No Baloney About Dave Maloney

Former Rangers defenseman and longtime radio play-by-play analyst Dave Maloney has many accomplishments in his memory bank.

But The Maven is willing to bet that he doesn't realize that he once was accused of having THE SLOWEST SHOT TO WIND UP IN THE NET.

And, if you don't believe me, turn to Page 271 in Glenn Dreyfuss' delightful book, "The Legends Of Landover – Long, Lost Stories Of The Washington Capitals."

A dauntless researcher, Dreyfuss calls the Maloney incident, "Talk About High Sticking." while The Maven simply says it's a funny story. (At least I hope that Maloney agrees.) Here's how Pal Dreyfuss put it:

"It was an October 1983 game in New York. As Dave Maloney fired a left point slapshot, his stick exploded. The shaft rocketed up, way up toward the MSG roof – the only hockey stick ever tracked by NASA. Maloney skated toward the bench, where players normally go when their stick breaks in two.

"Meanwhile, the puck began a leisurely journey – slower than Manhattan rush hour traffic. Somehow, the seeing-eye disc avoided a tangle of players. It reached Caps goalie Pat Riggin, who attempted a poke check, and missed.

"The puck, unhurried and unfazed, rolled on. nestling inside the right post. Hearing cheers, Maloney turned, realized his good fortune, and jumped in celebration. Amazingly, he landed before his stick did!

"Broadcaster Dan Kelly exclaimed: A WEIRDER GOAL YOU WON'T SEE!"