Danny Grant Nets Two Against Capitals to Become Detroit’s Second 50-Goal Man

On April 2, 1975, at the historic Detroit Olympia, Danny Grant etched his name into Red Wings history. With two goals against the expansion Washington Capitals, Grant became just the second player in franchise history to score 50 goals in a season.

The only Red Wing to reach the milestone before him was Mickey Redmond, who hit the 50-goal mark in both 1972-73 and 1973-74. Grant’s 50-goal campaign in 1974-75 didn’t surpass Redmond’s team record of 52, but it firmly secured his place among Detroit’s elite scorers.

The game marked the second half of a home-and-home series with Washington. Grant had already tormented the Caps earlier, posting a goal and two assists. In six games against the new franchise that season, he piled up five goals and seven assists for 12 points, clearly relishing the matchup.

Detroit trailed 2-0 after the opening period in the April 2 contest, but the tide turned quickly. By the 9:30 mark of the second period, Grant buried his 49th goal of the season to give Detroit a 4-2 lead. The tally came against goaltender John Adams, with assists from linemates Marcel Dionne and Phil Roberto. That goal would stand as the game-winner in an eventual 8-3 Red Wings victory.

Grant’s milestone 50th goal came at 6:16 of the third period, once again assisted by Dionne and Roberto. Dionne enjoyed a standout night himself, recording a goal and three assists for four points. Grant, meanwhile, would finish the season right at 50, going scoreless in Detroit’s final two games.

Redmond’s franchise record of 52 goals remained intact until 1984-85, when John Ogrodnick raised the bar to 55.

The Franchise: Detroit Red Wings (A Curated History of Hockeytown)

Explore the storied history of the Detroit Red Wings — legends, moments, rivalries, and the culture that made Hockeytown iconic.

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Doug Harvey’s 4-Point Night Powers Canadiens Past Red Wings 7-0 In 1958

On January 30, 1958, Doug Harvey delivered one of the finest performances of his Hall of Fame career, leading the Montreal Canadiens to a dominant 7-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings at the iconic Montreal Forum.

Harvey opened the scoring midway through the first period on the power play, beating Terry Sawchuk for what would stand as the game-winning goal. He added an assist later in the period and finished the night with four points, showcasing the offensive brilliance that made him the NHL’s premier defenseman of the era.

After a quiet second period, Montreal erupted for five third-period goals. Harvey picked up assists on tallies by Jean Beliveau and Don Marshall, while Dickie Moore also recorded four points. In goal, Jacques Plante stopped all 28 shots he faced.

The performance came during a season in which Harvey would capture another James Norris Memorial Trophy and help Montreal secure yet another Stanley Cup. Along with the Norris Trophy win in 1957-58, Doug finished third in voting for the Hart Trophy behind winner Gordie Howe and runner-up Andy Bathgate. In the playoffs, Harvey was outstanding with eleven points in ten games, including a goal and assist in the Stanley Cup clinching game 6 win over the Boston Bruins.

Stole This from a Hockey Card: A Philosophy of Hockey, Doug Harvey, Identity and Booze

A reflective exploration of hockey, life, and the legacy of Doug Harvey — blending philosophy, personal history, and the spirit of the game.

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When Pat Quinn Scored, It Counted: Two Big Goals for the 1972-73 Atlanta Flames

When people think of Pat Quinn, they often remember the imposing defenseman, the respected NHL coach, and the Hall of Fame builder. What they don’t usually remember is his goal-scoring touch, because there wasn’t much of it.

Over 606 NHL regular season games, Quinn scored just 18 goals. In 1972-73, his first season with the expansion Atlanta Flames, he scored only twice. But both goals were memorable and meaningful.

The first came on November 26, 1972, as the Flames hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at The Omni, just the 24th game in franchise history. Early in the first period, Atlanta was shorthanded after Bill Plager was sent off for cross-checking. Just 13 seconds into the penalty kill, Quinn struck unassisted, beating goaltender Denis Herron for his first goal of the season. He later added an assist in the third period as Atlanta secured a 6-2 victory.

