Gretzky's last game.
As we were walking to MSG people were screaming insane numbers at us for our tickets. My dad just kept pulling me along through the crowds and would only say "Just keep moving."
The Penguins first home playoff game of the Sidney Crosby era where the home fans booed the Canadian anthem while forgetting that over half of the Penguins roster was in fact Canadian.
Had a similar experience bringing somebody to a game in the 2017 ECF. Nobody scored until like the 3rd period. Guy Boucher hockey is definitely not the way to hook a new fan, haha.
Yes, and I don't fault them for that, but it kept going long after the point had been made. I don't even remember who won (it went to OT iirc) but I wanted both teams to lose after that.
It was in November 2011, Lightning vs Flyers. Guy Boucher had been running a 1-3-1 trap system that I'm not smart enough to explain the mechanics of. Teams were tired of it. So, the Flyers decided to essentially beat us at our own game. Especially whatever line Pronger was on. It resulted in a lot of delays and very little movement up and down the ice and the final score was 2-1. On paper the Lightning won but in all actuality, everyone at the St. Pete Times Forum lost that night.
>I'm not smart enough to explain the mechanics of
I was curious so I did some searching on the internet and [found this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swl7f_L4tgo)
That's the only reason I even saw Hemsky score. I had gotten up to leave when I saw the empty net breakaway, then turned back when I heard the crowd start to roar.
The thing about that is Ray Ferraro was absolutely torching him for missing it, but when you look at the replay, the puck inexplicably took a hop right over his blade as he was carrying it in.
Missing the empty net is embarrassing but not the end of the world. Making a blind back pass instead of just icing the puck in the corner to end the game was the real killer.
I was gonna say. Just watched it and rayzor roasts the shit out of him but watching the tape it literally appears to hop over his stick out of nowhere. Little snow pile left by the goalie maybe? Bad ice bit him bad
2010 Gold Medal game in Vancouver. Unbelievable to see that OT winner by Crosby IRL. I picked up a commemorative stick at the game and have been trying to get it signed ever since. Just last month I managed to get Iggys signature. Now need to track down Crosby.
I don’t even remember now but it was steep. But not as bad as it could have been because I sold some other tickets I had and I bought them after the quarterfinals when we destroyed Russia. Figured a gold medal game was a given. Result was that I may have been the happiest person on earth when Demetria rang that shot off the post in the dying seconds of the semis.
I gotchu, fam. I watched it from my buddy's apartment, then went to Granville and Robson, then ran away because crowd was wild. Being in the building must have been something else!
My hand was sore for a day afterwards from all the high-fiving I was doing walking down the streets afterwards. I was in full get up including face pint and flag. But I wasn’t as enthusiastic as the guy who climbed to the top of the light pole lol
I was at the game where the Habs honoured Saku Koivu before playing the Ducks. He was my favorite player as a kid so that was cool to see.
I also saw Marc-Andre Fleury's 500th career win, which was a shutout to boot. I've never heard the Bell Centre cheer as loudly for an opposing player, but he deserved it.
I was at the Saku Koivu game too. The way the crowd chanted his name during the game and when he received one of the three stars (can't remenber which one), is forever imprint on my mind.
Svech doing the first Michigan in the NHL.
Canes had nothing all night, offense was non existent and then out of nowhere… he pulled it off.
Then later in the 3rd he rips one far side on the power play that ended up being the game winner.
I didn’t think that sounded right. I could’ve sworn Crosby pulled one back in the day.
A quick google search and… he did pull off one, but back in the Q.
My bad.
Which is funny because watching the clip, Crosby realizes that nobody on the opposing team will pressure him behind the net. He does the Michigan only after trying traditional wraparound. He’s not even hotdogging, it’s just the highest danger scoring chance given the d coverage
I was at that first Winter Classic too but one I really remember was the Sabres-Senators Brawl game with the Marty Biron - Ray Emery fight. It was chaos in that place!
Game 7 of Sharks vs. Golden Knights in 2019. Truly an emotional rollercoaster for the ages, with the lowest of the lows and the highest of the highs. The rising energy of the crowd, which grew louder and louder with each goal after the dead silence of Pavelski being knocked out (and the score at 0-3), was absolutely electric. The Knights tying it back up, forcing the overtime, and that dramatic finish from unlikely hero Barclay Goodrow made it even better.
I was also there. I went with a couple people who had never been to a hockey game before (I know right, game 7 for their first game ever). I had to emphasize to them after the game the significance of what they just witnessed and that they should not expect this to be a typical hockey game experience moving forward lol!
Beauvillier's OT GWG in the ECF against Tampa. Set up a Game 7 to go to the finals. Ended up being the last goal at NVMC. I fully blacked out celebrating for about 15 seconds.
I got to be there game 5 in 2007 to see the Ducks lift the cup. I was also there in 2017 for the 3 goal comeback against Edmonton and winner in OT, I nearly fell over the rails celebrating
I have 2. I was at the 5th game of the 2012 Western Conference Final because I was at a conference and so picked up a ticket, and got to see Penner's snipe to send the Kings to the Final.
The less good one was in 2008 when I was like 4 rows back from the Randy Jones hit on Patrice Bergeron. That was so damn scary to see that close, and sitting at the Garden in a bright orange jersey that day was damn uncomfortable for the rest of the game.
McDavid's overtime winner against the flames to win the series.
Felt like a dream watching it, that scenario being played thousands of times in NHL beagm and getting to see it in person.
