During the NHL’s hiatus, we at the Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for March 17th, featuring Martin Brodeur..
Today in Hockey History
Martin Brodeur Gets All-Time Win Record
2009: The New Jersey Devils goalie makes 30 saves in a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks to pass Patrick Roy for the most wins by a goalie. It was Brodeur’s 552nd career win that was treated like the Devils won the Cup.
He would finish with 691 wins in 1,266 career games. Brodeur would be elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.
While the night belonged to Brodeur, his teammate Patrik Elias set the Devils franchise record for most points with 702 passing John MacLean for first. Elias picked up an assist on Brian Gionta‘s game-winning goal to set the record. Elias finished his career with 1,025 career points (408 goals and 617 assists).
Other Notable Events
1938: The Montreal Canadiens would beat the Montreal Maroons, 6-3, at the Forum in the last meeting between the rivals. The Maroons would drop out of the league at the end of the season.
On the same night, Nels Stewart would be the league’s first 300-goal scorer in the New York Americans 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers.
1955: A riot breaks out in Montreal after fans protested league President Clarence Campbell’s suspension of Maurice Richard. Montreal forfeited the game to the Detroit Red Wigs and Richard had to ask the public for calm on the radio.
1982: Wayne Gretzky records three goals and two assists the Edmonton Oilers 10-4 rout of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He breaks his own record for the most assists in a season on his way to 120 for the campaign. The Great One logged 92 goals, 120 assists and 212 points.
1986: Michel Goulet of the Quebec Nordiques scores four goals to score 50 goals in four straight seasons. Quebec beats provincial rival Montreal, 8-6.
1992: Joe Mullen is the first American to score 400 goals as Pittsburgh beats Edmonton, 6-5. Mullen is the 39th player to reach 400 goals.
2001: Mats Sundin records a goal and two assists to become the all-time leading point-getter from Sweden. The Toronto Maple Leafs would beat the Florida Panthers, 5-3, as Sundin passed Tomas Sandstrom.
Happy Birthday to You
1923: Tony Leswick
1951: Craig Ramsay
1952: Stan Weir
1979: Andrew Ference
1987: Bobby Ryan
1989: Mikael Backlund
