The Detroit Red Wings of the 1970s and early 1980s had an unfortunate knack for finding ways to lose games that appeared to be theirs. On October 26, 1980, at Madison Square Garden, that tendency was on full display. Detroit held a 6-5 lead with just 1:14 remaining, only to watch Anders Hedberg take over and lead the New York Rangers to a stunning 7-6 victory.
Highlights
October 26, 1980 at Madison Square Garden
New York Rangers defeated Detroit 7-6
Anders Hedberg recorded 4 goals and 2 assists
Detroit led 6-5 with only 1:14 remaining
Hedberg tied the game at 18:46 of the third
He scored the winner just 33 seconds later
Reed Larson and Mike Blaisdell scored seven seconds apart for Detroit
Hedberg led all players with 7 shots on goal
Hedberg opened the scoring just 4:50 into the first period, beating Detroit goaltender Gilles Gilbert on the power play for his third goal of the season. Ulf Nilsson and Rangers goalie John Davidson picked up the assists. Later in the period, Hedberg added an assist on a Steve Vickers goal as New York and Detroit settled into what would become a high-scoring battle.
The second period featured a remarkable burst from the Red Wings. Reed Larson and Mike Blaisdell scored just seven seconds apart, nearly matching a Detroit franchise record. The Rangers battled back, however, with Mike Allison scoring with an assist from Hedberg before Hedberg added another goal of his own. By the end of the second, the teams were deadlocked at 4-4.
Detroit struck quickly again to open the third. George Lyle scored just 58 seconds into the period, and Mike Foligno followed only 55 seconds later to give the Red Wings a 6-4 advantage. Ron Greschner cut the lead to one at 11:45, but as the clock wound down, it appeared Detroit was finally going to escape Madison Square Garden with a 6-5 victory.
Then Hedberg took over. With just 1:14 remaining, he scored the tying goal with assists from Phil Esposito and Tom Laidlaw. Only 33 seconds later, Hedberg struck again, this time unassisted, completing the Rangers' remarkable comeback and giving New York a 7-6 lead. In the span of 33 seconds, Detroit went from being on the verge of victory to trailing for good.
Hedberg finished the night with four goals and two assists for six points, while leading all skaters with seven of New York's 37 shots on Gilles Gilbert. At the other end, John Davidson allowed six goals on 30 shots but still walked away with the victory. It was a wild night at Madison Square Garden and one of the biggest offensive performances of Hedberg's NHL career.
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