Game 7 of the 2001 Stanley Cup Final. On home ice with the Stanley Cup within reach, captain Joe Sakic steps up and delivers the moment Avalanche fans will never forget. Early in the second period, Colorado’s on the power play against the New Jersey Devils when Sakic takes the puck along the right wall in the offensive zone. With Martin Brodeur locked in net, Sakic freezes the defense with a slap shot fake, then steps inside the faceoff circle and snaps a perfect shot upstairs, roofing it over Brodeur’s glove.
The goal gave Colorado full control of the game and set them on their way to hoisting the Stanley Cup. It was Sakic’s 13th goal of the playoffs, capping off a dominant postseason where he also led all players with 26 points. After a Hart Trophy season, Sakic’s clutch finish was the ultimate captain’s moment, sealing his legacy with a championship-winning dagger.