Between the Pipes: Kelly Hrudey—The "Easter Epic" Winning Goalie Who Continues to Leave His Mark on Hockey
Cool Under Pressure
When fans talk about goalies who could settle a game just by being in the crease, Kelly Hrudey’s name usually comes up fast. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Hrudey spent over 15 seasons in the NHL, most notably with the New York Islanders and the Los Angeles Kings. Watching him compete in the crease area, you always felt like he knew what was about to happen a second before everyone else did.
A Night You Never Forget
If you want a snapshot of what made Hrudey special, look back to the 1987 playoff “Easter Epic” marathon against the Washington Capitals—the longest game in Islanders playoff history. Islanders fans still talk about it, and for good reason. I remember watching it from my family’s basement, everyone glued to the TV, afraid to move. Each save felt heavier than the last. Rebounds caused gasps. Shifts blurred together. When the puck finally went in to end it, our living room exploded. That game wasn’t just dramatic—it showed how a goalie could completely define a night, and maybe even lock in a fan for life.
Cool Fact: In hockey’s “Easter Epic”, Kelly Hrudey stopped 73 shots in the 3-2 win.
Life After the Crease
Kelly Hrudey didn’t fade from the game of hockey when he retired. Instead, he stepped into a new role as a familiar voice on Hockey Night in Canada. His analysis connects with fans because it’s grounded in playing experience—he explains what goalies are thinking, why certain saves are tougher than they look, and how pressure changes everything. He also shared his story in Calling the Shots: Ups, Downs and Rebounds—My Life in the Great Game of Hockey, offering a candid look at the highs, lows, and realities of life in the NHL.
A Legacy That Lasts
NHL All-Star goalie, Kelly Hrudey, reminds fans why goaltending is so captivating. It’s the focus, the determination, the resilience, and the quiet confidence when under pressure in a tight hockey game. From unforgettable Stanley Cup playoff moments to thoughtful insight on televised Hockey Panels, his impact on the game of hockey hasn’t faded at all. He’s not just remembered—he’s still part of how hockey fans experience the game. And if you watched him play, you know some moments between the pipes never really leave you.