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Justin Williams’ Nickname Is Mr. Game 7 And He’s Won Three Stanley Cups

By Ian Oland

 2 Comments

July 2, 2015 8:15 am

justin-williams-hardware

Photo: LA Kings

Wednesday night, the Caps made a big move signing Justin Williams to an affordable two-year deal. Williams has the reputation of a leader who thrives in big moments. He’s also a darn good hockey player who really does make players around him better.

While Joel Ward had been clutch for the Caps over the last three years, new Caps right wing Justin Williams is even clutchier. They call him Mr. Game Seven after all.

Williams, 33, has won three Stanley Cups– one with Carolina in 2006 and two with the Los Angeles Kings (2012 and 2014). Williams won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoffs MVP after scoring nine goals and 15 assists during the 2014 postseason. That included the game-winning goal in game one the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals and the Kings’ first tally in their 3–2 comeback in game five to win the Cup.

Then there is Williams’ storied dominance in games seven. Per SportsNet, Williams has more game seven victories himself than the Capitals have in their franchise’s history, which makes me want to jump out a window.

Check this out. Williams has scored seven goals and 14 points in seven career games seven, which is an NHL record that he shares with Hall of Famer Glenn Anderson. His teams are also undefeated, 7-0, in seven game sevens.

View this feature by Hockey Night In Canada on Williams and fall in love.

The key quote: “You can do anything with your life and nobody has the right to tell you that you can’t. Sometimes the word ‘no’ is exactly what you need to hear to get to the next level. You have to make a goal for yourself because a goal without a plan is simply a wish.”

Okay, I’m sold.

Now let’s watch some clutch goals!

Here’s Williams’ empty-net game seven goal in the 2006 Playoffs to clinch the Stanley Cup for the Hurricanes.

In 2013, Williams had both goals in a 2-1 game seven win against the San Jose Sharks. Here’s his first tally.

Here’s his second.

Williams’ OTGWG in game one of the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals.

Here’s a Kings’ feature on Williams where they show all his goals of the 2014 postseason.

Yeah. I’m excited.