Eric Staal made unique NHL history on Saturday, notching a short-handed tally to open the scoring in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Staal’s goal marked only the third time in NHL history that the first score of the Cup Final came on a short-handed goal, with the others coming in 1936 and 1997, per Hockey Reference.
With the Vegas Golden Knights on the man advantage, William Karlsson’s stick shattered during a shot attempt, sending the Panthers the other way. After receiving a crisp pass from Anton Lundell, Staal wrapped around the Vegas cage, depositing the puck into a gaping net.
Fittingly, Staal’s history-making goal came in his 100th career playoff game during what has been a storybook season for the Panthers and himself.
Staal sat out the entire 2021-22 season before returning to the NHL this year, making the Panthers on a tryout. The 38-year-old played in 72 regular-season games, recording 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) in that space. Entering Saturday, Staal had three points (one goal, two assists) in 16 games for the postseason.
Counting his goal in Game 1, Staal now has 63 career points over 100 postseason games, tallying 24 goals and 38 assists. His shorthanded goal Saturday was the first of his career in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
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