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 June 8th, featuring Mike Modano.
Today in Hockey History
Mike Modano Wins Longest 1-0 Stanley Cup Final Game
2000: The Dallas Stars forward scores 6:21 into the third overtime in a 1-0 Game 5 over the New Jersey Devils. Modano’s goal ends the longest 1-0 game in Stanley Cup Final history. Ed Belfour stops 48 shots for the Stars as they extend the series and keep their repeat hopes alive. Martin Brodeur stopped 40 of 41 shots for the Devils.
The Devils would finish off the series in the Lone Star State with a 2-1 double-overtime victory. New Jersey would hoist their second Stanley Cup and first since 1995. Defenceman Scott Stevens would take home the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP.
Other Notable Events
1955: The Montreal Canadiens name Toe Blake as their new head coach. He replaces Hall of Famer Dick Irvin and carves out his own legacy. Blake, real first name Hector, wins eight titles in 13 seasons in charge.
1983: The Minnesota North Stars take Brian Lawton with the first overall pick of the draft. Sylvain Turgeon would go second to the Hartford Whalers while Pat LaFontaine goes third to the New York Islanders. The Detroit Red Wings draft Steve Yzerman at fourth overall.
1988: Detroit head coach Jacques Demers win his second straight Jack Adams Award for the top coach. Demers is the only coach to accomplish this.
1996: Joe Sakic scores his sixth game-winner of the post-season with a 3-2 Colorado Avalanche win over the Florida Panthers. Colorado survives a barrage of plastic rats tossed from the stands after Ray Sheppard‘s goal.
1999: Dominik Hasek makes 35 saves and Jason Woolley scores in overtime as the Buffalo Sabres beat Dallas, 3-2. Hasek was drafted in the 10th round 16 years to the day.
2002: Igor Larionov is the oldest to score a goal in a Cup Final in Detroit’s 3-2 triple OT win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The 41-year-old tallies at 14:47 of the third overtime.
2011: Rich Peverley scores twice as the Boston Bruins even the series with a 4-0 Game 4 win over the Vancouver Canucks.
2015: Cedric Paquette scores late in regulation as the Tampa Bay Lightning edged the Chicago Blackhawks, 3-2, in Game 3.
2017: Sidney Crosby gets three assists in the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-0 Game 5 win over the Nashville Predators. Pittsburgh is a game away from the first repeat since the 1997 and 1998 Red Wings.
Happy Birthday to You
1905: Johnny Gagnon
1960: Thomas Steen
1962: Phil Bourque
1968: Rob Ray
1975: Bryan McCabe
1982: Mike Cammalleri
1986: Andrej Sekera
1992: Conor Sheary
1997: Anthony Beauvillier