His second goal of the campaign came on January 7, 1973, again on home ice, against his former club, the Vancouver Canucks. With the game tied 2-2 entering the third period, Quinn broke the deadlock just 1:33 into the frame, scoring on Vancouver goalie Bruce Bullock. Assisted by Larry Romanchych and Bob Leiter, the goal stood as the game-winner in a 5-2 Flames triumph.

Offense was never Quinn’s calling card. His career high of five goals came the following season in 1973-74, also with Atlanta. In 11 career Stanley Cup playoff games, he never found the back of the net. Interestingly, his very first NHL goal, scored December 21, 1968 as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Detroit Red Wings, also stood as a game-winner in an 8-3 victory.

Quinn: The Life of a Hockey Legend

A compelling biography of Pat Quinn — the influential coach, mentor, and hockey icon whose leadership shaped generations of players.

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Danny Grant’s First NHL Hat Trick Set the Stage for His Calder Trophy Triumph

Danny Grant’s path to NHL stardom didn’t begin in Montreal, but the seeds were planted during his brief time with the Canadiens in 1967-68. In just 22 games, he scored three goals, and despite contributing during Montreal’s successful Stanley Cup run, he remained Calder-eligible heading into the next season. A major step came over the summer when he was traded to the Minnesota North Stars along with Claude Larose in exchange for a first-round pick that became Dave Gardner.

The move proved transformative. Grant burst out of the gate with Minnesota, scoring three goals and adding three assists in his first five games. And on November 9, 1968, he delivered a defining early milestone, his first NHL hat trick, scored fittingly against the Detroit Red Wings, the team he would later join. In the North Stars’ 6-4 win, Grant found the net once in each period, including two power-play markers, showcasing the scoring touch that would come to define his career.

His first goal, scored at 8:16 of the opening frame with assists from Danny O’Shea and Bill Collins, chased Red Wings starter Roger Crozier from the game after just five shots. Detroit turned to Terry Sawchuk, but Grant wasn’t done. His second goal, at 11:54 of the middle period, stood as the game-winner, the first of 21 he would record over his NHL career. Ray Cullen played a major supporting role, assisting on two of Grant’s tallies while enjoying a five-point night of his own.

By the time the 1968-69 season wrapped up, Grant had firmly established himself as one of the league’s brightest young talents. His 34 goals and 65 points earned him the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in a tightly contested race with Oakland’s Norm Ferguson. Brad Park, Gerry Desjardins, and Andre Lacroix also received strong consideration, but it was Grant who stood tall.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Danny Grant

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. With which NHL team did Danny Grant win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year?

Minnesota North Stars
Montreal Canadiens
Detroit Red Wings
Los Angeles Kings

2. How many goals did Danny Grant score during his Calder-winning 1968-69 season?

27
34
41
52

3. Which team did Danny Grant score his first NHL hat trick against?

Boston Bruins
Oakland Seals
Detroit Red Wings
St. Louis Blues

4. Danny Grant later became a 50-goal scorer with which NHL team?

Minnesota North Stars
Detroit Red Wings
New York Rangers
Toronto Maple Leafs

5. Danny Grant was traded from Montreal to Minnesota in a deal involving which future first-round pick?

Pierre Mondou
Chuck Arnason
Dave Gardner
Doug Jarvis

Nearly a Decade Later: Marc Reaume’s Remarkable Return to the NHL

Talk about perseverance and love for the game, Marc Reaume’s hockey story is one of true determination. His last NHL game with the Detroit Red Wings came on March 9, 1961, and his next one didn’t arrive until October 9, 1970, when he suited up for the expansion Vancouver Canucks. That’s a gap of 3,260 days between NHL appearances.

Aside from a brief three-game call-up with the Montreal Canadiens in 1963-64, Reaume spent nearly a decade grinding it out in the minor leagues. Over his career, he played 654 regular season games across the AHL, CPHL, and WHL.

Reaume began his NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he spent five seasons before being traded to Detroit midway through 1959-60 in exchange for Red Kelly. Despite his short stint with Montreal, he even appeared on two Parkhurst hockey cards as a Canadien during 1963-64.

