On May 13, 1973, one of the most significant performances in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL) took place. In Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Montreal Canadiens and the Chicago Black Hawks, Canadiens goaltender Ken Dryden put on a spectacular show.
The Canadiens were leading the series 3-2 and had the opportunity to clinch the Stanley Cup on home ice at the Montreal Forum. The game was closely contested, with both teams trading goals throughout regulation time. However, it was Dryden's incredible goaltending that kept the Canadiens in the game.
Dryden, who had just completed his rookie season, faced a barrage of shots from the Black Hawks, particularly in the third period. Chicago outshot Montreal 15-8 in the final frame, but Dryden stood tall, making save after save to keep the score tied at 2-2.
As the game went into overtime, the tension in the arena was palpable. Both teams had chances to score the winning goal, but it was the Canadiens who finally broke through. At 8:13 of overtime, Yvan Cournoyer scored the series-winning goal, giving Montreal a thrilling 3-2 victory and their 18th Stanley Cup championship.
Dryden's performance in Game 6 was the stuff of legend. He made 31 saves in total, including several spectacular stops in overtime. His poise and composure under pressure were remarkable for a rookie goaltender, and his performance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs.
The 1973 Stanley Cup Finals were a showcase of the Canadiens' dominance in the 1970s. The team would go on to win four consecutive championships from 1976 to 1979, cementing their place as one of the greatest dynasties in NHL history. But on that day in 1973, it was Ken Dryden's incredible goaltending that stole the show and helped the Canadiens claim another Stanley Cup title.
