November 28, 1979.
Saturday is the 30th anniversary of Billy Smith becoming the first goalie in NHL history to be credited with a goal.
On November 28, 1979, the Isles trailed Colorado 4-3 in the third period when the Isles were called for a delayed penalty. Colorado defensemen Rob Ramage put the puck into his own goal and the goal was credited to the last Islander to touch the puck, originally believed to be Dave Lewis. After the game, television replays showed that Smith was the last Islander to touch the puck.
A few things you might not know:
1. Smith didn't start the game; he replaced Chico Resch late in the 2nd period after the Rockies scored twice in a minutes' time.
2. The goal tied the game and thus got Chico "off the hook". Ron Delorme scored on the ensuing power play and the Rockies added two empty-netters for a 7-4 victory, thus making Smith the losing goaltender.
3. It was the first of two wins for the Colorado Rockies over the Islanders (also done on December 4, 1980; 2-19-3 overall).
4. The goalie who vacated the Colorado net was Bill McKenzie.
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Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Eric Hornick
30th Anniversary of Billy Smith’s Goal
November 27th, 2009 by Eric Hornick Leave a reply »
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