TODAY IN FLYERS HISTORY: May 9
Clarke's Iconic OT Goal in Boston: May 9, 1974
by PhiladelphiaFlyers.com @NHLFlyers
The Philadelphia Flyers' first win at the Boston Garden since Nov. 12, 1967 could not possibly have come at a more important time. On May 9, 1974, the Flyers earned a comeback 3-2 win over the Bruins in overtime to knot the 1974 Stanley Cup Final at one game apiece.
Bobby Clarke's overtime rebound goal and celebratory jump for joy at 12:01 becomes an iconic moment in franchise history. With the home team winning every other game in the series, this victory was crucial to the Flyers eventually winning the Stanley Cup.
Philadelphia trailed by a 2-0 score after the first period. Clarke's first goal of the game, scored 1:08 into the second period, cuts the gap in half. However, Philly remained in dire straights until Andre "Moose" Dupont scored with just 52 seconds left in the third period to force OT. Flyers captain Clarke assists on this goal.
Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Bernie Parent stopped 37 of 39 shots.
May 9: Through the Years
- 1985: The Flyers come back from a 2-1 deficit at the first intermission to earn a 4-2 win at the Spectrum over the Quebec Nordiques. Philadelphia takes a two games to one lead in the Stanley Cup Semifinal. Power play goals by Murray Craven, Ilkka Sinisalo and Brian Propp and an even-strength goal by callup forward Joe Paterson (two-point game) supply the offense. The Flyers penalty kill goes 6-for-6 in front of Vezina Trophy winning goalie Pelle Lindbergh (21 saves).
- 1989: The Flyers stave off elimination in Game Five of the Stanley Cup Semifinal, downing the host Montreal Canadiens by a 2-1 score in overtime. Flyers captain Dave Poulin extends the series with a goal at 5:02 of OT. Derrick Smith scores the team's lone regulation goal, giving Philly a 1-0 lead at 3:53 of the second period. The lead holds until the Habs' Bobby Smith knots the game at 1-1 in the final five minutes of the third period. Ron Hextall (27 saves on 28 shots) outduels Patrick Roy (21 saves on 23 shots) in goal to earn the win.
May 9: Flyers Birthday
- A highly regarded power forward prospect as he entered the professional ranks, Brian Wesenberg was born May 9, 1977 in Peterborough, Ontario.