#petestemkowski

Pete Stemkowski wasted no time proving his value in Detroit.

Just three games into the 1968-69 season, he delivered a Gordie Howe Hat Trick: goal, assist, and a fight, against the Rangers.

Sharing the ice with Gordie Howe himself, Stemkowski stole the spotlight with a complete, hard-nosed performance.

It was a sign of things to come. He’d finish the season with 21 goals and go on to post five 20+ goal seasons in his career.

Sometimes, a fresh start is all a player needs.

We take a closer look at this game here: Pete Stemkowski

April 29, 1971 – Madison Square Garden. Triple overtime. Game 6. The New York Rangers are fighting to stay alive against the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup semi-finals.

Chicago led 2-1 in the third, but Jean Ratelle tied it at 4:21 with help from Vic Hadfield and Rod Gilbert. From there, it was a goaltending battle: Ed Giacomin vs. Tony Esposito.

⏱️ 2 OTs came and went. Still tied. At 1:29 of the third overtime, Pete Stemkowski ripped the winner, his second of the playoffs, past Esposito. The Garden erupted.

“That was our 49th shot. Chicago only had 26. We earned that one.” – Rangers fan memory

Tim Horton and Ted Irvine picked up the assists. Stemkowski had come over earlier in the season from Detroit in a one-for-one deal for Larry Brown.

🎯 Sadly, the magic didn’t last. Chicago took Game 7 at home, 4-2, with Bobby Hull scoring the dagger.

But for that night, Stemkowski was the hero Broadway needed.