In April 1997, the Edmonton Oilers, a young and largely unproven team, faced the formidable Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs. Few expected the Oilers to emerge victorious against a Stars team that had finished 23 points ahead of them in the standings. However, what unfolded was a series for the ages, culminating in a Game 7 that would forever be etched in the memories of Oilers fans.
The Stars, led by Joe Nieuwendyk and former Oiler Andy Moog, were a structured and hard-hitting team. On paper, they were the clear favorites. But playoff hockey is not played on paper. It is played with heart, determination, and a little bit of luck. The Oilers, despite their underdog status, possessed these qualities in abundance.
Game 7 was a nail-biter from start to finish. With the score tied 3-3 late in the game, Andrei Kovalenko scored with just 20 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime. The tension in Reunion Arena was palpable as the game went into the extra frame.
Just under eight minutes into overtime, the Stars launched a furious attack. Nieuwendyk found himself in the slot with a clear shot on goal. The entire Dallas building seemed ready to erupt in celebration. But then, Curtis Joseph, affectionately known as "Cujo," intervened.
Joseph dove across the crease, extending his blocker to make an improbable save on Nieuwendyk. The puck appeared destined for the back of the net, but Cujo somehow managed to deflect it away. The save was not just a stop; it was a statement. It was a moment of sheer athleticism and audacity that instantly became legendary. As Joseph himself said, he didn't even know where the puck was, but he knew it wasn't in the net.
The save on Nieuwendyk shifted the momentum of the game and the series. Just seconds later, Todd Marchant picked up the puck in the neutral zone. With his blazing speed, Marchant raced past Stars defenseman Grant Ledyard, who stumbled, creating a breakaway. Marchant found himself alone against Moog.
Marchant, a hardworking depth forward known more for his speed and defense than his scoring prowess, didn't hesitate. He fired a shot blocker side, beating Moog and sending the Oilers to a stunning series victory. The Oilers bench erupted in jubilation, mobbing Marchant in celebration.
Marchant later admitted that the play was a blur. He just remembers skating as fast as he could and seeing an opening. Dan McGillis tackled and kissed him in the aftermath of the goal. For Oilers fans, it was a moment of pure ecstasy.
The Oilers' improbable victory over the Stars was more than just a series win. It was a symbol of hope for a franchise that was facing an uncertain future. The team's payroll was low, and there was a real possibility that the Oilers could follow the Winnipeg Jets and Quebec Nordiques in relocating to the United States.
The Game 7 win over the Stars, fueled by Joseph's heroics and Marchant's timely goal, revitalized the Oilers and their fan base. It reminded everyone of the passion and excitement that hockey could bring. The team went on to have further success in the playoffs, and the victory served as a foundation for future generations of Oilers teams. The memory of Cujo's save and Marchant's goal continues to give Oilers fans goosebumps to this day.
