This Day in Hockey History

1997 - Brodeur scores postseason goal

In a 28-save effort in Game 1 of a playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur added some insurance for his team by becoming only the second goaltender in NHL history to score in the postseason.

Ron Hextall of the Philadelphia Flyers was the first to achieve the feat; his goal came against the Washington Capitals in 1989.

1996 - Vanbiesbrouck leads Panthers to 1st playoff win

In just their third season in the NHL, the Florida Panthers earned their first playoff berth in franchise history. The Panthers hosted Game 1 of their opening round series against the Boston Bruins, winning 6-3 on the strength of 42 saves on 45 shots by goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck. Forward Ray Sheppard led the way offensively with two goals and an assist.

The Panthers would go on beat the Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins en route to an unlikely Stanley Cup finals, where they were swept in four games by the Colorado Avalanche. They likely would not have gotten there without Vanbiesbrouck, who posted a save percentage of .932 in 22 games, topping Cup champion Patrick Roy's mark of .921.

1983 - Gretzky sets record for most points in a playoff game

Wayne Gretzky recorded four goals and three assists in a 10-2 win for the Edmonton Oilers over the rival Calgary Flames, setting a record for most points in a single playoff game.

Unlike many of his other records, this one was eventually eclipsed; Patrik Sundstrom of the Devils registered eight points (three goals, five assists) in a playoff game against the Washington Capitals in 1988, while Mario Lemieux matched the new record with five goals and three assists against the Flyers in 1989.

Birthdays

1943 - Dennis Hextall

1951 - Borje Salming

1979 - Eric Brewer

1982 - Brad Boyes