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 May 1st, featuring Jean Beliveau.
Today in Hockey History
Jean Beliveau Wins First Conn Smythe Trophy
1965: The Montreal Canadiens great wins the inaugural award for post-season MVP. He records 16 points in the Stanley Cup playoffs as the Habs win 4-0 in Game 7 over the Chicago Blackhawks. Beliveau scores the fastest game-winning goal to win a Cup Final in 14 seconds. He assists on Dick Duff‘s goal that helps seal the crown.
Yvan Cournoyer and Henri Richard add goals while Gump Worsley makes 20 saves to get the shutout. Worsley is the second goalie to get a shutout in a Game 7. It’s the first Stanley Cup for Montreal since 1960.
Other Notable Events
1980: Bob Nystrom scores 1:20 in double overtime as the New York Islanders win a record seventh straight road post-season game. It’s the third of four OT-goals in the playoffs for Nystrom as the Isles beat the Buffalo Sabres, 2-1.
1992: The New York Rangers win their first Game 7 in franchise history with an 8-4 win over the New Jersey Devils. Adam Graves scores two goals and two assists in the clincher of the Patrick Division semifinals.
Pat LaFontaine is the player in league history to score a goal in his team’s first seven playoff games. The Sabres lose 3-2 to the Boston Bruins in Game 7 of the Adams Division semifinals.
1993: Nikolai Borschevsky is the second player to score his first playoff goal in overtime of Game 7. His goal leads the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in the Norris semifinals.
1995: The Canadiens miss the playoffs for the first time in 25 years after a 2-0 loss to the Sabres. Dominik Hasek makes 32 saves and both Richard Smehlik and Alexander Mogilny get goals.
2004: Joe Sakic scores in overtime of a 2-1 win by the Colorado Avalanche over the San Jose Sharks. Sakic ties Maurice Richard with his sixth OT goal in the playoffs.
2008: Johan Franzen‘s hat trick guides the Red Wings to an 8-2 over the Avalanche. Franzen breaks a team record for goals in a series with nine.
2009: The Red Wings start a record 18th straight series at home with a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Nicklas Lidstrom gets a goal and two assists in the win.
2018: Alex Ovechkin scores with 1:07 left in regulation as the Washington Capitals beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, 3-2.
Happy Birthday to You
1947: Jim Lorentz
1961: Clint Malarchuk
1969: Bryan Marchment
1984: Patrick Eaves; David Backes
1994: Jaccob Slavin
1996: William Nylander
