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 3rd, featuring Martin Gelinas.
Today in Hockey History
Martin Gelinas Ends Third Career Series in OT
2004: The Calgary Flames forward scores 19:13 into overtime to eliminate the Detroit Red Wings. Gelinas is the first player to wrap up three post-season series in overtime. Calgary beats Detroit, 1-0, to book a place in the Western Conference Final. Miikka Kiprusoff makes 35 saves to keep the Wings off the scoreboard.
Gelinas knocked off the Vancouver Canucks in the previous round for his second OT-series clincher. He also netted the series decider while with the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 6 of the 2002 Eastern Conference Final. His goal helped the Hurricanes beat the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Other Notable Events
1968: The St. Louis Blues are the first expansion to reach the Stanley Cup Final. Ron Schock scores in the second overtime to get a 2-1 win Game 7 over the Minnesota North Stars.
1970: John Bucyk‘s hat trick lifts the Boston Bruins to a 6-1 win over St. Louis. Boston would win Game 1 and go on to sweep the Stanley Cup Final in four games.
1973: Henri Richard plays in 165th playoff game for the Montreal Canadiens. Richard beat Red Kelly‘s record for most post-season games played. The Habs win Game 3 over the Chicago Blackhakws, 7-4.
1979: Jean Ratelle scores three goals as the Bruins beat the Canadiens, 4-3, in overtime. It’s the only post-season hat trick for Rattelle as the B’s take Game 4 of the semifinals.
1983: Mike Bossy‘s three goals lead the New York Islanders to an 8-3 win over Boston. The Isles win Game 4 of the Wales Conference Final. Rick Middleton scores on the power-play to get 30 post-season points in a season.
1995: Jaromir Jagr is the first European-born and trained player to win a scoring title. Jagr has an assist in the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Jagr and Eric Lindros tie with 70 points in the 48-game season. However, Jagr has more goals and wins the Art Ross Trophy
1997: Goalies Garth Snow and Steve Shields have a wild brawl as the Flyers beat the Buffalo Sabres, 5-3, in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semis.
2002: Kevin Weekes makes 25 saves for his second straight shutout. Carolina beats Montreal, 2-0.
2014: The Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings meet for the first time in the playoffs. Marian Gaborik gets the tying and winning goals in the Ducks 3-2 overtime win.
Happy Birthday to You
1881: Joe Hall
1953: Bob Dailey
1957: Rod Langway; Alain Cote
1964: Ron Hextall
1972: Vyacheslav Kozlov
1976: Jeff Halpern
1982: R.J. Umberger
