearted moment here
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6sF1li6ttE
30) Another touching moment was when Anaheim Duck’s player Saku Koivu returned to Montreal on October 24th for what could be the final time should Koivu decides to retire at the end of the season. The long-time captain of the Montreal Canadiens recieved a rousing standing ovation from the Bell Centre crowd late in the game, and again when he came out as one of the three stars.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxp8J0kd2is
31) During a game in April between the Anaheim Ducks and the Vancouver Canucks, Vernon Fiddler of the Ducks did an angry impression that got then Canucks coach Alain Vigneault breaking out in fits of laughter.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxfeFXdwqmA
32) The Shawn Thornton incident created quite a stir and has resulted in the Bruins enforcer currently serving a 15-game suspension. During a game with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Thornton pushed over and then punched Penguins defenceman Brooks Orpik. Orpik was knocked unconcious and suffered a concussion on the play. The 15 game suspension was the longest ever given to a player with no previous incidents of supplemental discipline. Thornton could still appeal the decision to an independent arbitrator.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuVq-TZ7AJM
33) Almost every game has the odd random high-stick incidents, but this one stuck out in particular. It occured when Brandon Bollig from the Chicago Blackhawks hit Andrew Cogliano from the Anaheim Ducks.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNdN2QOts04
34) Anything can happen on a hockey bench. During a game in October 2013 between the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins, Pascal Dupuis was accidentally high-sticked by his own teammate Kris Letang. Dupuis stayed on the bench, pulling out his own tooth, and remained in the game. These hockey players are tough.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xhcau1shoc
35) What happens when two players fight? A dislocated finger. Just ask Jarome Iginla from the Boston Bruins when he fought Canucks forward Ryan Kessler.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnQuiF-D9Bo
36) In February Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook took a slap-shot to the groin. Drew Doughty shot the puck that helped turn Seabrook from a tenor into a soprano on this night.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ulLy9MJfGk
37) Injuries come and go. Some players are out for a few days and some never return. However it is how hockey players deal with their injuries that set them apart. One player in particular recieves high praise for his toughness in last year’s playoffs. Gregory Campbell of the Boston Bruins broke his leg and played until the end of the shift before heading to the dressing room. It was a courageous act and helped the Bruins to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs. Playing on a broken leg also brought back memories of the original six and Bobby Baun of the Toronto Maple Leafs. As we said above, these hockey players are tough.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h15m87WsCHQ
38) Headshots have been the topic du jour in the NHL for quite some time. We have seen many players injured as a result of these hits and even more suspended for dishing them out. The NHL has been trying to reduce the number of headshots for quite some time, yet they seem to be more and more of these incidents
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG5OFqmGgfk
39) Everyone hates to lose, especially in a shootout after you come so far. Tuukka Rask (Boston Bruins goalie) is no exception. After going into a round six shootout with the Montreal Canadiens, Brendan Gallagher got the puck past him. He tried to hit the boards with his stick but fell to the ice while doing so. *Video skip to 7 min*
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svrGmHahXVM
40) A second goalie who was upset after surrendering a goal was Marc-Andre Fleury. When the New York Rangers scored on him, he also decided to hit the boards with his stick in frustaration. This resulted in his stick getting stuck in the boards and Fleury having to go back and get it.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn2MBmIa518
41) Some players get strange penalties but I am not sure if anything tops this one. Phoenix Coyotes Goalie Mike Smith got a penalty for playing the puck at center ice. Goalies should not leave their crease, never mind going halfway down the ice to make a play.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5EC7pfJAw0
42) Fights happen in many NHL games… but it is still very rare to see two goalies go at it. Better yet, take a look at what happens when Philadelphia Flyers Ray Emery goes down the ice to fight Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby. While Emery did not receive any supplemental discipline on the play, it did once again stir up the fighting debate.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uadzvjFDro8
43) My second exception to the list of 2013 NHL craziness. The only thing I can think of is… like father like son. Look at what happens when Patrick Roy’s son gets kicked out of a game.
44) Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price makes a save. I know that is his job but not from where he was sitting in this game. (Backup goalie)
– http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=price+catches+puck+on+the+bench&sm=3
45) Everyone loves to get some love. Even the reporters. The kiss cam came fell on Kelly Chase and Bernie Federko and they had a little friendly fun.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIFZ_-RNF9U
46) Who can forget when the Montreal Canadiens played a prank on rookie Nathan Beaulieu in March of 2013. They announced the Canadiens and all headed towards the ice but only Beaulieu jumped on and the rest laughed as he skated laps solo.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWs6abnrjlY
47) In February 2013 during a game with the Vancouver Canucks and the St Louis Blues, a very special guest showed up for his first NHL game. That is 101 year old Herb Dawe.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQJg9-NqTgA
48) In October 2013 Buffalo Sabres rookies took part in a dance off at center ice after practice. One dance even included a weird strip tease.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q5QCKzRtPE
49) Flyers (ex player) Max Talbot accidently knocks the ref who is sitting on the boards backwards into the Penguins bench.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SelHvNMIWEI
50) In a preseason game, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Buffalo Sabres went into a fifteen round shootout. Everyone was having a blast even the coaches.
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG7JWPCcNmo
Hope you enjoy the NHL top 50 moments of 2013 and cannot wait to see what comes in 2014. Happy New Year to all the Last Word on Sports fans.
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