Hockey is finally back! Normally we’d be 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 22nd featuring Peter Laviolette.
Today in Hockey History
Peter Laviolette Wins 500th Game
2017: The Nashville Predators coach gets his 500th coaching victory in a 4-2 win over the Minnesota Wild. Nashville rallies for the win after giving up a pair of first-period goals to Minnesota. Laviollete becomes the second American coach to 500 wins after John Tortorella.
He picks up win No. 600 just under two years later. Laviollete had stints with the New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers. He’s the current coach of the Washington Capitals.
Other Notable Events
1966: The Detroit Red Wings are forced to wear the sweaters of their junior team in Hamilton. This comes after their uniforms are stolen out of the locker room at the Montreal Forum. However, Roger Crozier makes 31 saves in a 3-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
1987: A total of 334 fans brave the elements to see the New Jersey Devils beat the Calgary Flames, 7-5. It was a massive snow storm that dropped 18 inches that limited the anticipated crowd of over 11,000 at Brendan Byrne Arena.
1994: New York Rangers goalie Mike Richter gets All-Star Game MVP honours. He makes 19 saves in a 9-8 Eastern Conference victory. Alexei Yashin gets the game-winner for the East at Madison Square Garden.
1998: The Rangers Pat LaFontaine gets his 1,000th point with a goal and assist. However, the Rangers lose 4-3 to the Flyers at MSG.
2000: Florida Panthers forward Pavel Bure scores twice to get his 300th NHL goal. He also gets the overtime-winner in a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins.
2003: Brett Hull becomes the second player to get 20 goals in his first 16 season. Hull scores a power-play goal in a 4-3 loss at the Edmonton Oilers for goal No. 699.
2004: Chicago Blackhawks goalie Craig Anderson gets his first win in a 7-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Anderson enters the game with a 0-11-2 record.
2013: Devils goalie Martin Brodeur gets his 120th career shutout in a 3-0 win over the Flyers. Broduer makes 24 saves for his 10th career shutout against Philadelphia.
2019: Washington’s Alex Ovechkin gets his 23rd hat trick to tie Jari Kurri for 10th all-time. However, the San Jose Sharks come away with a 7-6 OT victory.
Happy Birthday to You
1916: Bill Durnan
1918: Elmer Lach
1939: J.C. Tremblay
1946: Serge Savard
1957: Mike Bossy
1962: Greg Gilbert
1975: Shean Donovan; David Vyborny
1985: John Mitchell
1996: Robby Fabbri
