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 25th, featuring Mark Messier.
Today in Hockey History
Mark Messier Delivers on Game 6 Guarantee
1994: The New York Rangers centre follows through a promise to beat the New Jersey Devils in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final. Messier scores a hat trick to give the Rangers a 4-2 win at the Meadowlands. The captain told reporters that the Rangers would force Game 7 with a win.
New York rallies from 2-0 down after Messier sets up Alex Kovalev. Messier then scores the next three goals to get the Rangers one game from their first final since 1979. The Rangers would win Game 7 thanks to Stephane Matteau.
Other Notable Events
1978: Mario Tremblay scores twice as the Montreal Canadiens beat the Boston Bruins, 4-1, to win the Stanley Cup. Ken Dryden makes 15 saves to win Game 6 and Larry Robinson wins the Conn Smythe.
1985: Wayne Gretzky scores three first-period goals as the Edmonton Oilers win Game 3 of the Final, 4-3. Mike Krushelnyski gets the game-winner as the Oilers hold off the Philadelphia Flyers.
1989: Doug Gilmour scores twice as the Calgary Flames win their first Stanley Cup with a 4-2 Game 6 win. Lanny McDonald finishes his career with a championship as Calgary tops Montreal.
1991: Mario Lemieux gets a goal and three assists as the Pittsburgh Penguins win their first Stanley Cup. Lemieux wins the Conn Smythe as Pittsburgh routs the Minnesota North Stars, 8-0, in Game 6.
1998: Bill Clinton is the first sitting American president to watch an NHL playoff game. He watches the Washington Capitals beat the Buffalo Sabres, 3-2, in overtime of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final.
2002: Patrick Roy plays in his 237th career post-season game in the Colorado Avalanche’s 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Roy stops 31 shots as he tops Messier for most playoff games.
2015: Matt Beleskey scores 45 seconds into overtime as the Anaheim Ducks hold off the Chicago Blackhawks. His goal leads the Ducks to 5-4 win in Game 5 of the Western final.
2016: The San Jose Sharks reach their first final with a 5-2 Game 6 win over the St. Louis Blues. Joel Ward scores twice to push their Sharks to their first final.
2017: Chris Kunitz scores in double overtime as the Penguins beat the Ottawa Senators, 3-2, in Game 7 of the Eastern Final.
Happy Birthday to You
1894: Mickey MacKay
1957: Robert Picard
1959: Rick Wamsley
1962: Ric Nattress
1964: David Shaw
1984: Kyle Brodziak
1994: Matt Murray
1996: David Pastrnak
