April 21, 1951. The Leafs are up against the likes of Maurice Richard, Bernie Geffrion and the rest of the mighty Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Finals. Somehow, the Leafs have earned a 3-1 series lead in a series where every single game has been decided in overtime.
This night would be no different.
Montreal has the 2-1 lead until the final 32 seconds of the game. It’s overtime again for these fierce rivals.
Bill Barilko, a defenseman who has scored just four goals in 46 play-off games, sees the puck coming. He rushes in from the point, grabs the rebound and lets loose a backhand so desperate he goes sprawling.
Two minutes and 53 seconds into overtime, Barilko’s unlikely backhander beats Montreal goalie Gerry McNeil and Toronto wins its seventh franchise Stanley Cup and its fourth straight.
Tragically, it’s the last goal Bill Barilko will ever score. On August 26, 1951, he joins his dentist for a fishing trip. On their way back, their plane disappears.
The wreckage isn’t found until 1962, which oddly enough, is the next time the Leafs win the Cup.
The Tragically Hip later write a song called “Fifty Mission Cap” about Barilko and the Leafs’ lack of playoff success “til 1962, the year he was discovered.”
Bill Barilko will forever be remembered as a Leafs hero who died too soon. As a result, his #5 is one of only two numbers ever retired by the Maple Leafs.
Note: this is part three in the series. Read part two here.
Comments (5) Add a comment »
from 2 days ago
There are so many fascinating stories in the history of hockey. Barilko is certainly near the top.
Great story + great band = Canadiana
Bill Barilko disappeared that summer (in 1951)
he was on a fishing trip (in a plane)
The last goal he ever scored (in overtime)
won the Leafs the cup
They didn't win another until 1962,
the year he was discovered
from 2 days ago
Boom Boom Geoffrion!!! Greatest name in Hockey History....I always loved the Barilko story, it just seemed to be so mysterious and intriguing.
As always, I'm lovin' me some hockey history Jen!
from 2 days ago
I wish more people were more versed in hockey history. There are so many interesting stories and personalities. Things like 44-year-old Lester Patrick going in goal when the NYR's only goalie got hurt. Does this stuff happen in any other sport?
from 2 days ago
Not that I know of, but then I'm very much a hockey fan and don't know a whole lot of any other sport. Be sure to check out my other articles if you're interested in hockey history.
from 2 days ago
I love the hockey history articles Jen! Just like your Larrie Aurie piece, your articles always seem to get me to do more research into teams that I would normally never care about. I always knew the Habs and Leafs had a RICH history, but I never knew some of these things. Thanks!
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