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 24th, featuring the Detroit Red Wings taking the longest game in NHL History.
Today in Hockey History
Red Wings Win Longest Game in NHL History
1936: Mud Bruneteau scored 16:30 into the sixth overtime as the Red Wings blanked the Montreal Maroons, 1-0, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The game is still the longest in NHL history.
Both teams played equal to three games in the opener of the championship series. The game did not end until 2:25 a.m. of the following morning. Bruneteau ended the game after beating Lorne Chabot with a low shot.
Shots on goal weren’t an official stat at the time, but Wings goalie Normie Smith reportedly made 92 saves. Smith also lost 12 pounds of weight during the game.
1953: Terry Sawchuk nets his third straight post-season shut out as the Wings blanked the Boston Bruins, 7-0, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup semifinal.
1978: Phil Esposito sets an NHL record with his 29th hat trick. The New York Rangers beat the Washington Capitals, 11-4. Bobby Hull previously held the record.
1982: Rick Vaive is the first 50-goal scorer in Toronto Maple Leafs history in a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Blues.
1992: Mario Lemieux scores his 40th goal of the season to record his 1,000th career point as the Pittsburgh Penguins lose to 4-3 to the Red Wings. He’s the second-fastest to achieve the feat in 513 games. Only Wayne Gretzky reached 1,000 points faster in 424 games.
In the same game, Kevin Stevens scores his 50th goal to be the first player to get 50 goals and 200 penalty minutes in the same season.
2000: Al MacInnis scores twice as the Blues beat the Tampa Bay Lightning, 5-1. He’s the fifth defenceman to score 300 goals and the Blues set the record for most wins in franchise history with 48.
Happy Birthday to You
1955: Doug Jarvis
1955: Pat Price
1973: Phillippe Boucher
1981: Ron Hainsey
1983: P.A. Pareteau