Before joining Vancouver’s inaugural NHL team in 1970-71, Reaume played two seasons for the WHL Canucks, helping the team win back-to-back Lester Patrick Cups as league playoff champions. In 1969-70, he captured the Hal Laycoe Cup as the WHL’s top defenseman and earlier, in 1962-63, earned the Eddie Shore Award with the Hershey Bears as the AHL’s best blueliner.

Between 1954-55 and 1970-71, Marc Reaume appeared in 344 NHL regular season games and 21 playoff contests for the Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Canadiens, and Canucks. His career stands as a testament to persistence, passion, and the enduring love of hockey.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Marc Reaume

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. How many days passed between Marc Reaume’s final NHL game with Detroit and his next one with Vancouver?

2,600 days
3,260 days
4,000 days
3,020 days

2. Which NHL team traded Marc Reaume in exchange for Red Kelly during the 1959-60 season?

Detroit Red Wings
Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal Canadiens
Vancouver Canucks

3. Reaume won the AHL’s top defenseman award in 1962-63. What is the name of that trophy?

Eddie Shore Award
Hal Laycoe Cup
Bill Masterton Trophy
Norris Trophy

4. Before rejoining the NHL, Reaume won two WHL championships with which team?

Portland Buckaroos
Seattle Totems
Vancouver Canucks (WHL)
Calgary Stampeders

5. In total, how many NHL teams did Marc Reaume play for during his career?

Three
Four
Five
Two

The Rookie Who Stopped Everything: Roger Crozier’s Incredible 1964-65 Season

Sometimes the simplest formula for hockey success is also the hardest to execute: don’t let the puck go in the net. That’s exactly what Roger Crozier did during one of the most remarkable rookie campaigns in NHL history.

Entering the 1964-65 season, Crozier had just 15 games of NHL experience but was trusted to take over as the Detroit Red Wings’ number one goaltender. What followed was a breakout performance that set the tone for his career and made him one of the league’s brightest young stars.

It all began on October 18, 1964, when Detroit edged Chicago 3-2 at home. Crozier gave up a second-period goal to the Blackhawks, but then embarked on a defensive streak that seemed almost supernatural. Between that goal and one scored by Toronto’s Red Kelly five games later, Crozier allowed just a single goal, earning three shutouts in the process.

That lone goal came from Montreal’s John Ferguson in a 1-1 tie on October 24. In between, Crozier blanked the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, turning away 19 shots in a 1-0 win. Across from him, Marcel Paille faced 36 shots, surrendering only a third-period goal by Norm Ullman.

Crozier’s magic didn’t stop there. After the Montreal draw, he went on to record back-to-back shutouts against the Boston Bruins, first a 4-0 win at the Boston Garden, where he made 26 saves, then a 2-0 victory back home at Detroit Olympia with 32 saves. Norm Ullman and Bruce MacGregor provided the goal support, but Crozier was the real story.

That early-season dominance powered Detroit to a ten-game unbeaten streak after dropping their first two contests. Crozier went on to play all 70 games that season, posting a 2.42 goals-against average, six shutouts, and leading the Red Wings to first place overall in the standings. Though Detroit fell to Chicago in a tight seven-game series, Crozier’s impact was undeniable, he captured the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year and even drew Hart Trophy consideration as league MVP.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Roger Crozier

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Roger Crozier won the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in which season?
   1963-64
   1964-65
   1965-66
   1966-67
2. Which team did Roger Crozier lead to the Stanley Cup Final in 1966?
   Montreal Canadiens
   Detroit Red Wings
   Buffalo Sabres
   Toronto Maple Leafs
3. In 1970, Crozier joined which NHL expansion team and became their first starting goaltender?
   Vancouver Canucks
   Buffalo Sabres
   New York Islanders
   Atlanta Flames
4. Despite losing the 1966 Stanley Cup Final, Crozier was awarded which prestigious individual honor?
   Conn Smythe Trophy
   Vezina Trophy
   Hart Trophy
   Masterton Trophy
5. Roger Crozier’s final NHL shutout came during his time with which team?
   Detroit Red Wings
   Buffalo Sabres
   Washington Capitals
   St. Louis Blues

Len Fontaine Bursts Onto The Scene With 3 Points In His 1st NHL Game

On opening night of the 1972-73 NHL season, rookie forward Len Fontaine made a stunning first impression in his very first game with the Detroit Red Wings. Facing the New York Rangers at the Olympia, Fontaine needed less than eight minutes to score his first NHL goal, a power play marker on legendary goalie Ed Giacomin, assisted by Red Berenson and Ron Stackhouse.