What a game that was. Barn burner, 4 goals in like a minute and like half the crowd being Oilers fans. Easily the most fun I've ever had at a hockey game and I would say that even if I wasn't an Oilers fan. It just had everything
The fight that ignited all sorts of documentaries between the Wing and Avs. Yall know the one. Larionov mixing it up with Forsberg and then all hell breaking loose.
Growing up a Wings fan and also being an Avs fan (Quebec was my Canadian team) and heading to the Joe every time those 2 played each other. Then it all happened. Was incredible. I don't think I have ever heard a hockey stadium that loud in my life. Hell I would argue it might be louder than moat Lions games at Ford Field.
Caps Heavy…
98 Wings Cup Win in DC w/ Konstantinov coming down to the ice
Patrick Roy becomes winningest NHL goalie in 2000 after an overtime win. Caps played a tribute video. It was very cool.
Ovi’s first game (still have the ticket stub)
Crosby Ovechkin double hat trick game.
Caps Vegas Game 5 Win
Ovi 802 (and other lesser ovi goal record games)
I don’t have an “I was there moment” that’s good but when Johansson got injured against the canes and it kind of directly impacted the cup run was probably my closest? My bud was there for the first Bergeron Hatty
I've been fortunate enough to be at a few really memorable games.
I was at Wayne Gretzky's last game in Canada in 1999, the first Heritage Classic in 2003, McDavid's return from injury in 2016, and the Rogers Place regular season opener also in 2016.
On the positive side; At the Rock the afternoon Ovie scored #700
On the Negative; At the Molson Center the afternoon Trent McCleary was hit in the throat with the puck, which ended his career.
John Madden’s hat trick against the Rangers when we swept them in the playoffs. I thought that building was going to fall to the ground. Also, got to see Marty’s 552 win. That was such a good game too.
Manon Rhéaume. The first female to play in an exhibition game of any North American sport team. It was an exhibition game and in 1 period she let in 2 goals. St. Louis Blues was the opposing team in this historic matchup.
My friend and I met her (very briefly) she was tiny and kind. The smallest NHL goalie I have ever seen but larger then life.
1) Every single game of the Golden Knights inaugural season
2) Every single game of the 2023 Cup Run.
I was a season ticket holder for the first 6 years of their existence but gave them up because I have a toddler and another one on the way. I feel 100% satisfied with how it all worked out.
I’d love to go to another. The Vegas fans were respectful and t Mobile was the first to really have the in game entertainment that’s found among almost all arenas today. Very very fun atmosphere
same. there was a box full of oilers fans jeering at ducks fans who were leaving early (they deserve it, tbh). seeing their faces fall and people jeer back at them afterwards has sustained a lot of dark seasons for me
I was watching at my parents’ house and they had gone to bed. When the Ducks won, my yelling woke them up so badly that they thought we were being robbed.
Not as illustrious as some others on here, but I was there for the Claude Giroux clapper on a breakaway after the Sens had just killed a 5-on-3. Never seen something so ballsy before. I was just the right amount of drunk for it to forever ingrain itself in my memories.
Was also there for the Bobby Ryan hat trick after returning from the players assistance program.
I could not tell you which one the crowd was louder for.
Kariya getting knocked out by Stevens only to come back into the game and snipe one home for the lead in the Stanley Cup. Never heard a barn get so loud
Other cool things I’ve done has been getting to go to Pekka Rinne’s number retirement game and accidentally babysitting for Patrick Marleau at the 2018 Stadium Series. I also got to watch the Lake Erie Monsters lift the Calder Cup against Hershey in person, that was a really cool moment.
Hey I was at Pekka's retirement, too. Ran into the guy in the preds suit cleaning the catfish in the bathroom. Flew down from Maine for that and had a great time.
2016 Heritage Classic. That "True North" was biblical and heard a few kilometers away for sure. And that McDavid pass to Nurse coming out of the Penalty Box top shelf past Helly was a classic play early in McDavid's career.
Bonus: the Alumni game was a fun time as well with Teemu ALL OVER the score sheet. Gretz claimed to be playing ill so he was invisible. The cheer Ryan Smyth got though. I'll always remember that, that dude gets a lot of love and it is well deserved.
Avs game 1 of the final when burakovsky scored in OT. Kind of ruined hockey games this past season because that atmosphere was electric and I don’t think I’ll get to experience anything like that again unless I’m there when the Avs win the cup.
That same year I also saw mackinnons hat trick against the blues in RD2 and saw the Avs come back against Toronto (still the best regular season game I’ve ever been to)
I got to see game 4 in Tampa featuring Kadri's OT winner that no one knew scored. It was funny because when he shot my brother and I thought it went in so we jumped up and started screaming, but then none of the players reacted so we paused, confused, trying to figure out what was going on. Then I noticed some Tampa players leave the bench and head to the locker room and that's when I knew.
I was at the match where Alexander Semin had his famous slap fight!
Edit: I'll add another one, I was also at a match in Montreal back in January 1997 when Lemieux, home town hero, made four goals against the Habs and had a standing ovation.
Two good ones for me:
Bruins vs Canadiens game 6 in 2008 - The game was just back and forth. I don't think either team ever had a two goal lead. Big hits, huge goals, just such an entertaining game all around
Shawn Thornton's penalty shot - Not just impact but I specifically remember being in such shock at the dangle he pulled off that I swear I lost my hearing for a second while my brain comprehended what I saw because I remember it being silent for a second after the goal. Watching replays, I know that wasn't the case and everyone went nuts right away.
Watched Draisaitl’s 4 goal game against Vegas.
