Several former Capitals teammates, including Rod Langway, Dale Hunter, and Kevin Hatcher, have participated in the documentary, offering heartfelt anecdotes about Gartner’s leadership and his lasting impact on the team.
Another emotional element of The UnderDog will focus on Gartner’s relationships within the game. His friendship with fellow hockey icon Mark Messier and his mentorship of younger players, including a young Mats Sundin during his brief time in Toronto, are featured prominently. The documentary will also explore Gartner’s bittersweet departure from Washington, a city he called home for over a decade, and the complicated emotions behind his many trades late in his career.
Longtime Capitals fans will be thrilled to hear that the film contains deep dives into some of Gartner’s most memorable moments in D.C., including his legendary four-goal game against the Philadelphia Flyers and his remarkable 500th career goal celebration at the Capital Centre. Archival footage shows the roaring crowds, the iconic red, white, and blue uniforms, and Gartner’s signature understated goal celebrations — a nod to his humble demeanor.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated segments will be the detailed recounting of Gartner’s Olympic experience. Though he never captured a Stanley Cup, Gartner did represent Canada proudly at international competitions, including the 1984 Canada Cup. The documentary highlights the pride he felt wearing the maple leaf and the respect he earned from teammates and rivals alike.
Critics and insiders who have seen early cuts of The UnderDog are already hailing it as a masterful portrayal of an often-overlooked giant of the game. “It’s one of the best hockey documentaries I’ve ever seen,” said veteran NHL broadcaster Doc Emrick. “It’s not flashy. It’s not sensationalized. It’s simply a beautiful, honest tribute to a truly great man.”
Netflix has announced that in addition to streaming worldwide on its platform, The UnderDog will have a limited theatrical release in select cities including Washington, New York, and Toronto — three markets where Gartner made his biggest professional impacts. Special premiere events are being planned in Washington, D.C., where Gartner is expected to attend alongside Capitals legends and local dignitaries.
To build anticipation, Netflix has already dropped a teaser trailer that has generated a buzz among hockey fans online. The short clip features haunting slow-motion footage of Gartner skating in a Capitals uniform, a stirring piano soundtrack, and Gartner’s voiceover saying simply:
“Sometimes, the ones who don’t make the most noise leave the deepest echoes.”
The full trailer is set to debut during Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals, ensuring massive exposure for what is already shaping up to be a must-watch for sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and documentary lovers alike.
As the hockey world eagerly counts down the days to October 15, 2025, The UnderDog stands ready to remind us all that greatness is not always measured in rings or trophies. Sometimes, it’s found in the steady, quiet excellence of a man like Mike Gartner — a true underdog whose legacy will now be immortalized for future generations