On this day in 1950, the Detroit Red Wings captured the Stanley Cup in dramatic fashion. In the first Game 7 of a Final ever decided in overtime, Pete Babando scored in the second overtime period to defeat the New York Rangers and secure the championship for Detroit.

The 1949–50 Red Wings were one of the NHL’s most complete teams, finishing first in the regular season with a 32–19–19 record. Ted Lindsay was the emotional leader and one of the league’s most dominant forwards, combining skill with physical play.

Gordie Howe, still early in his legendary career, was already emerging as a star and finished the season as the team’s leading scorer. Sid Abel centered the famed “Production Line” with Lindsay and Howe, giving Detroit one of the most dangerous lines in hockey. 

On defense, Red Kelly provided stability and intelligence, while goaltender Harry Lumley was a key backbone, playing every game that season and leading the league in wins.

Detroit’s path to the Cup was not easy as they faced the Toronto Maple Leafs in the semifinals, who had won the previous three Stanley Cups. The Red Wings defeated Toronto in a hard fought seven game series, overcoming the defending champions.

In the Final against the New York Rangers, the series went the distance. It was tightly contested, with multiple games going into overtime. The decisive game remained scoreless through regulation and the first overtime. Then, in the second overtime, Pete Babando scored the Cup winning goal, ending one of the longest and most intense games in NHL history at the time.

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