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 15th, featuring Tim Thomas.
Today in Hockey History
Tim Thomas Gets Shutout in Game 7
2011: The Boston Bruins goalie makes 37 saves as they beat the Vancouver Canucks, 4-0, in Game 7. Thomas takes the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP by limiting Vancouver to eight goals for the series. The record was held by a pair of goalies in 1945. Detroit Red Wings netminder Harry Lumley and Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frank McCool only allowed nine.
The win gives Boston its first Stanley Cup since 1972. Both Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand each score twice in the victory. Marchand’s five goals tie him with Roy Conacher for most by a rookie in the Stanley Cup Final.
Other Notable Events
1978: Bobby Smith is taken with the first overall pick of the NHL Draft by the Minnesota North Stars.
1979: The Edmonton Oilers promote Glen Sather to the dual role of general manager and head coach.
1985: Toronto selects Wendel Clark with the first overall pick of the NHL Draft. He becomes a fan favourite with the club.
1989: Detroit deals Adam Oates and Paul MacLean to the St. Louis Blues for Bernie Federko and Tony McKegney. Federko was the Blues’ all-team leading scorer at the time of the trade.
1992: Paul Holmgren becomes the new head coach of the Hartford Whalers. He replaces Jim Roberts as the team’s bench boss.
1993: The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim are officially given membership into the NHL. They start play in the 1993-94 season.
Detroit hires future Hall of Famer Scotty Bowman as its new head coach. He replaces Bryan Murray, who stays on as general manager.
1999: Dixon Ward‘s second-period goal helps the Buffalo Sabres beat the Dallas Stars in Game 4. Dominik Hasek stops 30 saves for the Sabres in the victory.
2013: Daniel Paille scores 13:48 into overtime as the Bruins edge the Chicago Blackhawks, in Game 2. Chris Kelly ties the game in the second period and Tuukka Rask makes 21 saves for Boston.
2015: Chicago wins its third title in six seasons with a 2-0 Game 6 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Conn Smythe winner Duncan Keith scores the opener and Corey Crawford makes 25 saves.
Happy Birthday to You
1923: Pete Horeck
1930: Marcel Pronovost
1945: Danny O’Shea
1963: Mario Gosselin
1969: Jesse Belanger; Sheldon Kennedy
1972: Sandy McCarthy
1973: Dean McAmmond
1993: Boone Jenner
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