{"id":73322,"date":"2020-04-16T09:15:15","date_gmt":"2020-04-16T13:15:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=73322"},"modified":"2025-12-01T20:19:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T01:19:14","slug":"today-in-hockey-history-dale-hunter-rallies-washington-capitals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2020\/04\/16\/today-in-hockey-history-dale-hunter-rallies-washington-capitals\/","title":{"rendered":"Today in Hockey History: Dale Hunter Rallies Washington Capitals"},"content":{"rendered":"

During the NHL\u2019s hiatus, we at the Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date\u2019s historical <\/span>significance<\/span> to the game. We\u2019ll <\/span>remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here\u2019s our look at this date in hockey history for April 16th, featuring Dale Hunter<\/a><\/strong>.
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Today in Hockey History<\/h3>\n

Dale Hunter<\/a> Completes Capitals Comeback<\/h3>\n

1988:<\/strong> The Washington Capitals<\/a> 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<\/a>. The Caps would advance after taking Game 7 of the Patrick Division semifinal.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> would eliminate Washington in six games in the Patrick Division final.<\/p>\n

Other Notable Events<\/h3>\n

1939: Roy Conacher<\/a><\/strong> scores as the Boston Bruins<\/a> win their second Stanley Cup with a 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> in Game 5. Conacher is the first to score three straight game-winning goals in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

1949: Toronto becomes the first modern dynasty with its third straight Stanley Cup. Turk Broda<\/a><\/strong> only allows five goals in four games as the Leafs beat the Detroit Red Wings<\/a>, 3-1, in Game 5.<\/p>\n

1954: Tony Leswick<\/a><\/strong>‘s OT goal at 4:29 helps Detroit beat the Montreal Canadiens<\/a>, 2-1, in Game 7 of the Final.<\/p>\n

1961:<\/strong> The Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> win their first title in 23 years with a 5-1 win over Detroit.<\/p>\n

1991: Esa Tikkanen<\/a><\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

1992: Brett Hull<\/a><\/strong> is the first to score 70 goals in three straight seasons. The St. Louis Blues beat the Minnesota North Stars, 5-3.<\/p>\n

1997:<\/strong> The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim<\/a> win their first playoff game in franchise history with a 4-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes. Paul Kariya<\/a><\/span> <\/strong>and Teemu Selanne<\/a><\/span> <\/strong>each score two goals for the Ducks<\/p>\n

2003: Ed Belfour<\/a><\/strong>‘s 72 saves aren’t enough as the Flyers beat the Maple Leafs, 3-2, in overtime.<\/p>\n

2014: Brandon Sutter<\/a><\/strong> breaks a tie in the third period as the Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> beat the Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>. Sutter is the seventh member of his family to score a game-winner in the post-season.<\/p>\n

2015:<\/strong> The Winnipeg Jets<\/a> play their first playoff game since relocating from Atlanta. However, the Jets would lose 4-2 to Anaheim.<\/p>\n

Happy Birthday to You<\/h3>\n

1954: Mike Zuke<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1963: Garry Galley<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1978: Boyd Devereaux<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1988: Kyle Okposo<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1993: Markus Granlund<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n