The Secret Behind Stephane Matteau's 1994 Playoff Heroics

Stephane Matteau's 1994 Playoff Series game-winner will never be forgotten by Rangers fans. That's a given.

But what few – if any – in Rangerville do not know is the shenanigans that led to the Blueshirt beating New Jersey Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur in the third round to propel New York into the Finals.

Prior to the start of the second overtime, Matteau was delayed coming out of the locker room because he needed to fix a broken skate lace. Then, teammate Eddie Olczyk – he was not playing – kissed the blade of Matteau's stick.

At that moment, Matteau then defied tradition and kissed the Prince of Wales Trophy – usually a superstitious no-no – and only then stepped on to the ice; very late I might add.

With all that luck – and defiance – behind him it seemed inevitable that Matteau would become the hero; and a very late one at that.

And so, he was but in this case Matteau's motto was "Late is Great!"