Greatest Hockey Goals Of All Time
For hockey fans, nothing is more exciting than witnessing an amazing goal. From deking out defenders to scoring from impossible angles, these moments have become some of the most memorable in the sport's history. Here, we take a look at some of the greatest hockey goals of all time.
The Goal: Bobby Orr's Flying Goal (1970)
Bobby Orr's iconic "flying goal" is widely considered one of the greatest moments in not only hockey, but sports history. In Game 4 of the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals, Orr scored the game-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues. After taking a pass from teammate Derek Sanderson, Orr flew through the air after being tripped by Blues defenseman Noel Picard and scored the goal past goaltender Glenn Hall. The goal helped the Boston Bruins win their first Stanley Cup in 29 years and solidified Orr's place as a legend of the game.
The Goal: Mario Lemieux's End-to-End Magic (1991)
When it comes to individual brilliance on the ice, few have matched Mario Lemieux. In Game 2 of the 1991 Stanley Cup Final against the Minnesota North Stars, Lemieux demonstrated just how special he was. Taking the puck from behind his own net, Lemieux went on a breathtaking end-to-end rush, outmaneuvering several defenders before beating goaltender Jon Casey with a backhand shot. The goal helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win their first Stanley Cup and earned Lemieux the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.
The Goal: Mike Bossy's Stanley Cup Winner (1982)
Mike Bossy may not have the same level of notoriety as Orr or Lemieux, but his goal in the 1982 Stanley Cup Final is undoubtedly one of the greatest in hockey history. In Game 1 against the Vancouver Canucks, Bossy took a pass from teammate Bryan Trottier and fired a shot top corner past goaltender Richard Brodeur. The goal, which came in overtime, gave the New York Islanders their third Stanley Cup in a row and cemented their status as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.
The Goal: Wayne Gretzky's 802nd (1994)
Wayne Gretzky is widely considered the greatest player in hockey history, and his 802nd goal is just one example of his incredible talent. In a game against the Vancouver Canucks in 1994, Gretzky broke Gordie Howe's record for most goals scored in NHL history. After receiving a pass from Marty McSorley, Gretzky beat goaltender Kirk McLean with a wrist shot to reach the historic milestone.
The Goal: Paul Henderson's Summit Series Winner (1972)
To Canadian hockey fans, Paul Henderson's game-winning goal in the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union is one of the most important moments in the country's history. With just 34 seconds left in the final game, Henderson scored on a rebound to give Canada a 6-5 victory and win the series 4-3-1. The goal has become known as "the goal of the century" and is a testament to the passion and pride that Canadians have for the sport of hockey.
The Goal: Jaromir Jagr's Dazzling Solo Effort (1992)
In Game 1 of the 1992 Stanley Cup Final against the Chicago Blackhawks, Jaromir Jagr demonstrated why he was considered one of the most talented players of his generation. Picking up the puck in his own zone, Jagr made a series of dazzling moves, deking out several Blackhawks defenders before beating goaltender Ed Belfour with a backhand shot. The goal is a testament to Jagr's skill and creativity on the ice.
The Goal: Sidney Crosby's "Golden Goal" (2010)
For Canadian hockey fans, there are few moments more special than Sidney Crosby's "golden goal" in the 2010 Winter Olympics. In overtime of the gold medal game against the United States, Crosby scored the game-winning goal on a quick shot past goaltender Ryan Miller. The goal gave Canada its first gold medal on home soil and solidified Crosby's status as one of the best players of his generation.
Conclusion
These goals are just a few examples of the incredible moments that have made hockey such an exciting and beloved sport. Whether it's a flying goal or a dazzling solo effort, each of these moments has become a part of hockey lore and will continue to be celebrated by fans for years to come.
