# May 29 in Hockey History
May 29 has produced some of the most memorable performances and pivotal playoff moments in NHL history. This date has witnessed both individual brilliance and team-driven playoff drama across more than three decades of competition.
Two of the league's most elite players delivered exceptional performances on May 29, separated by nearly three decades but united by their offensive impact.
In 1993, Wayne Gretzky recorded 4 points (3G, 1A) for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Los Angeles Kings. This performance came during a critical playoff matchup between the two franchises, showcasing Gretzky's ability to elevate his play when the stakes were highest.
More recently, on May 29, 2021, David Pastrnak recorded a hat trick for the Boston Bruins against the New York Islanders, tallying 3 goals in the contest. Pastrnak's three-goal performance demonstrated the sustained excellence of modern elite wingers in playoff hockey.
The date has consistently hosted high-stakes playoff games that have shaped series outcomes. The 2021 playoffs produced particularly notable action on May 29, with multiple games occurring simultaneously. The Bruins defeated the Islanders 5-2 at TD Garden, while the Montréal Canadiens edged the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 at Centre Bell in a closely contested matchup.
More lopsided contests also occurred on this date. In 2023, the Vegas Golden Knights overwhelmed the Dallas Stars 6-0 at the American Airlines Center—a dominant shutout performance. The following year, Edmonton's offensive firepower proved decisive, with the Oilers defeating Dallas 5-2 at Rogers Place.
The Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers squared off on May 29, 2025, in a playoff game at the American Airlines Center, with Edmonton prevailing 6-3. This recent matchup continues the pattern of May 29 hosting consequential playoff hockey in the modern era.
Other notable May 29 playoff results include Pittsburgh's 5-3 victory over Nashville in 2017, Tampa Bay's 2-0 shutout of New York at Madison Square Garden in 2015, Chicago's 2-1 edge over Detroit in 2013, and New York's 1-0 overtime win against Montréal in 2014. Boston's narrow 3-2 loss to St. Louis in 2019 further exemplifies how May 29 has consistently featured competitive playoff hockey.
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| 2021 | NYI@BOS | 2-5 | → |
