New York Rangers: The most memorable Mother’s Day

It’s Mother’s Day, a day to salute all Moms out there.  But for fans of the New York Rangers it’s a time to remember an emotional Mother’s Day just six years ago.

Mother’s Day is a holiday to be cherished, this year more than ever with the world wracked by the COVID-19 pandemic.  For the New York Rangers,  Mother’s Day 2014 was a day that will live on in the memories of all players and fans who were lucky enough to witness Martin St. Louis and what he did that day.

It’s a story that has been told often, but is worth recounting.   On Thursday, May 8, with the Rangers trailing the Pittsburgh Penguins three games to one in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, St. Louis’ mother, France, died of a heart attack.  She was only 63 and it was totally unexpected. The Ranger veteran got the news on the team plane as it was landing in Pittsburgh.  He immediately flew to Montreal to be with his family, but to the surprise of many, he returned to play in Game Five Friday night.

St. Louis explained that his mother would have wanted him to play and that his father had urged him to return to the team.  His presence helped inspire the Rangers to a 5-1 win in Pittsburgh and they returned to New York trailing three games to two.

That set the stage for Sunday, May 11, Mother’s Day.  It was another must-win game for the Blueshirts, still trailing in the series.  With his father and sister in the stands, Martin St. Louis provided the lift they needed, scoring just 3:34 into the first period, spurring the team to a 3-1 win and a series tie.

It wasn’t the prettiest of goals, as a shot by Derek Stepan bounced off St. Louis’ leg into the net.  The Rangers never trailed and went on to win 3-1.

Watch the goal and look at the emotion from St. Louis, his teammates and the fans.  Memorable moment.

If that doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, watch his post-game locker room speech to his teammates.

The Rangers won Game Seven on the road, 2-1 to come back from a 3-1 series deficit for the first time in franchise history.  St. Louis assisted on the game winning power play goal by Brad Richards.

Martin St. Louis wrote about his mother in a wonderful article in “The Players’ Tribune,”  it’s well worth a read on every Mother’s Day.   Click here to read it. 

So, a happy and healthy Mother’s Day to all.