{"id":76263,"date":"2020-05-25T09:30:31","date_gmt":"2020-05-25T13:30:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=76263"},"modified":"2025-12-01T20:18:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T01:18:47","slug":"today-in-hockey-history-mark-messier-delivers-for-new-york-rangers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2020\/05\/25\/today-in-hockey-history-mark-messier-delivers-for-new-york-rangers\/","title":{"rendered":"Today in Hockey History: Mark Messier Delivers for New York Rangers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>During the NHL\u2019s hiatus, we at the Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date\u2019s historical significance to the game. We\u2019ll 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 May 25th, featuring <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/messima01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Messier<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>Today in Hockey History<\/h2>\n<h3>Mark Messier Delivers on Game 6 Guarantee<\/h3>\n<p><strong>1994:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/rangers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New York Rangers<\/a> centre follows through a promise to beat the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/devils\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New Jersey Devils<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/viIVXg0AhOI\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>New York rallies from 2-0 down after Messier sets up <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kovalal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Kovalev<\/a><\/strong>. 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 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mattest01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stephane Matteau<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Other Notable Events<\/h3>\n<p><strong>1978: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/trembma02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mario Tremblay<\/a><\/strong> scores twice as the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/canadiens\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a> beat the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/bruins\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boston Bruins<\/a>, 4-1, to win the Stanley Cup. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/drydeke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ken Dryden<\/a><\/strong> makes 15 saves to win Game 6 and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/robinla01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Larry Robinson<\/a><\/strong> wins the Conn Smythe.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1985: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gretzwa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wayne Gretzky<\/a><\/strong> scores three first-period goals as the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/oilers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Edmonton Oilers<\/a> win Game 3 of the Final, 4-3. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/krushmi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Mike Krushelnyski<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0gets the game-winner as the Oilers hold off the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/flyers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Philadelphia Flyers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1989: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gilmodo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Doug Gilmour<\/a><\/strong> scores twice as the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/flames\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Calgary Flames<\/a> win their first Stanley Cup with a 4-2 Game 6 win. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdonla01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lanny McDonald<\/a><\/strong> finishes his career with a championship as Calgary tops Montreal.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1991: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lemiema01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mario Lemieux<\/a><\/strong> gets a goal and three assists as the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/penguins\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> win their first Stanley Cup. Lemieux wins the Conn Smythe as Pittsburgh routs the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/stars\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Minnesota North Stars<\/a>, 8-0, in Game 6.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1998:<\/strong> Bill Clinton is the first sitting American president to watch an NHL playoff game. He watches the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/capitals\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Washington Capitals<\/a> beat the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/sabres\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a>, 3-2, in overtime of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2002: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/roypa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patrick Roy<\/a><\/strong> plays in his 237th career post-season game in the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/avalanche\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colorado Avalanche&#8217;<\/a>s 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Roy stops 31 shots as he tops Messier for most playoff games.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2015: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/belesma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matt Beleskey<\/a><\/strong> scores 45 seconds into overtime as the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/ducks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Anaheim Ducks<\/a> hold off the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/blackhawks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicago Blackhawks<\/a>. His goal leads the Ducks to 5-4 win in Game 5 of the Western final.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2016:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/sharks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">San Jose Sharks<\/a> reach their first final with a 5-2 Game 6 win over the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/blues\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">St. Louis Blues<\/a>.<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wardjo02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joel Ward<\/a><\/strong> scores twice to push their Sharks to their first final.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2017: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kunitch01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Kunitz<\/a><\/strong> scores in double overtime as the Penguins beat the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/senators\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ottawa Senators<\/a>, 3-2, in Game 7 of the Eastern Final.<\/p>\n<h3>Happy Birthday to You<\/h3>\n<p><strong>1894: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mackami01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mickey MacKay<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1957: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/picarro02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Robert Picard<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1959: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wamslri01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rick Wamsley<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1962: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nattrri01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ric Nattress<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1964: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/shawda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Shaw<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1984: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/brodzky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kyle Brodziak<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1994: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/murrama02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matt Murray<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1996: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pastrda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Pastrnak<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/11\/2019\/07\/Messier.jpg\" alt=\"Mark Messier Celebrates for New York Rangers\" width=\"594\" height=\"393\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>During the NHL\u2019s hiatus, we at the Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date\u2019s historical significance to the game. We\u2019ll 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 May 25th, featuring Mark Messier. Today [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":53146,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[14,8245,6331],"tags":[903,762,1784,3534,2534,746,1086,1041,478,2185,590],"class_list":["post-76263","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rangers","category-history","category-today-in-hockey-history","tag-chris-kunitz","tag-david-pastrnak","tag-doug-gilmour","tag-hockey-history","tag-joel-ward","tag-kyle-brodziak","tag-mario-lemieux","tag-mark-messier","tag-matt-murray","tag-patrick-roy","tag-wayne-gretzky"],"modified_by":"Michael Kovacs, ADMIN","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76263","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=76263"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76263\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":479009,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76263\/revisions\/479009"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/53146"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=76263"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=76263"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=76263"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}