NEWARK, N.J. – The greatest example of a relentless attack in hockey history was turned in by Mark Johnson in the closing seconds of the second period during the “Miracle” game between the U.S. and the Russians in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Unless you’ve lived under a Zamboni you’re entire life, you remember Johnson’s goal. The Russians had a 2-1 lead with less than 10 seconds remaining. The Americans dumped the puck into the offensive zone to run out the clock, but Johnson never stopped skating, grabbed a rebound and drove the puck in to tie the game at 2-2 as the buzzer sounded.
We all know how that game ended.
With the 2018 Winter Games underway in PyeongChang, Johnson’s goal quickly came to mind while watching the Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils Sunday night at Prudential Center. Sure, Tim Schaller’s shorthanded goal with 3.8 seconds remaining in the first period to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead doesn’t compare to Johnson’s Olympic heroics, but it’s another example why you should never stop skating no matter what, even in the NHL.
Schaller, a bottom-six forward for the Bruins, is all about effort. That’s how he gets paid. It was on display at the most opportune time against the Devils. Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy had control of the puck and dumped it in from center ice. Devils goalie Eddie Lack stopped the puck at the top of his crease, and since the seconds were ticking away, he played the puck behind his net to teammate Taylor Hall.
Schaller, in an all-out forecheck, disrupted the play behind the net, forced a turnover, quickly controlled the puck and stuffed it short side on the wrap-around. The original call on the ice was a goal, but it was reviewed before the call stood.
Oh My...Tim Schaller... so filthy. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/1VpDb69fiZ
— Forward Mile NHL (@ForwardMileNHL) February 8, 2018