FullTilt Flashback: Martin St. Louis scores for mom on Mother’s Day
Marty scores on Mother’s Day (Avi Gerver, Madison Square Garden)
On May 8th, 2014, France St. Louis passed away of a heart attack at the young age of 63. Her son, Martin was playing in his first playoffs with the New York Rangers who were down 3 games to 1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round.
With a heavy heart, Marty left his teammates to be with his family and to say goodbye to his mother. His status for an elimination game 5 was highly in doubt. His father spoke with him, and said his mother would want him to play. The Rangers organization took care of all the details going and coming back.
Marty walked into the arena in Pittsburgh and lifted the spirits of his team. Playing for their right to keep the Cup dream alive and for their beloved teammate, the Rangers pummeled the Penguins, 5-1. Game 6 was on Mother’s Day, hearts were heavy all around and Marty’s father, sister and wife were in the stands. The home crowd showered him with love and chants of “Mar-ty, Mar-ty!”
Then it happened, his definitive Rangers moment. Straight out of a Hollywood script, St. Louis opened up the scoring with a goal that magically deflected off his body. It was as if his mother was looking over her little boy, one last time. The Rangers would force game 7 and St. Louis delivered “the speech” that will define these playoffs and his entire Rangers career. “I couldn’t be prouder to be a F*cking New York Ranger!”
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ0zWOWrww4″]Game Seven Highlights – [/su_youtube]
The Blueshirts would go on to defy their history and complete a comeback down from 3 games to 1 for the first time ever. They also beat a team they’ve never defeated in their playoff history in the Penguins, to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
One year later and the Rangers have found themselves in a similar predicament against the Washington Capitals. On Friday night it was Captain, Ryan McDonagh who staved off elimination in game 5, setting the stage for another Game 6 on Mother’s Day.
Martin St. Louis has no goals so far in the 2015 playoffs, but you have to believe that just one year after his mother’s passing, something special may happen today.
Marty opened the scoring in game 6 and it propelled the Rangers to game 7. If he could somehow find a way to recreate that magic, maybe the Blueshirts can complete this magical comeback once again.
No matter what, you know Marty is thinking about his mom today. If you’re blessed to have your mom still with you, make sure you at least give her a call to say “I love you”. And for those that don’t, just know that your mom is looking down on you with love, just like Marty’s.
Happy Mother’s Day and Let’s Go Rangers
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