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 16th, featuring Dale Hunter.
Today in Hockey History
Dale Hunter Completes Capitals Comeback
1988: The Washington Capitals forward scores 5:57 into overtime as they rally to complete one of the best comebacks in post-season history. Hunter’s goal caps a 5-4 overtime win over the Philadelphia Flyers. The Caps would advance after taking Game 7 of the Patrick Division semifinal.
Washington trailed in the series 3-1 before rallying. The Caps were down 3-0 before storming back and winning the game and the series. Then-Capitals general manager David Poile calls it “the most important win ever for this team.” The New Jersey Devils would eliminate Washington in six games in the Patrick Division final.
Other Notable Events
1939: Roy Conacher scores as the Boston Bruins win their second Stanley Cup with a 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 5. Conacher is the first to score three straight game-winning goals in the playoffs.
1949: Toronto becomes the first modern dynasty with its third straight Stanley Cup. Turk Broda only allows five goals in four games as the Leafs beat the Detroit Red Wings, 3-1, in Game 5.
1954: Tony Leswick‘s OT goal at 4:29 helps Detroit beat the Montreal Canadiens, 2-1, in Game 7 of the Final.
1961: The Chicago Blackhawks win their first title in 23 years with a 5-1 win over Detroit.
1991: Esa Tikkanen scores a hat trick as the Edmonton Oilers beat the Calgary Flames. The Finn gets the OT-winner in the 5-4 victory in Game 7 of the Smythe semis.
1992: Brett Hull is the first to score 70 goals in three straight seasons. The St. Louis Blues beat the Minnesota North Stars, 5-3.
1997: The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim win their first playoff game in franchise history with a 4-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes. Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne each score two goals for the Ducks
2003: Ed Belfour‘s 72 saves aren’t enough as the Flyers beat the Maple Leafs, 3-2, in overtime.
2014: Brandon Sutter breaks a tie in the third period as the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sutter is the seventh member of his family to score a game-winner in the post-season.
2015: The Winnipeg Jets play their first playoff game since relocating from Atlanta. However, the Jets would lose 4-2 to Anaheim.
Happy Birthday to You
1954: Mike Zuke
1963: Garry Galley
1978: Boyd Devereaux
1988: Kyle Okposo
1993: Markus Granlund