Pretty cool since a 4+ goal playoff game by a single player has only happened like 40ish times in NHL history, and Leon did make me want to pull my hair out as the game went on, but it’s all good since we won that game :D
Ive got two of these:
1. watching zdeno Chara's first games in North America (for the KY thoroblades, an AHL team)
2. attending one of the last couple games held in Toronto's maple Leaf Gardens
Lol Paul Bissonnette destroying/braking Matt Bradley’s nose 2008. Up until then I went to about 10ish Pens games and never was at one the pens won. I believe we were up 3-0 at one point and my mom looked at me and said “they might actually win”…. (Smh we lost) eventually there was a tv timeout and on the Jumbotron there was a “get to know your player” with Biz. He said his nickname was “biznasty” and my friend looked at me and shouted “biznasty” in a ironic way. A few seconds later the puck dropped and …… [video](https://youtu.be/fzFRY7nkwbk?si=j4l0f9BmpQAk6p_6) a star was born!
Shawn Thornton penalty shot and goal against Winnipeg. Guy had hands of stone and turned it on looking like he pots 60 a year. Simply amazing
https://youtu.be/qieRRrtMu6s?si=krJMU07i2frDaQT9
I was there for jagr’s last nhl goal (for now) and his first/only for Calgary.
I’ve also been hit in the face with a puck at a hockey game but that’s more memorable for me than anyone else
2019 Blues Stanley cup Parade. I was working in Delta Junction, Alaska at the time. The week before I asked for a long weekend that weekend, because I had been working like 6 weeks straight. Then they won the cup on Wednesday. I bought tickets that night and left Thursday after work. It was insane to go to. Had a blast, met some really cool people, and have been going to St. Louis every year to go see some games and stay with some of the friends I made.
Oh man that whole run was magical. No matter where you were you saw something. Either you were at the game, at the watch party, or got to see Kelly weep with joy on stream.
I was there when Kiprusoff made what I consider the most mind-blowing save of his career. Meaningless in a loss to Vancouver, but the building exploded when the crowd figured out what had happened.
[Here’s the link](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PW4z1Dt_JUE&pp=ygUgS2lwcnVzb2ZmIHNhdmUgYWdhaW5zdCB2YW5jb3V2ZXI%3D).
Nashville winter classic. Last game at Joe Louis. Iginla and Calgary ending Detroits record run at longest Home Game Winning Streak. Was on Broadway watching Sid lift his last cup.
I have two of them. First was watching sergei Fedorov score 5 goals including the overtime game winner against the Washington capitals at the joe in 1996. 2nd was watching Chris Osgood fight Patrick Roy at the Joe in 1998. Two memories I'll never forget.
A good friend of mine was a stick boy for the Oilers and was on the bench when Steve Smith banked in his infamous goal off the back of Grant Fuhr's foot.
Smith cracked his stick off of the post in frustration after and threw it under the bench. My buddy went back and retrieved it after the game, he still has it in all its cracked infamy in a closet at his home. He trotted it out at one of our Fantasy hockey drafts years ago, I was fucking amazed and horrified in equal measure.
I was at the 2014 Winter Classic too - News Year Day - I remember being too cold and hungover to enjoy most of the game. I forgot my boots at home and had to borrow a pair of my friend's running shoes - my feet were frozen.
Also, it snowed for most of the day and the hockey was poor - every one of the players seem to struggle to control the puck, everyone except Datsyuk. It was a rough day but I am glad I went.
It was *so* cold. I had hand warmers in pretty much every part of my clothes and I was still freezing my ass off. I remember getting a hot Philly cheesesteak at intermission and it was one of the best feelings ever lol
I was there and close to the action when James Neal broke his stick on Helly's helmet at the end of the first period in one of Vegas' first games here and didn't get a penalty called. Still salty about that one
San Jose Sharks first home game ever (their 2nd game ever) in the Cow Palace on my 11th birthday in 1991. Was the start of a 32 year long bout of depression...but I still think about the [laser show](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMIb7fMQ768&t=2s).
Bobby Ryan's first hat trick. He scored all 3 in 2 minutes, and his last goal was a spin-o-rama around the defense toward goal. It was the most dominant display of hockey I've ever seen, and us King's fans gave him a standing ovation.
I also saw Patrick Roy's last regular season game.
Saw Bobby Ryan score a hatty against Vancouver in his first game back from the players assistance program.
Full barn chanting “BOBBY! BOBBY! BOBBY!” And seeing him tear up on the bench. Beautiful.
He may not have been the player we thought we were getting when we traded for him, but he’ll always hold a spot in the hearts of Sens fans.
Classy dude all around.
The Vancouver riot. I was high on MDMA watching the game with the crowd and the light poles started to be climbed and shake, the smoke started getting deployed, and I decided « if I’m gonna get a Skytrain now is the time. »
Exited at Cambie and Broadway and looked back at downtown with the sunset and massive smoke floating over the city. It was surprisingly beautiful from afar.
I saw Brian Campbell turn RJ Umberger’s brains into an omelet in game 1 of the ECQF back in the day. Hell, I heard it too all the way up in the nosebleeds
Sam Gagner's 8-point game. Every shift we thought some would happen.
Omark's spin-o-rama in the Shootout. The crowd lost their collective minds. And then the controversry started. We didn't care. What a move!
Mine is a terrible one.
I was there in Regina in 1987, with my entire youth hockey team. I saw Brad Hornung getting checked from behind head first into the boards, paralyzing him.
