Hextall's Two Handed Slash on Nilsson

Ron Hextall could have been a Hall of Famer had not reoccurring injuries and a horrible temper override his revolutionary style of goaltending. Current goalies such as Martin Brodeur owe Ron Hextall a debt of gratitude. Until Hextall, goaltenders very rarely left the crease to forward pass the puck and jump start an offensive attack.

As a rookie, Hextall helped a Mike Keenan coached young Flyers team to reach the Stanley Cup Finals against the high octaned Edmonton Oilers. After complaining to the referee that he was interfered in the crease by opposing Oiler forwards (specifically Glenn Anderson's hockey stick to his goal pads), Hextall's temper got the best of him and he took matters into his own hands - and goalie stick - by clubbing Kent Nilsson with a two-hander. Hextall received a major penalty. The Oilers went on to win the Stanley Cup in 7 games. Hextall was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the Playoffs.