Friday, April 12, 2013

Saturday is April 13th

.... and the Islanders and Rangers will play their biggest game against each other in arguably two decades.

It's a date steeped in lore for both franchises.  It's arguably the most successful day in Rangers history. In fact, they've won two Stanley Cups on this day.

In 1933, the Rangers defeated the Maple Leafs to clinch the Cup in 4 games [3-1] on a goal by Bill Cook 7:34 into OT.

And of course, on this date in 19-40...Bryan Hextall scored at 2:07 of OT as the Rangers again beat the Leafs, this time in the 5th and deciding game.

The Isles have had some success on this day as well [although the Rangers did eliminate them on April 13, 1990].

On this date in 1982, the comeback that made the dynasty the dynasty.  Trailing 3-1 with 5 1/2 minutes left in the third period, the Isles get two goals in the final minutes and then a John Tonelli goal at 6:19 of OT to defeat the Penguins 4-3, eliminating the upset-minded Penguins three games to two.

I remember it like it was yesterday:
http://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/14/sports/islanders-oust-penguins-on-tonelli-s-overtime-goal.html

Oh, and here's what it sounded like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVgYvifLBLU&feature=fvwp&NR=1  (I wonder where Eddie got that fact that's at the beginning of this clip. Hmm.)

 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

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