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 April 11th, featuring Ron Hextall.
Today in Hockey History
Ron Hextall Scores in Post-Season
1989: The Philadelphia Flyers netminder is the first goalie to score in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Hextall sends the puck the length of the ice and scores with 1:02 left. Philadelphia would beat the Washington Capitals 8-5 to wrap up the Patrick Division semifinal series. He became the first goalie to score in the regular season and post-season.
The Flyers would stun the Capitals and win the best-of-seven series over the division champions. Philadelphia would fall in a contentious Eastern Conference final against the Montreal Canadiens.
Other Notable Events
1936: The Detroit Red Wings win their first Stanley Cup as they beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 in Game 4. Pete Kelly scores the winner to take the best-of-five series.
1971: Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins is the first defenceman since 1922 to score a hat trick in the playoffs. Orr helps Boston beat Montreal, 4-2, in Game 4 of the quarterfinals.
1975: J.P. Parise scores 11 seconds into overtime as the New York Islanders stun the New York Rangers 4-3 in the deciding game of the Preliminary Round.
1980: Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull both play their final NHL games as the Hartford Whalers lose 4-3 in OT to Montreal.
1996: Sandy Moger scores in the third period to secure a 3-2 win for Boston over Hartford. The goal helps the Bruins clinch a playoff spot for the 29th straight year. It is still a record in major pro sports.
1997: Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins gets his 50th goal for the sixth time in his career. “Super Mario” beats John Vanbiesbrouck on a penalty shot in the Pens’ 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers.
2002: Roger Neilson is the first coach to be behind the bench of eight teams in a 4-0 win for the Ottawa Senators over Boston.
2018: The Vegas Golden Knights win their first playoff game as they beat the Los Angeles Kings, 1-0. The Winnipeg Jets also win their first game since their return with a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild.
Happy Birthday to You
1949: John Gould
1958: Jim Nill
1959: Pierre Lacroix
1970: Trevor Linden
1978: Ben Clymer
1981: Alexandre Burrows