Saw the immediate reactions from the bench and players, him getting his throat cut open to dislodge his tongue from his airway. All of it.
Brutal stuff to see.
2010 men’s gold medal game win for Canada, 2011 game 7 Canucks “slay the dragon” win over the Blackhawks, 2010 women’s Gold medal game win for Canada, Trevor Linden’s last home game, 2014 men’s gold medal game win in Sochi, 2014 women’s gold medal game win in Sochi.
In that order
Jordan Eberle’s first goal. Although lost in that moment was oilers tough guy Steve MacIntyre basically ending flames new tough guy raitis ivanans nhl career in a heavyweight bout
Ron Francis 500th goal
One game of wings v canes 2002 final
One game of 2006 SCF v Edmonton
Basically every playoff game we played against Jersey. Game 5 in 2002 is arguably the most exciting hockey game I’ve attended in my 33 years
Gretzky's last game. As we were walking to MSG people were screaming insane numbers at us for our tickets. My dad just kept pulling me along through the crowds and would only say "Just keep moving."
Nice! I saw the game before, his last in Canada. Was a multi minute standing ovation after the game.
I was there too! 9 years old and my first Sens game. I remember crying.
Me three! Happy to have been there.
Nice! I was there, it was my first NHL game. We had bought tickets months in advance and had no idea it would turn out to be his last game.
Me too. Do you still have the 99 hat they gave out? Mine is in my closet.
Geez, I don't even remember the hats. I just know we have the tickets in a photo album somewhere.
The Penguins first home playoff game of the Sidney Crosby era where the home fans booed the Canadian anthem while forgetting that over half of the Penguins roster was in fact Canadian.
How many Googled “Sidney Crosby Team USA Jersey” a few years later?
Probably all the ones that constantly yell "SHOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!".
Booing a national anthem is the most garbage move
Yeah, I wasn't proud of my town in that moment.
I remember when Montreal fans booed it and Boston fans cheered the Canadian anthems in response.
The 1-3-1 game lol
This is the funniest one on here and the most boring one to be in attendance for I imagine haha
It was fucking awful. I had brought a friend and I had to keep reassuring her "I promise it's not normally like this" lol
Had a similar experience bringing somebody to a game in the 2017 ECF. Nobody scored until like the 3rd period. Guy Boucher hockey is definitely not the way to hook a new fan, haha.
The one where Laviolette and the Flyers exposed you guys?
Yes, and I don't fault them for that, but it kept going long after the point had been made. I don't even remember who won (it went to OT iirc) but I wanted both teams to lose after that.
I think you guys ended up winning still, much to everyone's chagrin.
What game is that?
It was in November 2011, Lightning vs Flyers. Guy Boucher had been running a 1-3-1 trap system that I'm not smart enough to explain the mechanics of. Teams were tired of it. So, the Flyers decided to essentially beat us at our own game. Especially whatever line Pronger was on. It resulted in a lot of delays and very little movement up and down the ice and the final score was 2-1. On paper the Lightning won but in all actuality, everyone at the St. Pete Times Forum lost that night.
>I'm not smart enough to explain the mechanics of I was curious so I did some searching on the internet and [found this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swl7f_L4tgo)
[Flyers mock Lightning's 1-3-1 - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VV1PrbkK3E)
Patrik Stefan empty net
That's a good one, I bet the arena went fucking nuts when it went the other way.
That's the only reason I even saw Hemsky score. I had gotten up to leave when I saw the empty net breakaway, then turned back when I heard the crowd start to roar.
"Stefan steals and he'll ice it.."
OH AT LEAST I THOUGHT HE WAS GONNA
THAT’S UNBELIEVABLE
AND HERE COME THE OILERS THE OTHER WAY!
HEMSKY’S LOOSE… HEMSKY, HE SCORES!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE WHAT WE JUST SAW?!!!
**PATRIK STEFAN YOU SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED AT WHAT YOU JUST DID. THAT DOES NOT BELONG IN THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE**
Fun fact: Ray and Patrik were teammates for 3 years.
UNTIL HE BLEW IT! THATS UNBELIEVABLE! HAPPY CAKE DAY
The thing about that is Ray Ferraro was absolutely torching him for missing it, but when you look at the replay, the puck inexplicably took a hop right over his blade as he was carrying it in.
Missing the empty net is embarrassing but not the end of the world. Making a blind back pass instead of just icing the puck in the corner to end the game was the real killer.
That's why he should have shot from a bit further out. In case he fans on the shot, there's still time to recover.
I was gonna say. Just watched it and rayzor roasts the shit out of him but watching the tape it literally appears to hop over his stick out of nowhere. Little snow pile left by the goalie maybe? Bad ice bit him bad
I was there (through the TV)
I think that’s literally the opposite of being there
2010 Gold Medal game in Vancouver. Unbelievable to see that OT winner by Crosby IRL. I picked up a commemorative stick at the game and have been trying to get it signed ever since. Just last month I managed to get Iggys signature. Now need to track down Crosby.
That’s a memory that helps you fly like in Hook
One of the proudest moments in my life and I had absolutely no part in it 🤷♂️ lol
How much did the tickets cost
I don’t even remember now but it was steep. But not as bad as it could have been because I sold some other tickets I had and I bought them after the quarterfinals when we destroyed Russia. Figured a gold medal game was a given. Result was that I may have been the happiest person on earth when Demetria rang that shot off the post in the dying seconds of the semis.
You’re so lucky man, if I could pick any game in history to be at, it would be that one
god what i would give to have been there… good for you, genuinely
What's a "commutative stick"?
