This Day in Hockey History

1998 - John Cullen returns after fight with cancer

Tampa Bay Lightning forward John Cullen returns to the ice in an exhibition game against the Buffalo Sabres just 18 months after a cancer diagnosis forces him from the sport. 

The 34-year-old scores the winning goal in a 3-1 victory and explains how he soaked in the moment. 

"When I got back to the bench and they announced my name as the goal scorer, I thought about all I'd been through over the past year and a half," he explains to the New York Times. "I sat there in disbelief. So many other people like me don't get that second chance."

Cullen only plays in four games for the Lightning that season, but earns the Bill Masterson Trophy for his perseverance and dedication to the sport.

1967 - Los Angeles Kings play first game in franchise history

The expansion Los Angeles Kings drop their first game on NHL ice, losing a 7-3 exhibition contest to the Minnesota North Stars.

Brian Kilrea scores the franchise's first goal, while Eddie Joyal nets a pair of assists.

Birthdays

1950 - Darryl Sittler
1956 - Peter Stastny
1959 - Kelly Kisio
1981 - Lasse Kukkonen
1983 - Peter Budaj