On April 23, 1964, Bobby Baun scored one of the most famous goals in NHL history, returning to the ice on a fractured ankle to net the overtime winner for the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. The goal forced a Game 7 and ultimately marked the turning point in a heartbreaking series for the Detroit Red Wings.

The 1963–64 Red Wings were a veteran, high-powered team built to contend. Led by the legendary Gordie Howe, Detroit combined skill, experience, and depth. Howe continued to perform at an elite level, supported by stars like Alex Delvecchio and Norm Ullman, giving the Red Wings one of the most dangerous offensive groups in the league. On defense, Bill Gadsby provided leadership and physicality, while goaltender Terry Sawchuk remained a steady presence in net.

Detroit finished second in the regular season and entered the playoffs as a serious Stanley Cup contender. In the semifinals, they faced the Chicago Black Hawks in a tightly contested series. The Red Wings relied on their scoring depth and experience to prevail, advancing to the Final after a hard fought battle.

In the Stanley Cup Final against Toronto, Detroit appeared poised to capture the championship. The series was evenly matched, with both teams trading wins and momentum. By Game 6, the Red Wings had a chance to close out the series on home ice. Instead, they ran into one of the most dramatic moments in hockey history.

After Baun left the game with a fractured ankle and later returned, his overtime goal stunned the Detroit crowd and shifted the series back to Toronto for Game 7. The emotional swing proved decisive. Despite their talent and experience, the Red Wings were unable to recover, losing the final game and falling just short of the Stanley Cup.