Long-time Detroit Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman is coming home to take over as the team’s new general manager!
During his NHL career, he had far too many memorable moments wearing the iconic Winged Wheel to be put into a single list, but we’ve narrowed down what we think are his top five games aside from the three Stanley Cup wins. Let’s re-live some Red Wings glory!
Nation, do you agree with our top 5?
Game 1, 1999 Western Conference Quarter-Finals
The Red Wings entered their quest for a three-peat against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, whom they’d swept two years prior. Steve Yzerman took over Game 1, scoring a hat trick that powered the Red Wings to a 5-3 victory en route to yet another sweep of the Mighty Ducks.
Game 2, 1996 Western Conference Semi-Finals
After a first-round series win over the Winnipeg Jets, the Red Wings moved on to face the St. Louis Blues, led by Wayne Gretzky and Brett Hull. A 3-2 opening game victory by Detroit set the stage for the Captain to take over Game 2. Two goals and three assists by Yzerman powered the Red Wings to an 8-3 victory.
November 17, 1990
Yzerman put on a show for the fans in attendance at the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens, scoring a natural hat trick against the Maple Leafs and adding two assists for good measure. He would record 108 points total during the 1990-91 season.
500th Career Goal – January 17, 1996
The Captain joined some exclusive company when he potted his 500th career goal past Colorado Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy in 1996.
Game 7, 1996 Western Conference Semi-Finals
Hardly any explanation needed. Aside from winning three Stanley Cup titles, this is arguably The Captain’s finest moment in a Red Wings uniform. A double-overtime blast to defeat the St. Louis Blues and send Detroit to the Western Conference Finals – in a Game 7, no less – will live on as one of the great moments not only in Steve Yzerman’s career but in Red Wings history.
