3. Ron Francis OT Goal (Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final vs Detroit)
For whatever reason, this goal seems to be overlooked by Hurricanes faithful. Maybe because the goal took place over 17 years ago – in game 1 of the 2002 Stanley Cup Final.
What makes the goal memorably huge was its improbability. The series marked the Hurricanes first trip to the Stanley Cup Final – and actually marked the franchises’ first trip as whole, as the Hartford Whalers only won a single playoff series in their existence.
The Hurricanes had already shocked the world by making the Cup Finals. The regular season point differential between Carolina (91) and Detroit (116) was the largest since 1994. The Hurricanes were colossal underdogs, and nobody gave them any chance at winning the series. The Hurricanes proceeded to stun everybody – even if for just one game.
After managing to take Game 1 of the series at Joe Louis Arena, into overtime, the magical moment ensued. Just 58 seconds into the overtime, Jeff O’Neill fed the puck to Hurricanes legend Ron Francis in front of the net, who tucked the puck past Dominik Hasek, and stunned the world.
Though the Hurricanes would go on to lose 4 games straight and fall to the Red Wings in 5 games, the Francis goal was huge for multiple reasons. At that point, it was far and away the biggest goal in not only Hurricanes history, but Whalers history as a whole.
Now for a quick moment in Hockey History.
— Cardiac Cane (@CardiacCane) November 5, 2019
Ron Francis Edition:pic.twitter.com/5C0oDTOcUY
Personally, I was just 5 years old when the game took place, and have no memory of the goal. But just watching the highlight of it is absolutely chilling. Bob Cole had an extraordinary call on the play, and that moment will be remembered throughout history for Canes fans – even ones like myself who can’t recall the goal live.
The first moment of real success the franchise had; an absolutely unforgettable goal.