Normally we’d be closing in on the final push of the 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 March 2nd, featuring Mario Lemieux.
Today in Hockey History
Mario Lemieux Returns to Penguins
1993: Super Mario shows why he’s called that after returning to hockey after cancer treatments. He finished his 22nd and final radiation treatment in Pittsburgh before heading across the state to surprise his teammates.
It’s his first game since Jan. 5, when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphom/ Lemiuex gets an ovation from the rival Philadelphia Flyers and manages to score a goal. However, the Flyers get the last laugh in a 5-4 victory over their Keystone State rivals.
Other Notable Events
1918: Montreal Canadiens forward Joe Malone goes scoreless to end the season, but wins the league’s scoring title. Malone’s 44 goals in 22 games stands until Maurice Richard gets 50 goals in 1944-45.
1966: Chicago Blackhawks forward Bobby Hull becomes the league’s first two-time 50-goal scorer. He matches his 1961-62 mark in a 5-4 win over the Detroit Red Wings.
Jean Beliveau moves into third on the all-time scoring list with his 380th career goal. He passes Ted Lindsay in a 3-3 tie with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
1969: Boston Bruins forward Phil Esposito has the first 100-point season in a 4-0 win over Pittsburgh. He scores twice to reach the century mark in points.
1972: Bobby Orr is the first player to have three 100-point seasons as Boston gets an assist in a 7-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks.
1976: New York Islanders rookie Bryan Trottier gets rookie records in assists and points in 2-1 win over the California Seals.
1991: St. Louis Blues forward Brett Hull becomes a 70-goal scorer in a 4-4 tie with the Flyers.
1993: Winnipeg Jets winger Teemu Selanne clinches the rookie record for most goals in a season. The Finn breaks Mike Bossy‘s record with his 54th goal of the season. However, the Quebec Nordiques rally for a 7-4 victory over the hosts.
2000: The Canucks Mark Messier gets to 1,700 points with a goal in a 3-1 win over the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
2018: New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist makes at least 50 saves in consecutive games in a 3-1 win over the Calgary Flames.
2019: The Tampa Bay Lightning get to 50 wins in a 5-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. Tampa Bay reaches the mark in 66 games.
Happy Birthday to You
1922: Bill Quackenbush
1942: Claude Larose
1954: Eddie Johnstone
1968: Darren Turcotte
1971: Roman Cechmanek
1978: Tomas Kaberle
1982: Henrik Lundqvist
1983: Jay McClement
1984: Jonathan Ericsson
1990: Michael Hutchinson
1992: Charlie Coyle
1995: Max Domi
