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 20th, featuring Jean Beliveau.
Today in Hockey History
Jean Beliveau Scores Only Post-Season Hat Trick
1968: The Montreal Canadiens legend scores three goals in the a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 2 of the semifinals. Beliveau ties the game midway through the first period and then scores a pair of power-play goals in the second.
His only post-season hat trick comes three years to the day after getting 100th playoff point. The Hall of Famer would help the Habs take series in five games. Montreal would add another Stanley Cup crown after sweeping the St. Louis Blues in the final.
Other Notable Events
1950: Don Raleigh is the first player to score back-to-back overtime winners in the New York Rangers forward gets the game-winner in a 2-1 OT win over the Detroit Red Wings. Raleigh netted the OT winner two nights earlier in Game 3.
1958: Montreal gets its third championship in a row as it beat the Boston Bruins, 5-3, in Game 6. Bernie Geoffrion scores twice for the Habs in the clincher.
1975: Glenn Resch makes 27 saves as the New York Islanders start their shocking comeback in Game 4 of the quarterfinals. “Chico” helps the Isles rally from losing the first three games to shock the Pittsburgh Penguins in seven.
1992: Wayne Gretzky is the first NHLer to 300 playoff points as he gets four assists. He guides the Los Angeles Kings to an 8-5 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of the Smythe semis.
1993: Pittsburgh records a record 13th straight playoff win in a 7-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils. Shawn McEachern scores twice and Tom Barrasso makes 36 saves for the Penguins.
1997: Craig MacTavish, the last helmetless player to play in the NHL, plays in his final game. The Blues forward was grandfathered in before helmets were made mandatory in 1979-80.
2016: Jaromir Jagr is the firth player to get 200 post-season points. The Florida Panthers would beat the Islanders, 2-1, thanks to Jagr’s assist on a Jonathan Huberdeau goal.
2017: The Nashville Predators sweep their first post-season series as the beat Chicago, 4-1. Roman Josi scores twice and Pekka Rinne stops all but three shots for the whole series.
2019: St. Louis beats the Winnipeg Jets, 3-2, to become the first team to win a playoff series after being last after New Year’s Day.
Happy Birthday to You
1958: Viacheslav Fetisov
1976: Chris Mason
1985: Brent Seabrook
1988: Nick Bonino
1989: Colton Sceviour
1992: Micheal Ferland
1993: Shayne Gostisbehere