Before the first period was over, Detroit held a 4-0 lead, and Fontaine had already picked up two assists, one on Guy Charron’s goal and another on Berenson’s. His debut performance was nothing short of spectacular: three points in his first NHL game.

Detroit followed up with another home win, 4-3 over the Boston Bruins, where Fontaine repeated his performance with another three-point game, setting up two goals by Charron and one by Berenson.

After just two games, fans were beginning to wonder if Detroit had found their next superstar. But as it turned out, those early fireworks would represent the peak of Fontaine’s NHL scoring. His six points in two games, plus a goal against Philadelphia in Game 3, would make up nearly 40% of his total NHL production.

Fontaine went on to play 39 games in 1972-73 and seven more in 1973-74, for a total of 46 NHL games. He then carved out a long and successful career in the International Hockey League (IHL), highlighted by a championship win with the Toledo Goaldiggers in 1977-78.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Len Fontaine

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Len Fontaine made his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings during which season?

1971-72
1972-73
1973-74
1974-75

2. Before turning pro, Fontaine starred in junior hockey with which Ontario team?

London Nationals
Windsor Spitfires
Sarnia Legionnaires
Petrolia Jets

3. Len Fontaine won an International Hockey League (IHL) championship in 1977-78 with which team?

Saginaw Gears
Toledo Goaldiggers
Fort Wayne Komets
Kalamazoo Wings

4. In his first two NHL games, Fontaine collected how many total points?

3
4
5
6

5. After leaving the NHL, Fontaine became a consistent scorer in the minors. Which of these leagues did he *not* play in?

IHL
WHA
AHL
CHL

Gordie Howe’s Natural Hat Trick Powers Red Wings Toward 1955 Stanley Cup

On April 10, 1955, Detroit’s Olympia Stadium witnessed one of Gordie Howe’s finest playoff performances. Facing the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, “Mr. Hockey” delivered a natural hat trick that carried the Red Wings within one win of the championship.

Howe’s trio of goals showcased his all-around greatness: one even strength, one on the power play, and one shorthanded. His first, scored at 18:59 of the opening period against Montreal’s Jacques Plante, stood as the game-winner in a 5-1 Detroit victory.

The second period belonged to Howe. At 12:29, he struck on the power play with help from Alex Delvecchio and Ted Lindsay. Just four minutes later, with Montreal down a man for hooking, Howe struck shorthanded, assisted by Lindsay and Red Kelly, to complete the rare natural hat trick.

Montreal bounced back to win Game 6 at the Forum, 6-3, with Bernie Geoffrion notching the winner. Howe was shut out that night, but in Game 7 he responded the way legends do, scoring his ninth goal of the postseason late in the second period. Detroit clinched the Stanley Cup with a 3-1 win, capturing the series 4-3.

Over 11 playoff games that spring, Howe racked up 9 goals and 11 assists for 20 points, numbers that would have easily earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy, had it been awarded at the time. It was the fourth and final Stanley Cup of his extraordinary career.

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Bonus Quiz: Gordie Howe’s Legendary Career

1. Gordie Howe played the majority of his NHL career with which team?

Boston Bruins
Detroit Red Wings
Chicago Blackhawks
Montreal Canadiens

2. Howe was nicknamed “Mr. Hockey.” Which of these is a unique record he held at the time of his retirement in 1980?

Most career goals, assists, and points in NHL history
Most consecutive games without a penalty
Most penalty minutes in a single season
Most playoff shutouts

3. In addition to the NHL, Gordie Howe also played in another professional league during the 1970s. Which league was it?

AHL (American Hockey League)
WHA (World Hockey Association)
IHL (International Hockey League)
KHL (Kontinental Hockey League)

