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 April 13th, featuring Alex Ovechkin.
Today in Hockey History
Alex Ovechkin is Second Rookie to 50 Goals, 100 Points
2006: The Washington Capitals rookie is the second first-year player to get 50 goals and 100 points in first campaign. He scores in a 5-3 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers at Phillips Arena. The dynamic Russian winger would finish his rookie season with 52 goals and 106 points.
Ovechkin is the second rookie to score 50 goals in his first year. Winnipeg Jets rookie Teemu Selanne was the first to do so back in 1992-93 when he scored 76. Ovechkin has reached 50 goals in eight seasons, all with the Capitals.
Other Notable Events
1927: The Ottawa Senators win the Stanley Cup after beating the Boston Bruins, 3-1, in Game 4. It would be the last Cup Final game in Ottawa until June 2007.
1940: Bryan Hextall scores 2:07 into overtime to give the New York Rangers a 3-2 win and the Stanley Cup. The win over the Toronto Maple Leafs would be the last title for New York until 1994.
1944: Toe Blake‘s four assists help the Montreal Canadiens win their first title in 14 seasons. The Habs would sweep the Chicago Blackhawks with a 5-4 win in Game 4.
1982: John Tonelli helps the New York Islanders get past the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 5 of the Patrick Division semifinals. He gets the tying a game-winner in the 4-3 overtime game.
Mario Lessard makes 40 saves as the Los Angeles Kings stun the Edmonton Oilers, 7-4, to win the Smythe Division semi series in give games.
1984: Tim Kerr scores four straight goals as the Philadelphia Flyers rally past the Rangers, 6-5, in Game 3 of the Patrick semis.
1997: Mario Lemieux‘s two assists get him his first scoring title 12 years. However, the Penguins would lose 7-3 to the Boston Bruins.
The Hartford Whalers would beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in the final game at the Hartford Civic Center. Hartford would move the team down south to become the Carolina Hurricanes.
2002: Hall of Fame defencemen Chris Chelios and Brian Leetch in pick up their 700th career assist in losses.
2017: The Anaheim Ducks beat the Calgary Flames for the 27th straight time in a 3-2 victory. Jakob Silfverberg breaks the tie to help the Ducks in the second period as Anaheim hadn’t lost to Calgary since April 25, 2006.
Happy Birthday to You
1911: Flash Hollett
1972: Mariusz Czerkawski
1974: Sergei Gonchar
1976: Patrik Elias
1992: Joonas Donskoi
1994: Elvis Merzlikins
2000: Rasmus Dahlin
