Normally we’d be in the closing in on the mid-way point of the regular season, however, we’re in a different world. Last Word on Hockey is still 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 January 9th, featuring Brian Boucher.
Today in Hockey History
Brian Boucher Gets Fifth Straight Shutout
2004: The Phoenix Coyotes goalie gets his fifth straight shutout in a 2-0 over the host Minnesota Wild. Boucher makes 21 saves to get the modern shutout record held by the Montreal Canadiens Bill Durnan, who set the record in 1949.
His shutout record comes to an end two days later when Atlanta Thrashers forward Randy Robitaille scores in the first period of a 1-1 tie. Boucher’s streak ends at 332:01, which is the longest of his career.
Other Notable Events
1918: The NHL allows for goalie to leave their feet in a rule change three weeks after play starts. Goalies would be called for a penalty if they sat down or laid down for a stop a puck. The goals average goes from 12.2 per game to 8.9.
1930: The Boston Bruins win their league record 14th straight game in a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The New York Islanders break the streak with 15 in the 1981-82 season.
1954: Montreal forward Bert Olmstead gets a league record four goals and four assists. Olmstead equals teammate Maurice Richard‘s mark that he set in 1944. His big night powers the Habs to a 12-1 rout of the Chicago Black Hawks.
1979: Boston retires the No. 4 sweater of Bobby Orr during an exhibition game with the Soviet Wings.
1981: Phil Esposito plays his final NHL game as the New York Rangers tie the Buffalo Sabres, 3-3. He gets an assist on Dean Talafous‘ to finish with 717 goals and 1,590 points.
1992: Chicago rookie Dominik Hasek gets 27 saves in a 2-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hasek goes on to have 81 shutouts and 389 wins.
1998: Washington Capitals forward Dale Hunter gets three assists in a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. He becomes the first player to get 1,000 points in 3,000 penalty minutes in league history.
2007: Calgary Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff becomes the first Finn to win 100 games in net. He also earns his 22nd shutout in a 3-0 victory over Minnesota.
2016: Washington winger Alex Ovechkin scores twice as to get to his 499th career goal. He leads the Caps to a 4-3 overtime win oer the Rangers.
Happy Birthday to You
1955: Bruce Boudreau
1958: Rob McClanahan
1961: Jim Wiemer
1967: Dave McLlwain
1970: Scott Pellerin
1971: Scott Thornton
1975: Anders Eriksson
1976: Radek Bonk
1992: Jack Campbell
1994: Radek Faksa