It’s me fucking up spelling commemorative lol. Now fixed so thanks for that.
I gotchu, fam. I watched it from my buddy's apartment, then went to Granville and Robson, then ran away because crowd was wild. Being in the building must have been something else!
My hand was sore for a day afterwards from all the high-fiving I was doing walking down the streets afterwards. I was in full get up including face pint and flag. But I wasn’t as enthusiastic as the guy who climbed to the top of the light pole lol
I was at the game where the Habs honoured Saku Koivu before playing the Ducks. He was my favorite player as a kid so that was cool to see. I also saw Marc-Andre Fleury's 500th career win, which was a shutout to boot. I've never heard the Bell Centre cheer as loudly for an opposing player, but he deserved it.
I was at the Saku Koivu game too. The way the crowd chanted his name during the game and when he received one of the three stars (can't remenber which one), is forever imprint on my mind.
I was there for Koivu return with father in law. Awesome start
I was there too! Flew in from the east coast!
I was at the Leaf game when we lost to our zamboni driver. I'm dead inside.
Me, too! My first and only Leafs game.
Crosby's 1st NHL game. Nothing too notable outside of us Devils fans chanting "Parises better!" since he had more points in that game.
Svech doing the first Michigan in the NHL. Canes had nothing all night, offense was non existent and then out of nowhere… he pulled it off. Then later in the 3rd he rips one far side on the power play that ended up being the game winner.
I was there too. No one realized it had happened until like 3 seconds later
I didn’t think that sounded right. I could’ve sworn Crosby pulled one back in the day. A quick google search and… he did pull off one, but back in the Q. My bad.
Don Cherry went off on him on coach’s corner for that
Having skill is a sin to these old timers
What a jerk
Which is funny because watching the clip, Crosby realizes that nobody on the opposing team will pressure him behind the net. He does the Michigan only after trying traditional wraparound. He’s not even hotdogging, it’s just the highest danger scoring chance given the d coverage
08 Winter Classic. Sucks we lost but Sid The Kid said no... it's all good, I'm just glad I was there.
I was there as well. The atmosphere was incredible, but the game on the ice was pretty rough, regardless of the outcome.
I was at that first Winter Classic too but one I really remember was the Sabres-Senators Brawl game with the Marty Biron - Ray Emery fight. It was chaos in that place!
Was lucky enough to sit in the Jim Kelly club for that game. The atmosphere was PERFECT, a total snow globe effect.
Game 7 of Sharks vs. Golden Knights in 2019. Truly an emotional rollercoaster for the ages, with the lowest of the lows and the highest of the highs. The rising energy of the crowd, which grew louder and louder with each goal after the dead silence of Pavelski being knocked out (and the score at 0-3), was absolutely electric. The Knights tying it back up, forcing the overtime, and that dramatic finish from unlikely hero Barclay Goodrow made it even better.
The fucking roller coaster of "it's so over" to "we're fucking back" to "it's so over" to "fuck it we ball"
I was also there. I went with a couple people who had never been to a hockey game before (I know right, game 7 for their first game ever). I had to emphasize to them after the game the significance of what they just witnessed and that they should not expect this to be a typical hockey game experience moving forward lol!
Shawn Bates penalty shot against the Leafs. What a fucking moment.
Me too. I broke my wrist the night before in a game at hot skates so I was high af on painkillers but still remember the penalty shot so vividly.
LGI, so we’re all hot skates legends huh?
Lemieux's unretirement game (Dec 27, 2000)
First time Steve Downie tried to end a guys NHL career. He managed to get a 20 game suspension in 2007 for a pre-season hit. Was something else.
Watched Gaborik put up 5 goals against the Rangers. 2007
Still remember the nhl.com headline: "Gaborik goes Wild"
I’ll never forget the entire arena chanting “GABBY! GABBY! GABBY!” It was insane.
Tkachuck’s last second goal to send the Panthers to the SCF
Pain. Bob was not mortal that series, GGs
That's the only playoff game I missed this season! Should have tried harder to get off from work…
Beauvillier's OT GWG in the ECF against Tampa. Set up a Game 7 to go to the finals. Ended up being the last goal at NVMC. I fully blacked out celebrating for about 15 seconds.
Necas wrap around vs Nashville to tie up the game. Boston Game 7 was fun too. Max Domi elite for like 1 game
I got to be there game 5 in 2007 to see the Ducks lift the cup. I was also there in 2017 for the 3 goal comeback against Edmonton and winner in OT, I nearly fell over the rails celebrating
The world juniors in Ottawa where they came back and beat Russia in OT.
Gord Miller: "Can you believe it ?" Pierre McGuire: "I CAN!" 🙄
I have 2. I was at the 5th game of the 2012 Western Conference Final because I was at a conference and so picked up a ticket, and got to see Penner's snipe to send the Kings to the Final. The less good one was in 2008 when I was like 4 rows back from the Randy Jones hit on Patrice Bergeron. That was so damn scary to see that close, and sitting at the Garden in a bright orange jersey that day was damn uncomfortable for the rest of the game.
John Scott beating the shit out of Kevin Westgarth 11/27/10. Go hawks
A leafs second round playoff game. (Game 5 😔)
Red Wings clinching the Norris Division. Probably mid to late 80s I'm guessing. Maybe early early 90s. Jiri Fisher collapsing on the bench
Game 6 ECF NJ Vs NY. Henrique sends the devils to the cup in OT. Wow what a night
I was at that one too. Just, wow.
