Today In NHL History - NHL Is Born

On November 26th in 1917, the NHL was born out of discussions commencing four days prior amongst disgruntled NHA owners at Montreal's Windsor Hotel.

Struggling to survive amidst WWI enlistment and intense ownership disputes, four of the five NHA franchises (Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Quebec Bulldogs) elected to leave behind troublesome Toronto Blueshirts owner Eddie Livingstone and the NHA. Their new league was named the NHL.

Surviving years of expansion, contraction, franchise relocation and renaming in its infancy, the NHL eventually settled into a six team structure in 1942 before ultimately filling out into its current 30 team, four division and two conference structure in 2013.
That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - Malik's Shootout Goal

On November 26th in 2005, New York Rangers defenceman Marek Malik scored on Olaf Kölzig of the Washington Capitals ending the then-longest overtime shootout in NHL history.

The memorable marker, Malik's first in 21 months, came in the 15th round of the encore, giving New York a 3-2 win over Washington.

In 2014, the Capitals found themselves in the now-longest shootout in NHL history, losing to the Florida Panthers in the 20th round.  Sadly, Nick Bujstad did not mimic Malik's move to end the 18 minute affair.
That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - First Female Commentator

On November 25th in 2009, Sherry Ross became the first female play-by-play announcer to call an entire NHL game in English. The milestone occurred at the Prudential Center in a match featuring the Ottawa Senators and New Jersey Devils, which the home team won 3-1. The historical event may be heard here.

With Devils radio regular Matt Loughlin absent due to the death of his father-in-law, Ross shifted from her regular role as the two-season color commentator for the team to assume play-by-play responsibilities for the evening with former Devils forward Rob Skrlac coloring her call.

Ross once performed play-by-play duties for 20 minutes 16 years earlier when Devil's announcer Gary Thorne arrived late owing to a delayed flight, but no woman had ever before called an entire game in English. Women have, however, broadcasted games in French for RDS.

That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - Ryan O'Byrne's Own Goal

On November 24th in 2008, Montreal Canadiens blueliner Ryan O'Byrne played the puck into his own net during a delayed penalty, tying up the game for the New York Islanders with five minutes remaining in the third period.

O'Byrne's own goal was credited to Islanders captain Bill Guerin, who subsequently sealed the 4-3 win with his third round shootout score as the Habs faithful taunted a dejected O'Byrne at the Bell Center.

That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - Pettersson Hit by Candy

On November 23rd in 2022, Vancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson was hit in the back by a bag of candy thrown by a frustrated Colorado Avalanche fan in the final minute of regulation time with their team shorthanded and trailing by a goal.

While the type of candy remains a mystery, early guesses leaned towards gummy bears, sours or jelly beans. Regardless, tossing anything on the ice is never acceptable as it creates an unsafe situation for the players.

The Canucks held on to defeat the defending Stanley cup champions 4-3.

That's today in NHL history.

Today In NHL History - Hughes Stick Shoves Miller

On November 23rd in 2019, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes used his stick to shove teammate JT Miller in the backside, propelling him to catch Washington Capitals forward TJ Oshie on a breakaway with seconds remaining in overtime.

The nudge allowed Miller to close the gap on Oshie, lifting his stick to prevent a shot on net. It also afforded JT a karmic moment, as it was TJ who stripped him of the puck moments earlier that led to the breakaway. Surviving overtime, the Canucks headed to a shootout where captain Bo Horvat beat Braden Holtby in the seventh round to clinch a 2-1 win.

That's today in NHL history.