# May 28 in Hockey History
May 28 has marked pivotal moments throughout NHL history, spanning from foundational franchise decisions to decisive playoff performances. The date demonstrates the evolution of the league across five decades, showcasing both the strategic importance of the amateur draft and the intensity of modern postseason competition.
The most significant May 28 event in NHL history occurred in 1974, when five future players heard their names called in the opening round of the amateur draft. This selection day would influence the competitive landscape of newly expanded and struggling franchises.
Washington Capitals opened the proceedings by selecting Greg Joly with the first overall pick, acquiring the Regina Pats prospect to build their nascent roster. Just minutes later, the Kansas City Scouts selected Wilf Paiement at Pick 2, also from junior hockey ranks. The New York Islanders followed by drafting Clark Gillies at Pick 4 from Regina Pats, a move that would contribute to the franchise's future dynasty construction.
The California Golden Seals selected Rick Hampton at Pick 3, while the Montréal Canadiens rounded out this notable stretch by choosing Cam Connor at Pick 5 from the Flin Flon Bombers. These five selections represented the type of forward-thinking talent acquisition that characterized successful expansion franchises in the 1970s.
Nearly five decades later, May 28 has become synonymous with crucial playoff matchups in the modern era. The date has hosted multiple Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Final games, demonstrating the league's compressed playoff schedule in recent seasons.
Most recently, the Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 on May 28, 2025, at Lenovo Center, continuing a pattern of competitive playoff series during this period. The 2024 campaign saw the Panthers narrow their series against the New York Rangers with a 3-2 victory at Amerant Bank Arena.
The 2022 postseason featured the New York Rangers dominating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 at Madison Square Garden, while the 2018 Stanley Cup Final saw the Vegas Golden Knights overwhelm the Washington Capitals 6-4 at T-Mobile Arena in their inaugural playoff run.
Perhaps the most electrifying May 28 performance came in 2021 when Mattias Janmark delivered an exceptional three-goal effort for the Vegas Golden Knights against the Minnesota Wild. Playing in a Game 7 at T-Mobile Arena, Janmark's 3 goals proved instrumental as Vegas secured a 6-2 victory, advancing deeper into the playoffs and cementing a memorable postseason performance.
The pattern of high-scoring playoff games on this date reflects the intensity of late-round postseason matchups, where teams employ aggressive offensive strategies while facing elimination scenarios.
| → |
