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 16th, featuring Vladimir Konstantinov.
Today in Hockey History
Vladimir Konstantinov Honoured in Red Wings Cup Win
1998: The Detroit Red Wings sweep the Washington Capitals in four straight to win back-to-back titles. Doug Brown scores twice on the power play as Detroit downs Washington, 4-1, at MCI Center. Steve Yzerman is named the Conn Smythe winner for post-season MVP. Scotty Bowman ties Toe Blake‘s record of eight Stanley Cup wins for a coach.
Yzerman hands the Stanley Cup to Konstantinov, who is confined to a wheelchair after a limo accident a year earlier. Konstantinov did have his name engraved on the Cup after getting dispensation from Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Other Notable Events
1977: Detroit hires Bobby Kromm as its new head coach. Kromm replaces former coach Larry Wilson in the role.
1982: The Chicago Blackhawks name Orval Tessier as their new head coach. He’s the 26th in team history to hold that position.
1989: The St. Louis Blues sign free-agent goalie Curtis Joseph from the University of Wisconsin. “Cujo” would win 137 games with the Blues and 454 for his career.
1990: The Quebec Nordiques took Owen Nolan with the first pick of the NHL Draft. However, the Pittsburgh Penguins get Jaromir Jagr with the fifth. The New Jersey Devils would select Martin Brodeur at 20th overall.
The Buffalo Sabres trade Phil Housley, Scott Amiel, Jeff Parker and a first-round pick to the Winnipeg Jets. Winnipeg sends Dale Hawerchuk and a first-rounder to Buffalo. The Jets would select Keith Tkachuk while the Sabres take Brad May with the picks.
1993: The San Jose Sharks hire Kevin Constantine as head coach. He helps the Sharks improve by 58 points and gets them into the playoffs. San Jose would shock Detroit in the first round of the 1994 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Tampa Bay Lightning acquire Petr Klima from the Edmonton Oilers for future considerations.
1994: Boston Bruins defenceman Ray Bourque is named to the NHL First All-Star Team for the 11th time. He would end up with a record-setting 13 before he calls it a career.
1999: The Phoenix Coyotes hire Bobby Francis as the new head coach. He replaces Jim Schoenfeld behind the bench.
Happy Birthday to You
1934: Roger Neilson
1946: Derek Sanderson
1961: Steve Larmer
1962: Tom Fergus
1978: Dainius Zubrus
1981: Kevin Bieksa
1984: Rick Nash
Main Photo