4. Howe famously played professional hockey alongside his sons. What were their names?

Marty and Mark
Brett and Bobby
Wayne and Keith
Dave and Dean

5. Which of the following best describes Howe’s final professional game?

NHL game at age 48 with the Hartford Whalers
WHA game at age 52 with the Houston Aeros
AHL game at age 56 with the Rochester Americans
IHL game at age 69 with the Detroit Vipers

Henry Boucha Scores His First NHL Goal in His First NHL Game

On February 22, 1972, just ten days after skating for Team USA at the Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan, Henry Boucha made his long-awaited NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings.

Boucha had helped the Americans capture a silver medal at the Olympics, and his transition to the NHL couldn’t have started in more dramatic fashion. Facing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Olympia, the Red Wings quickly fell behind 4-0. But midway through the second period, Boucha sparked a comeback with his very first NHL goal at 9:47, beating legendary goalie Jacques Plante. Assists went to Mickey Redmond and Bob Wall.

Detroit rallied with four more unanswered goals to complete a thrilling 5-4 win. Although Boucha’s first season saw him record just that lone point in 16 games, he returned in 1972-73 to score 14 goals over 73 games, earning enough attention to place ninth in Calder Trophy voting for rookie of the year.

Boucha’s professional career spanned 247 NHL games from 1971-72 to 1976-77 with the Red Wings, Minnesota North Stars, Kansas City Scouts, and Colorado Rockies. Though injuries prevented him from ever reaching the playoffs, he also spent part of 1975–76 in the WHA with the Minnesota Fighting Saints.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Henry Boucha

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. In which year did Henry Boucha make his NHL debut with the Detroit Red Wings?

1971
1972
1973
1974

2. Which legendary goaltender did Boucha score his first NHL goal against?

Tony Esposito
Jacques Plante
Bernie Parent
Rogie Vachon

3. Boucha was part of Team USA that won a Silver Medal at which Winter Olympics?

Grenoble 1968
Sapporo 1972
Innsbruck 1976
Lake Placid 1980

4. Which of the following teams did Henry Boucha NOT play for in the NHL?

Minnesota North Stars
Kansas City Scouts
New York Rangers
Colorado Rockies

5. In 1975-76, Boucha also played 36 games in the WHA. Which team did he suit up for?

Edmonton Oilers
Winnipeg Jets
Minnesota Fighting Saints
New England Whalers

Dick Redmond’s Big Night Overshadows Brother Mickey

On December 5, 1973, the Detroit Olympia hosted a special sibling showdown. Mickey Redmond, in the middle of back-to-back 50-goal seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, faced off against his younger brother Dick and the powerhouse Chicago Blackhawks.

While Mickey was the proven sniper, the night belonged to Dick. The Blackhawks exploded for four first-period goals, and Dick Redmond had a hand in every one of them. He assisted on two goals by Stan Mikita and one by Dennis Hull, while also scoring one of his own with help from Bill White. Incredibly, the first three came in a span of just 1:10, and they represented a shorthanded goal, a power play goal, and one at even strength.

Detroit battled back with goals from Red Berenson and Henry Boucha, but the Blackhawks dominated in an 8-2 win. Mickey, meanwhile, was limited to penalty minutes, picking up three minors in the second period and another in the third. In total, the Redmond brothers combined for the first four penalties of the second frame. Dick even outshot his sniper sibling 8-4, making it a rare night where he got the upper hand.

For the 1973-74 season as a whole, Mickey’s scoring touch was undeniable, finishing with 51 goals to Dick’s 17. But in playmaking, Dick held the edge with 42 assists compared to Mickey’s 26. Though they never played together in the NHL, both had once worn the uniform of the Peterborough Petes in 1966-67.

About Dick Redmond

Between 1969-70 and 1981-82, Dick Redmond played 771 regular season and 66 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Minnesota North Stars, California Golden Seals, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, Atlanta Flames and Boston Bruins. He was orginally the fifth overall pick at the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft by the North Stars.

