The 2019-20 NHL season had many incredible moments before it was paused on March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus, and now fans can decide which one was the best.
The Greatest Moments of the NHL season … So Far is down to 32 entries from the original bracket of 64 with the first round now complete. Fans will vote on one matchup per day, ultimately deciding the greatest moment up until this point.
Fans can vote on Twitter and Instagram each day from noon until 10 a.m. ET the next day. Each day, the winner of that matchup will be revealed, and a new set of moments will go head-to-head.
Though fans will have the ultimate say, two NHL.com staffers will weigh in on the matchup each day to give his or her opinion on which one should advance to the third round.
In the matchup on Saturday, Connor McDavid‘s six-point game for the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Colorado Avalanche scoring six goals in eight minutes against the Nashville Predators.
The matchup today pits Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane scoring his 1,000th NHL point on Jan. 19 against Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne‘s goal on Jan. 9.
Amalie Benjamin, staff writer
Thought it’s hard to argue with a goalie goal, I’m sticking with Patrick Kane and his milestone. I’m not only thinking of all the work and all the hours that he put in to get to his 1,000th point, but I’m also impressed with the moment itself. The love and support that Kane got from his teammates, as the bench emptied and they rushed over to him. The cheers from the crowd at United Center that enveloped Kane and his teammates. I think that’s what’s so great about that moment. Because we all knew he was going to get there at some point, but he got there at home, in front of Blackhawks fans, getting to share it with the people who wanted most to see him make history. The joy on Kane’s face was pure, and the moment was great.
Video: WPG@CHI: Kane gets 1,000th NHL point on Saad’s goal
Tracey Myers, staff writer
I definitely appreciate Kane’s milestone but for me, a highlight of great moments is how rare they can be. How often do you see a goalie score a goal in an NHL game? Before Pekka Rinne’s goal against the Blackhawks, the last time it happened was when Mike Smith, with the Arizona Coyotes, shot the puck into an empty net against the Detroit Red Wings in October of 2013. Almost seven years without a goalie goal. And the Predators on the ice reacted as they should have, throwing their arms in the air and rushing to hug Rinne. Kane’s milestone was outstanding, but as someone who’s watched him a majority of his career, you knew it was only a matter of time “when” it was going to happen. It was never “if” it was going to happen. Goalie goals are a big “what-if”, and that’s what makes Rinne’s such a great moment.
Video: NSH@CHI: Rinne launches home first NHL goal
