Before jumping into the always-anticipated NHL season set to begin on Oct. 8, we’re taking one last look at the season that was. Defined by big trades and gut-wrenching downfalls with no shortage of inspiration, the 2013-14 NHL season is one worth a second look.
10. Steven Stamkos breaks his leg (Nov. 11, 2013)
The image of the humble superstar squirming in obvious discomfort and holding the hand of teammate Sami Salo is one that will have hockey fans cringing for a long time. Stamkos slid straight through the net after being upended, resulting in a broken leg that would keep him out of the Team Canada Olympic line-up. Stamkos, however, still accomplished a remarkable comeback months later, prompting many to assume superhero status of the Markham, Ontario native.
Centre: No. 6: Roberto Luongo. Photo Courtesy Matthew D. Britt.
Right: No. 7: LA Kings win in seven. Courtesy Photo.
9. Teemu Selanne says goodbye (Apr. 13, 2014)
A retirement that has long been looming in the rumour mill and one that many still refuse to believe has actually arrived: ‘The Finnish Flash’ finally called it. Teemu ended his career with something he’s always been loved for: his class. He grabbed Colorado Avalanche goaltender, J.S. Giguere’s hand, and began skating around celebrating both careers. The two won the Stanley Cup together with Anaheim in 2007.
8. Ryan Smyth’s retirement tribute (Apr. 12, 2014)
The Edmonton Oilers haven’t done much right lately, but their send-off to the always-emotional Captain Canada was enough to make up for that. Edmonton honoured the heart-and-soul Oiler by naming him captain for his final game, and they also allowed Smyth’s five-year-old son to stand on the blueline beside him during the anthem.
7. The Kings eliminate the Sharks in seven (Apr. 30, 2014)
The San Jose Sharks took a quick, almost guaranteed 3-0 lead over the Los Angeles Kings, a lead that would be squashed for only the fourth time in NHL history. The Kings grabbed the ‘almost,’ taking the next four games, eliminating the Sharks, and eventually becoming the 2014 Stanley Cup Champions.
6. Roberto Luongo gets traded (Mar. 4, 2014)
It was no secret: the Vancouver Canucks and Roberto Luongo were not overly fond of each other and the saga-that-was finally ended when then-Canucks General Manager was forced to send Luongo back to the Florida Panthers.
5. Kris Letang returns after stroke (Apr. 9, 2014)
Months after being found unconscious by his wife on Jan. 29, Letang – who has a hole in his heart – was back on the ice. An incredible comeback story for one of the NHL’s top blueliners, Letang only missed 26 games before returning to play 22 minutes with the added bonus of an assist against the Detroit Red Wings.
4. Vancouver and Calgary brawl (Jan. 18, 2014)
Flames coach, Bob Hartley, dressed his tough-guy line for the opening faceoff causing Canucks then-bench boss, John Tortorella, to respond. Canucks defenseman, Kevin Bieksa, did just that as he lined up for the draw against Flames’ enforcer, Kevin Westgarth. The puck dropped and thus ensued an old-time hockey brawl. Tortorella followed up the on-ice drama by trying to rush the Calgary dressing room between periods.
3. Rich Peverley collapses (Mar. 10, 2014)
During the first period of a Dallas and Columbus contest, the Stars centre collapsed suddenly. In just 14 seconds, trainers rushed Peverley – who has been treated for an irregular heartbeat before – into the tunnel for care. Peverley, who is still working towards a return, also thanked doctors for the life saving action.
2. Ben Scrivens’ 59-save shutout (Jan. 29, 2014)
A positive goaltending headline out of Edmonton? Something nobody would have guessed, at least not until Ben Scrivens arrived from Los Angeles in exchange for a third-round pick. The Spruce Grove, Alberta native set a record for the most saves in a shutout against the offensively stacked San Jose Sharks for the 3-0 win. The Oilers had only 27 shots in return.
1. Tomas Hertl scores four goals (Oct. 8, 2013)
It was four goals in 11 minutes of playing time for the Sharks rookie in just his third NHL game against the New York Rangers, with the fourth tally a breakaway between-the-legs classic that sent the hockey world into frenzy. Marty Biron, the Rangers goaltender, retired after just one more game.