About Mickey Redmond

Mickey Redmond played 538 regular season and 14 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1967-68 and 1975-76 with the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings. He won two Stanley Cups with the Habs and was 50 goal scorer for the Red Wings in two consecutive seasons.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Dick and Mickey Redmond

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Which team did Dick Redmond spend the majority of his NHL career with?

Detroit Red Wings
Chicago Blackhawks
Boston Bruins
Atlanta Flames

2. Mickey Redmond is best remembered for scoring consecutive 50-goal seasons with which team?

Montreal Canadiens
Detroit Red Wings
Los Angeles Kings
Toronto Maple Leafs

3. In the December 5, 1973 game at Detroit Olympia, how many points did Dick Redmond register?

Two
Three
Four
Five

4. Which Redmond brother became a well-known TV broadcaster after his playing career?

Mickey Redmond
Dick Redmond
Both
Neither

5. Before reaching the NHL, both Redmond brothers played junior hockey for which team?

Oshawa Generals
Peterborough Petes
Kitchener Rangers
London Knights

Blues Stun Red Wings with Third Period Rally on Opening Night 1978-79

On October 11, 1978, at Detroit’s historic Olympia, the Red Wings looked poised to start the 1978-79 NHL season with a win. Dale McCourt was the star early, assisting on a second-period goal by Reed Larson before netting his first of the year just 90 seconds later to give Detroit a 4-2 lead. Brian Sutter struck late in the period for St. Louis, keeping the Blues within reach.

Garry Unger and Curt Bennett Lead Blues Third Period Rally

McCourt fired a game-high 11 shots at St. Louis goalie Phil Myre, who stood tall with 38 saves on 42 shots. At the other end, Detroit netminder Rogie Vachon faced only 14 shots but the Blues made them count. Curt Bennett tied the game 4:30 into the third, assisted by Garry Unger and Larry Giroux. Then, at 12:17, Unger scored the game-winner with help from Bennett and Doug Palazzari.

For Unger, it was the first of 30 goals in what would be his final season with the Blues, including three game-winning tallies. Both he and Bennett would join the Atlanta Flames the following year.

Detroit stuck with Vachon despite his rough opener, starting him in 50 games that season. After Jim Rutherford took the next start (a loss to Philadelphia), Vachon bounced back with a 3-2 victory over Buffalo, stopping 25 of 27 shots.

Hockey Trivia: Garry Unger

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Garry Unger famously held the NHL ironman streak for consecutive games played. How many straight games did he play?
   814
   902
   914
   936
2. Which NHL team did Garry Unger start his career with?
   St. Louis Blues
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Detroit Red Wings
   Atlanta Flames
3. Unger was traded from Detroit to St. Louis in 1971 in a blockbuster deal involving which star player going the other way?
   Red Berenson
   Phil Esposito
   Marcel Dionne
   Bernie Federko
4. What was Garry Unger’s highest single-season goal total in the NHL?
   38
   41
   50
   54
5. Unger’s consecutive games streak ended in 1979 when he was benched by which coach?
   Al Arbour
   Don Cherry
   Al MacNeil
   Bernie Geoffrion

NHL Hockey Card Greats: Garry Unger

Esposito, Hull, Howe: The Race to the NHL’s First 100-Point Season

Before 1968-69, no NHL player had ever scored 100 points in a single season. The closest came in the mid-60s: Bobby Hull with 97 points in 1965-66, and Stan Mikita matching the feat the next year. Mikita even won the 1967-68 Art Ross Trophy with just 87 points. But the next season would change NHL history forever.

In 1968-69, not one, but three hockey legends shattered the 100-point barrier for the first time: Phil Esposito, Bobby Hull, and Gordie Howe.

Phil Esposito: The First to 100

On March 2, 1969, Boston Bruins centre Phil Esposito reached the milestone in style. Facing the Pittsburgh Penguins at Boston Garden, Esposito scored his 39th goal of the season just 17 seconds into the third period, assisted by Ken Hodge and Ted Green. That goal marked point number 100.

He wasn’t done, adding a shorthanded goal later in the period, assisted by Hodge and Bobby Orr, on the way to a 4-0 win. Esposito ended the year with 126 points, earning his first of five Art Ross Trophies.