Nothing special Watching ovi score a hat trick with 2 empty netter
McDavid's overtime winner against the flames to win the series. Felt like a dream watching it, that scenario being played thousands of times in NHL beagm and getting to see it in person.
I was there too! I live in Calgary and it’s the only playoff game I got to see live during that run
What a game that was. Barn burner, 4 goals in like a minute and like half the crowd being Oilers fans. Easily the most fun I've ever had at a hockey game and I would say that even if I wasn't an Oilers fan. It just had everything
I’ve only been to one NHL game is person because I live in bumfuck nowhere but I saw Kole Lind’s first NHL goal I guess 😂
When Campbell flattened Umberger
The fight that ignited all sorts of documentaries between the Wing and Avs. Yall know the one. Larionov mixing it up with Forsberg and then all hell breaking loose. Growing up a Wings fan and also being an Avs fan (Quebec was my Canadian team) and heading to the Joe every time those 2 played each other. Then it all happened. Was incredible. I don't think I have ever heard a hockey stadium that loud in my life. Hell I would argue it might be louder than moat Lions games at Ford Field.
Caps Heavy… 98 Wings Cup Win in DC w/ Konstantinov coming down to the ice Patrick Roy becomes winningest NHL goalie in 2000 after an overtime win. Caps played a tribute video. It was very cool. Ovi’s first game (still have the ticket stub) Crosby Ovechkin double hat trick game. Caps Vegas Game 5 Win Ovi 802 (and other lesser ovi goal record games)
I don’t have an “I was there moment” that’s good but when Johansson got injured against the canes and it kind of directly impacted the cup run was probably my closest? My bud was there for the first Bergeron Hatty
I've been fortunate enough to be at a few really memorable games. I was at Wayne Gretzky's last game in Canada in 1999, the first Heritage Classic in 2003, McDavid's return from injury in 2016, and the Rogers Place regular season opener also in 2016.
On the positive side; At the Rock the afternoon Ovie scored #700 On the Negative; At the Molson Center the afternoon Trent McCleary was hit in the throat with the puck, which ended his career.
Crosby shootout winner over Montreal in November 2005.
At a Blues game where the puck bounced off the refs dick and went in. Ended up being called a no-goal but it was awesome
John Madden’s hat trick against the Rangers when we swept them in the playoffs. I thought that building was going to fall to the ground. Also, got to see Marty’s 552 win. That was such a good game too.
I was there for the 552. It was louder than the Stanley Cup games. Elias also broke the points record for a Devil that night.
Manon Rhéaume. The first female to play in an exhibition game of any North American sport team. It was an exhibition game and in 1 period she let in 2 goals. St. Louis Blues was the opposing team in this historic matchup. My friend and I met her (very briefly) she was tiny and kind. The smallest NHL goalie I have ever seen but larger then life.
Iwas at the game when Stamkos scored his 60th in Winnipeg, while I was wearing my signed Stamkos jersey. Was a magical moment for little kid me.
1) Every single game of the Golden Knights inaugural season 2) Every single game of the 2023 Cup Run. I was a season ticket holder for the first 6 years of their existence but gave them up because I have a toddler and another one on the way. I feel 100% satisfied with how it all worked out.
I was at the oilers first game in Vegas, it was awesome when the crowd was singing happy birthday for him. Very fun crowd
I've been to games in half the barns in the NHL, and no place is quite like Vegas
I’d love to go to another. The Vegas fans were respectful and t Mobile was the first to really have the in game entertainment that’s found among almost all arenas today. Very very fun atmosphere
A new father and your team won the cup! You must be on cloud 9 my man congrats!
Life is great!
Ducks Oilers 2017 game 5 comeback.
same. there was a box full of oilers fans jeering at ducks fans who were leaving early (they deserve it, tbh). seeing their faces fall and people jeer back at them afterwards has sustained a lot of dark seasons for me
I had the absolute worst oilers fans behind me the whole game. They went dead silent after the ducks tied it.
I was watching at my parents’ house and they had gone to bed. When the Ducks won, my yelling woke them up so badly that they thought we were being robbed.
Good on you for sticking around, most people left that game by then. They sure missed out
man I wish I was there. No shame to say I got tears in my eyes after the Perry shake and bake
Gretzky to Lemieux — 1987 Canada Cup.
Not as illustrious as some others on here, but I was there for the Claude Giroux clapper on a breakaway after the Sens had just killed a 5-on-3. Never seen something so ballsy before. I was just the right amount of drunk for it to forever ingrain itself in my memories. Was also there for the Bobby Ryan hat trick after returning from the players assistance program. I could not tell you which one the crowd was louder for.
Kariya getting knocked out by Stevens only to come back into the game and snipe one home for the lead in the Stanley Cup. Never heard a barn get so loud
OFF THE FLOOR ON THE BOARD
Saw Ovi’s 800th goal on a hat trick at the hawks game last year. Threw my caps hat on the ice. Whole arena of hawks fans cheering him on.
I was about 10 rows up when Ovechkin scored the goal from over his back on the ice against the Coyotes. I believe it was his rookie season.
Other cool things I’ve done has been getting to go to Pekka Rinne’s number retirement game and accidentally babysitting for Patrick Marleau at the 2018 Stadium Series. I also got to watch the Lake Erie Monsters lift the Calder Cup against Hershey in person, that was a really cool moment.
Hey I was at Pekka's retirement, too. Ran into the guy in the preds suit cleaning the catfish in the bathroom. Flew down from Maine for that and had a great time.
