In the closing minute of the first period, Kirk Maltby executed a skillful maneuver off the wall, moving toward the center of the ice. From there, he delivered a precise pass to Nicklas Lidstrom. Seizing the opportunity, Lidstrom promptly released a potent one-timer that eluded Ron Hextall, initiating the scoring in the decisive Game 4 of the 1997 Stanley Cup Final. With the victory and the sweep, Lidstrom secured the first of four Stanley Cup championships in his illustrious career.