Dave “The Hammer” Schultz: First NHL Goal or First Fight - Which Came First?

When you think of Dave Schultz, one thing immediately comes to mind: fists flying. But in a surprising twist, “The Hammer” didn’t start his NHL career with a fight, he started it with offense.

During the 1972-73 season with the Philadelphia Flyers, Schultz quickly established himself as one of hockey’s most feared enforcers. By season’s end, he had piled up an eye-popping 259 penalty minutes in 76 games, along with nine goals. But his first real impact in the NHL didn’t come in the penalty box.

After a quiet debut, Schultz made his presence felt in just his second NHL game, a dominant 7-3 Flyers win over the Vancouver Canucks. At 9:38 of the second period, Schultz scored his first career NHL goal, beating goaltender Dunc Wilson off a setup from Bobby Clarke. He wasn’t done there, in the third period he added his first assist, helping set up a goal by Don Saleski. Notably, Schultz stayed out of the penalty box entirely that night, something that would soon become a rarity.

Just two games later, everything changed. Facing the Detroit Red Wings at the historic Detroit Olympia, Schultz finally introduced the league to his other skillset. In a heated third period of a 5-0 loss, Schultz dropped the gloves with Thommie Bergman at 16:44, earning his first NHL fighting major.

The penalties piled up quickly. Along with the fight, Schultz received a double minor, an elbowing minor, and a ten-minute misconduct, totaling 21 penalty minutes in a single game. It was a sign of things to come.

That season, the Flyers cemented their reputation as the infamous “Broad Street Bullies,” leading the NHL with 1,756 penalty minutes, nearly 500 more than the St. Louis Blues. Schultz led the league in penalty minutes, edging teammate Bob Kelly by 21 minutes, while teammates like Saleski, Andre Dupont, and Gary Dornhoefer also ranked among the league’s most penalized.

Dave Schultz: The Hammer

The story of Dave Schultz — the iconic Broad Street Bully whose toughness defined an era of Flyers hockey.

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Jacques Plante’s Smashing Debut With the Boston Bruins

When Jacques Plante joined the Boston Bruins late in the 1972-73 season, few could have predicted just how memorable his short stint would become. At 44 years old and nearing the end of a legendary career, Plante had only a handful of games left in the National Hockey League but he made every one count.

Plante was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to Boston on March 3, 1973, in a deal that included draft picks and a future consideration, goaltender Ed Johnston. Just one day later, he was already in net for his Bruins debut at the iconic Boston Garden.

His opponent? The formidable Chicago Blackhawks, who were still a dangerous club despite missing superstar Bobby Hull during the 1972-73 campaign. But on that night, they had no answer for Plante.

Turning back all 27 shots he faced, Plante recorded the 81st shutout of his career in a flawless 4-0 victory. He would add one more shutout before retiring, finishing with 82, an extraordinary total that underscored his place among hockey’s all-time greats.

Offensively, Phil Esposito wasted no time setting the tone, scoring just 59 seconds into the game and adding another before the first period ended. Goals from Fred O'Donnell and Ken Hodge in the second period sealed the win. Chicago’s Gary Smith faced a heavy workload, stopping 38 shots, including eight from Esposito alone.

Before the trade, Plante’s final appearance with Toronto came in relief against the St. Louis Blues. Replacing Ron Low late in the game, he stopped all five shots he faced to help preserve a 4-2 victory. It was a fittingly steady final moment before embarking on one last memorable chapter in Boston.

In just eight regular-season games and two playoff appearances with the Bruins, Jacques Plante proved that greatness doesn’t fade easily. Even at 44, he could still dominate the crease and deliver history when it mattered most.

On Goaltending: Fundamentals of Hockey Netminding by the Master of the Game (Jacques Plante)

Legendary goaltender Jacques Plante shares his expert insights on the art of netminding, offering timeless techniques, strategies, and fundamentals for goalies at every level.

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Rick Vaive & Bill Derlago Combine for 10 Points in Leafs’ 5-2 Win Over Chicago (1982)

When the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Rick Vaive and Bill Derlago from the Vancouver Canucks in February 1980, the deal didn’t immediately reshape the franchise but it didn’t take long before the duo became offensive cornerstones. During the 1981-82 season, Vaive made history as the first 50-goal scorer in Leafs history, while Derlago enjoyed a breakout campaign with 84 points.

On January 31, 1982, at Chicago Stadium, the pair delivered one of their most dominant performances. Facing the Chicago Blackhawks, Vaive and Derlago factored into every Toronto goal in a convincing 5-2 victory. After a scoreless opening period, Chicago struck first midway through the second when Tom Lysiak found the back of the net.

Toronto answered quickly. Just over three minutes later, Vaive tied the game with assists from Derlago and Borje Salming, sending the teams into the third period deadlocked at one. The Leafs wasted no time taking control in the final frame, as Derlago scored only 35 seconds in to give Toronto a 2-1 lead, with Vaive and John Anderson picking up assists.

The lead was short-lived, as Doug Crossman responded just 23 seconds later for Chicago. But from that point forward, it was all Maple Leafs. Vaive restored the lead with his second goal of the night, his 35th of the season, beating Tony Esposito at 7:31. Derlago and Salming assisted once again, continuing their offensive dominance.

Derlago added his second goal of the game midway through the period, set up by Vaive and Jim Benning. Then, in the final minute, Vaive completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal, finishing off a remarkable night with five points. Derlago matched him with five of his own, giving the duo a combined 10-point performance.

Vaive fired nine of Toronto’s 34 shots on goal, while Derlago made the most of his opportunities, scoring twice on just two shots. In net, Vincent Tremblay turned aside 31 shots to secure the win. The game also featured a spirited fight between Stew Gavin and former Leaf Dave Hutchison, adding extra intensity to an already memorable night.

Catch 22: My Battles, in Hockey and Life

Rick Vaive shares the highs and challenges of his hockey career and personal life in this candid memoir, offering insight into the pressures, triumphs, and battles both on and off the ice.

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