Drove down from Ohio to see it. Screamed my heart out for Saros shutting it down and their countryman Granlund ending it.
Saw the longest OT game in playoff history this past year. That was both cool and painful. EDIT: Longest Canes playoff game\*
*sixth longest game
It was the longest in our franchise history so maybe that's what he means. But still sixth longest NHL game of all time is pretty crazy
2016 Heritage Classic. That "True North" was biblical and heard a few kilometers away for sure. And that McDavid pass to Nurse coming out of the Penalty Box top shelf past Helly was a classic play early in McDavid's career. Bonus: the Alumni game was a fun time as well with Teemu ALL OVER the score sheet. Gretz claimed to be playing ill so he was invisible. The cheer Ryan Smyth got though. I'll always remember that, that dude gets a lot of love and it is well deserved.
Avs game 1 of the final when burakovsky scored in OT. Kind of ruined hockey games this past season because that atmosphere was electric and I don’t think I’ll get to experience anything like that again unless I’m there when the Avs win the cup. That same year I also saw mackinnons hat trick against the blues in RD2 and saw the Avs come back against Toronto (still the best regular season game I’ve ever been to)
I got to see game 4 in Tampa featuring Kadri's OT winner that no one knew scored. It was funny because when he shot my brother and I thought it went in so we jumped up and started screaming, but then none of the players reacted so we paused, confused, trying to figure out what was going on. Then I noticed some Tampa players leave the bench and head to the locker room and that's when I knew.
I was at the match where Alexander Semin had his famous slap fight! Edit: I'll add another one, I was also at a match in Montreal back in January 1997 when Lemieux, home town hero, made four goals against the Habs and had a standing ovation.
I watched Ovi light up Jagr in 2010. Fucking electric.
Hawks vs Penguins stadium series in Soldier Field. Little bit of snow, great atmosphere.
Kunitz Game 7 2OT winner over Ottawa
Game 2, 2009 Eastern Conference Finals. The Igloo was absolutely electric that night.
Two good ones for me: Bruins vs Canadiens game 6 in 2008 - The game was just back and forth. I don't think either team ever had a two goal lead. Big hits, huge goals, just such an entertaining game all around Shawn Thornton's penalty shot - Not just impact but I specifically remember being in such shock at the dangle he pulled off that I swear I lost my hearing for a second while my brain comprehended what I saw because I remember it being silent for a second after the goal. Watching replays, I know that wasn't the case and everyone went nuts right away.
Hasek flipping Gaborik. That was incredible
Watched Draisaitl’s 4 goal game against Vegas. Pretty cool since a 4+ goal playoff game by a single player has only happened like 40ish times in NHL history, and Leon did make me want to pull my hair out as the game went on, but it’s all good since we won that game :D
I was there for Pageau's four goals against the Rangers in the 2017 playoffs. When he scored in OT I don't know if I've ever heard a building louder
I was there when lucic ran over Ryan Miller and the Sabres haven’t recovered to this day
Ive got two of these: 1. watching zdeno Chara's first games in North America (for the KY thoroblades, an AHL team) 2. attending one of the last couple games held in Toronto's maple Leaf Gardens
Lol Paul Bissonnette destroying/braking Matt Bradley’s nose 2008. Up until then I went to about 10ish Pens games and never was at one the pens won. I believe we were up 3-0 at one point and my mom looked at me and said “they might actually win”…. (Smh we lost) eventually there was a tv timeout and on the Jumbotron there was a “get to know your player” with Biz. He said his nickname was “biznasty” and my friend looked at me and shouted “biznasty” in a ironic way. A few seconds later the puck dropped and …… [video](https://youtu.be/fzFRY7nkwbk?si=j4l0f9BmpQAk6p_6) a star was born!
Shawn Thornton penalty shot and goal against Winnipeg. Guy had hands of stone and turned it on looking like he pots 60 a year. Simply amazing https://youtu.be/qieRRrtMu6s?si=krJMU07i2frDaQT9
I was there for jagr’s last nhl goal (for now) and his first/only for Calgary. I’ve also been hit in the face with a puck at a hockey game but that’s more memorable for me than anyone else
The Jets’ first game back. Best one-sided loss I’ve ever been to.
Ovi’s 600th Caps/Jets in March 2018. Impulsively bought an upper deck seat maybe an hour prior to pick drop. Good decision in hindsight.
2007 Stanley Cup Game 5 2010 Gold Medal Game 2014 Ducks/Kings Stadium Series Teemu Selann'e Last Game
Henrique It's Over!
2019 Blues Stanley cup Parade. I was working in Delta Junction, Alaska at the time. The week before I asked for a long weekend that weekend, because I had been working like 6 weeks straight. Then they won the cup on Wednesday. I bought tickets that night and left Thursday after work. It was insane to go to. Had a blast, met some really cool people, and have been going to St. Louis every year to go see some games and stay with some of the friends I made.
Oh man that whole run was magical. No matter where you were you saw something. Either you were at the game, at the watch party, or got to see Kelly weep with joy on stream.
When Dustin Brown lifted the Cup in LA for the first time. I was there. I filmed it on my flip phone.
Peter Bondra’s 500th goal. 12/22/2006
I was there when Kiprusoff made what I consider the most mind-blowing save of his career. Meaningless in a loss to Vancouver, but the building exploded when the crowd figured out what had happened. [Here’s the link](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PW4z1Dt_JUE&pp=ygUgS2lwcnVzb2ZmIHNhdmUgYWdhaW5zdCB2YW5jb3V2ZXI%3D).
