A FIRST IN THE NHL PLAYOFFS

In the long history of the National Hockey League, no player scored on a penalty shot in the playoffs until the post-season of 1968.

The first to accomplish this feat was Minnesota North Star forward Wayne Connelly.

He made his NHL debut in 1960-61 with the Montreal Canadiens. Connelly only played three games with the Habs, then was traded to the Boston Bruins. He was with Boston for four seasons and in the expansion draft of 1967, was claimed by the Stars.

In Minnesota, Connelly, a center, flourished with increased ice time. The first year of expansion turned out to be one his best in the NHL. In 74 contests, he accumulated 35 goals. Point wise, his best production came in 1969-70 with the Detroit Red Wings, when he recorded 59 points.

When the 1968 Stanley Cup playoffs rolled around, the North Stars took on the Los Angeles Kings in the quarter-finals. After losing the first two games in LA, the series shifted to Minnesota.

Game three took place on April 9, 1968, and it turned out to be a rollercoaster ride for the Stars.

As Minnesota coach and general manager Wren Blair said of his team's 7-5 win, "My guys can't stand prosperity. They storm back from behind a 3-1 deficit to go ahead, 6-3, and then are life and death to win. We darn near blew it. [We] made hard work out of what should have been an easy win"

Wayne Connelly's historic goal was scored at the 16:56 mark of the second period. After being hauled down by Los Angeles defenceman Dale Rolfe, on a clear cut breakaway, Connelly was awarded a penalty shot. In the one-on-one match up, Connelly's nemesis was veteran goalie Terry Sawchuk. A native of Rouyn, Quebec, Connelly didn't waste the opportunity, as his shot eluded Sawchuk and went into the right side of the cage.

It was a banner playoffs for Wayne Connelly as he led all goal scorers with 8 goals in 14 games.

As for the Minnesota North Stars, they went on to eliminate the Kings in seven games, but fell to the St. Louis Blues in the semi-finals.