Today In NHL History - Sundin Shootout Winner

On February 21st in 2009, the Vancouver Canucks visited the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time since former Leaf captain and 13 season skater Mats Sundin signed a one year deal with the Canucks on December 18, 2008 with a pro-rated payout of $5m for the remainder of the 2008-2009 season.

The home team honored the Swedish legend with an emotional first period tribute, which clearly resonated with the returning Sundin. The teams skated to a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation. A subsequent scoreless five minute overtime frame sent the match to a shootout.

With Pavol Demitra sniping a shot past Vesa Toskala and Mikhail Grabovski dangling Roberto Luongo, the stage was set for the Canucks final shooter to win the game. That shooter was none other than Mats Sundin. And, the future Hockey Hall of Fame inductee did not disappoint. The storybook ending saw the Canucks beat the Leafs by a score of 3-2.

That's today in NHL history.