{"id":76789,"date":"2020-05-30T09:30:46","date_gmt":"2020-05-30T13:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=76789"},"modified":"2025-12-01T20:21:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T01:21:18","slug":"today-in-hockey-history-2017-18-washington-capitals-win-first-cup-game-ever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2020\/05\/30\/today-in-hockey-history-2017-18-washington-capitals-win-first-cup-game-ever\/","title":{"rendered":"Today in Hockey History: 2017-18 Washington Capitals Win First Cup Game Ever"},"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 30th, featuring the 2017-18 <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/capitals\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Washington Capitals<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Today in Hockey History<\/h2>\n<h3>2017-18 Washington Capitals Win First Stanley Cup Game<\/h3>\n<p><strong>2018: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/orpikbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brooks Orpik<\/a><\/strong> scores the eventual game-winner as the Caps win their first Stanley Cup Final game in franchise history. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/ellerla01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lars Eller<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/ovechal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Ovechkin<\/a><\/strong> score goals in the 3-2 win over the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/knights\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> in Game 2. Goalie <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/holtbbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Braden Holtby<\/a><\/strong> made a spectacular save on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tuchal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Tuch<\/a><\/strong> with 1:59 left to preserve the win.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k2vo4IH7jcw\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Washington ties the best-of-seven series at one game each. The Capitals were swept in their previous Stanley Cup Final appearance. Washington lost four straight games to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/red-wings\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Detroit Red Wings<\/a> in the 1998 Stanley Cup Final.<\/p>\n<h3>Other Notable Events<\/h3>\n<p><strong>1968:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/blues\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">St. Louis Blues<\/a> head coach <strong>Scotty Bowman<\/strong> is given the additional title of general manager. The 34-year-old replaces<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/patrily01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lynn Patrick<\/a><\/strong> in that role.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1979:<\/strong> Former<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/bruins\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Boston Bruins<\/a> head coach <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/cherrdo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Don Cherry<\/a><\/strong> is named to the same position with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/devils\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colorado Rockies<\/a>. Boston fired him just a week earlier.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1985: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kurrija01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jari Kurri<\/a><\/strong> scores his 19th post-season goal of the season for the Edmonton Oilers. Kurri ties <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/leachre01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Reggie Leach<\/a><\/strong>&#8216;s record as the Oilers down the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/flyers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Philadelphia Flyers<\/a>, 8-3, in Game 5. The win helps Edmonton win its second straight Stanley Cup and <strong><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> gets the Conn Smythe.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1998: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/berubcr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Craig Berube<\/a><\/strong> scores his first post-season goal in his 12-year career. Berube helps Washington beat the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/sabres\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a>, 2-0, in Game 4 of the Eastern final. It&#8217;s the 59th career playoff game for Berube.<\/p>\n<p><strong>1999: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/drurych01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Drury<\/a><\/strong> ties a rookie playoff record with his fourth game-winning goal as the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/avalanche\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a> win Game 4 of the Western Conference Final. Drury helps Colorado beat the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/stars\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dallas Stars,<\/a> 7-5, and <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> is the first goalie to win 40 games with two teams.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2000: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/daneyke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ken Daneyko<\/a><\/strong> scores his first playoff goal since 1995 in the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/devils\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New Jersey Devils<\/a> 7-3 Game 1 win over Dallas. The defenceman played in all 126 post-season games in team history.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2012: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kopitan01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anze Kopitar<\/a><\/strong> scores on a breakaway to give the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/kings\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Los Angeles Kings<\/a> a 2-1 Game 1 win in overtime over New Jersey. It&#8217;s the ninth straight win on the road for the Kings.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2016: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/boninni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nick Bonino<\/a><\/strong> scores with 2:33 left in regulation as the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/penguins\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> beat the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/sharks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">San Jose Sharks<\/a>. Bonino&#8217;s goal helps the Pens take Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, 3-2, over the Sharks.<\/p>\n<h3>Happy Birthday to You<\/h3>\n<p><strong>1940: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/villegi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gilles Villemure<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1952: Kerry Fraser<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1971: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/slegrji01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jiri Slegr<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>1994: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/laughsc01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scott Laughton<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"getty embed image\" style=\"background-color: #fff; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto,sans-serif; color: #a7a7a7; font-size: 11px; width: 100%; max-width: 594px;\">\n<div style=\"padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/963957496\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"overflow: hidden; position: relative; height: 0; padding: 70.03367% 0 0 0; width: 100%;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: inline-block; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0;\" src=\"\/\/embed.gettyimages.com\/embed\/963957496?et=RgfEQQ_ZTwRd9oWpK73qOg&amp;tld=ca&amp;sig=sj2jUV7zCV0lrQw9WHu5LwJL6K-9NNG5gi8Q51Otys4=&amp;caption=true&amp;ver=1\" width=\"594\" height=\"416\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\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 30th, featuring the 2017-18 Washington [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":76792,"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":[8245,4547,4548,6331,15],"tags":[3392,390,589,1657,375,3534,2206,3027,2669,1389,605],"class_list":["post-76789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-history","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-today-in-hockey-history","category-capitals","tag-2018-stanley-cup","tag-anze-kopitar","tag-braden-holtby","tag-chris-drury","tag-craig-berube","tag-hockey-history","tag-jari-kurri","tag-jiri-slegr","tag-kerry-fraser","tag-nick-bonino","tag-scott-laughton"],"modified_by":"Michael Kovacs, ADMIN","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76789","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=76789"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76789\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":479069,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/76789\/revisions\/479069"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/76792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=76789"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=76789"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=76789"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}