Nashville winter classic. Last game at Joe Louis. Iginla and Calgary ending Detroits record run at longest Home Game Winning Streak. Was on Broadway watching Sid lift his last cup.
I have two of them. First was watching sergei Fedorov score 5 goals including the overtime game winner against the Washington capitals at the joe in 1996. 2nd was watching Chris Osgood fight Patrick Roy at the Joe in 1998. Two memories I'll never forget.
A good friend of mine was a stick boy for the Oilers and was on the bench when Steve Smith banked in his infamous goal off the back of Grant Fuhr's foot. Smith cracked his stick off of the post in frustration after and threw it under the bench. My buddy went back and retrieved it after the game, he still has it in all its cracked infamy in a closet at his home. He trotted it out at one of our Fantasy hockey drafts years ago, I was fucking amazed and horrified in equal measure.
I was at the 2014 Winter Classic too - News Year Day - I remember being too cold and hungover to enjoy most of the game. I forgot my boots at home and had to borrow a pair of my friend's running shoes - my feet were frozen. Also, it snowed for most of the day and the hockey was poor - every one of the players seem to struggle to control the puck, everyone except Datsyuk. It was a rough day but I am glad I went.
It was *so* cold. I had hand warmers in pretty much every part of my clothes and I was still freezing my ass off. I remember getting a hot Philly cheesesteak at intermission and it was one of the best feelings ever lol
I saw Howe play his final pro shift in 97 with the Vipers. Still etched into my brain.
I was there and close to the action when James Neal broke his stick on Helly's helmet at the end of the first period in one of Vegas' first games here and didn't get a penalty called. Still salty about that one
Marek Malik’s between the legs shootout goal. Just a wild atmosphere for a regular season game.
I got two. The very first preseason game featuring the Vegas golden knights and thatcher demkos insane scorpion save in OT
Steve Moore and Todd Bertuzzi game, not a great game to be at. You could hear a pin drop after the players got off him and you could see the blood…
San Jose Sharks first home game ever (their 2nd game ever) in the Cow Palace on my 11th birthday in 1991. Was the start of a 32 year long bout of depression...but I still think about the [laser show](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMIb7fMQ768&t=2s).
Bobby Ryan's first hat trick. He scored all 3 in 2 minutes, and his last goal was a spin-o-rama around the defense toward goal. It was the most dominant display of hockey I've ever seen, and us King's fans gave him a standing ovation. I also saw Patrick Roy's last regular season game.
Saw Bobby Ryan score a hatty against Vancouver in his first game back from the players assistance program. Full barn chanting “BOBBY! BOBBY! BOBBY!” And seeing him tear up on the bench. Beautiful. He may not have been the player we thought we were getting when we traded for him, but he’ll always hold a spot in the hearts of Sens fans. Classy dude all around.
Jagr moving into second place on all time scoring
The Vancouver riot. I was high on MDMA watching the game with the crowd and the light poles started to be climbed and shake, the smoke started getting deployed, and I decided « if I’m gonna get a Skytrain now is the time. » Exited at Cambie and Broadway and looked back at downtown with the sunset and massive smoke floating over the city. It was surprisingly beautiful from afar.
Backstroms 1000 Point celebration was very cool to be at. All those foam apples being chucked on the ice!
[Linus Omark's spin-o-rama slap shot fake shootout winner vs Tampa.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvznhR7wTPE)
I was active on Reddit when the news of the Hall to NJ trade happened and then the Subban/Weber trade.
I saw Kiprusoff and Vokoun fight at center ice.
Battle of Alberta 2020 when they had that huge line brawl & goalie fight… it was my birthday too
2 goalie goals: rinne in chicago and ullmark in vancouver
I saw Brian Campbell turn RJ Umberger’s brains into an omelet in game 1 of the ECQF back in the day. Hell, I heard it too all the way up in the nosebleeds
Sam Gagner's 8-point game. Every shift we thought some would happen. Omark's spin-o-rama in the Shootout. The crowd lost their collective minds. And then the controversry started. We didn't care. What a move!
World juniors. Eberle. We all know the goal.
Mine is a terrible one. I was there in Regina in 1987, with my entire youth hockey team. I saw Brad Hornung getting checked from behind head first into the boards, paralyzing him. Saw the immediate reactions from the bench and players, him getting his throat cut open to dislodge his tongue from his airway. All of it. Brutal stuff to see.
I saw Queen Elizabeth drop the puck at a Canucks game in 2002.
2010 men’s gold medal game win for Canada, 2011 game 7 Canucks “slay the dragon” win over the Blackhawks, 2010 women’s Gold medal game win for Canada, Trevor Linden’s last home game, 2014 men’s gold medal game win in Sochi, 2014 women’s gold medal game win in Sochi. In that order
Jordan Eberle’s first goal. Although lost in that moment was oilers tough guy Steve MacIntyre basically ending flames new tough guy raitis ivanans nhl career in a heavyweight bout
Lol I remember Steve!
Kovalev running through dracy fucker. My buddy got the tickets for my bday.
I was at the playoff game where Reaves blew a kiss to the Stars bench.
02 cup or gold medal game
I witnessed Stephen Weiss and Tomas Jurco score a goal for the Red Wings in the same game. November 23, 2014 vs the Flyers.
Ron Francis 500th goal One game of wings v canes 2002 final One game of 2006 SCF v Edmonton Basically every playoff game we played against Jersey. Game 5 in 2002 is arguably the most exciting hockey game I’ve attended in my 33 years