On This Date in Stanley Cup Playoffs History: April 16, 1954

Published: 16^th Apr 12 4:50 pm

by Steve Palumbo
NJ Devils & Five Hole Dive Featured Writer

RANT It!

On This Date in Stanley Cup Playoffs History: April 16, 1954

1953-54 Detroit Red Wings

On April 16, 1954 the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings went head-to-head in game-seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. It was just the second time in finals history that a game-seven would be decided in overtime.

The Candiens were the defending Stanley Cup champions, making their fourth consecutive Finals appearance and the Wings were making their third appearance since 1950.

Detroit was ready to reclaim their seat atop the NHL’s pinnacle.

The road team won four of the first six games in the series, which seemed to bode well for the visiting Canadiens, who were heading into hostile territory for game seven.

The two iconic franchises traded goals, but the game could not be decided in regulation. It was just the second time in Stanley Cup Finals history that a game-seven would head to overtime.

It didn’t take long for a winner to be crowned. Detroit’s Tony Leswick fired a shot that deflected off Montreal defenseman Doug Harvey’s glove and into the net at 4:20 of the extra period. The Red Wings won the game 2-1 and the series, 4-3.

The Canadiens players must have been either embarrassed of infuriated because they quickly skated off the ice, skipping the traditional post-series handshake.

Coincidentally, the Red Wings were also the first team to win the Cup in such a manner. Pete Babando scored a game-seven OT winner against the New York Rangers back in 1950.

It was the sixth Stanley Cup title in Red Wings history to that point. Since then, the franchise has gone on to hoist the “silver chalice” five more times.

And as of today, the Stanley Cup finals have gone to seven-games, 15 times and none have gone to overtime since that dramatic series back in 1954.

Follow me on Twitter! @StevePalumboNHL

Email me at [email protected]

Connect with Rant Sports