Bobby Hull: The Golden Jet Follows

On March 20, 1969, in the same Boston Garden, Bobby Hull of the Chicago Blackhawks became the second man to hit 100 points. Needing two points going into the game, Hull scored his 54th goal with less than three minutes left, then struck again just 13 seconds later for the magic number.

Hull closed the season with 107 points, finishing second to Esposito in the scoring race.

Gordie Howe: Mr. Hockey Joins the Club

Finally, on March 30, 1969, Gordie Howe entered the Detroit Red Wings last game of the season with 99 points. Against Hull’s Blackhawks, Howe scored his 43rd goal just 33 seconds into the second period for point number 100.

He added another goal and two assists for a four-point night, finishing the season with 103 points, good for third in the Art Ross race.

Quiz: NHL’s First Triple 100-Point Season (1968-69)

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our Hockey Trivia website!

1. Who was the first player in NHL history to reach 100 points in a single season?
   Bobby Hull
   Phil Esposito
   Gordie Howe
   
2. In which month of 1969 did Phil Esposito hit the 100-point milestone?
   January
   March
   February
   
3. How many points did Bobby Hull finish with in the 1968-69 season?
   100
   107
   126
   
4. Gordie Howe reached his 100th point against which team?
   Boston Bruins
   Chicago Blackhawks
   New York Rangers
   
5. How many points did Phil Esposito total in 1968-69?
   107
   103
   126
   

Dan Bouchard Of The Atlanta Flames Stands Tall for First NHL Shutout

Starting your NHL career as a goaltender on a 1970s expansion team wasn’t for the faint of heart. Just ask Dan Bouchard, the rookie netminder for the Atlanta Flames during the 1972-73 season. Bouchard routinely faced a barrage of shots that year, seeing 40 or more pucks in eight separate games. But on December 13, 1972, he not only weathered the storm, he silenced it.

In a clash at the legendary Detroit Olympia, the Flames and Red Wings entered the contest with identical records at 12 wins apiece. By the final buzzer, the rookie from Val-d'Or, Quebec had earned his first of 27 career NHL shutouts, stopping all 46 shots fired his way in a gritty 2-0 win.

It was a true test of fortitude. Marcel Dionne led the Red Wings with six shots, while Mickey Redmond, Tim Ecclestone, and Thommie Bergman each had five. Opposing goalie Roy Edwards had a solid night himself, stopping 25 of 27 shots, but Bouchard was simply unbeatable.

The Flames got all the offense they needed from Curt Bennett, who scored both goals, his first at 14:52 of the opening period and the insurance marker midway through the third. Both goals were assisted by Bill MacMillan and Keith McCreary, giving Atlanta the edge over their Original Six opponents.

Interestingly, this wasn’t the first shutout in franchise history. That honor belonged to PhilMyre, who blanked the New York Islanders on November 16, 1972, making 25 saves in a 4-0 win at Atlanta’s Omni Coliseum.

About Dan Bouchard

Dan Bouchard played 655 regular season and 43 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1972-73 and 1985-86 with the Atlanta Flames, Calgary Flames, Quebec Nordiques and Winnipeg Jets. Originally, he was a second round pick by the Boston Bruins at the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft after a year of major junior with the London Knights.

Hockey Trivia Quiz Time

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our Hockey Trivia website!

The first quiz is based on the content above. The second is on Dan Bouchard's NHL career, in general.

Dan Bouchard's First NHL Shutout – Trivia Quiz

1. Who did Dan Bouchard earn his first NHL shutout against?
   New York Islanders
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Detroit Red Wings
   Montreal Canadiens


2. How many saves did Bouchard make in that shutout?
   34
   40
   46
   50


3. Which Atlanta Flames forward scored both goals in the game?
   Bill MacMillan
   Curt Bennett
   Keith McCreary
   Rey Comeau


4. What team did Phil Myre shut out for the first Flames shutout in franchise history?
   Vancouver Canucks
   New York Islanders
   California Golden Seals
   Minnesota North Stars


5. Where was Bouchard’s shutout game played?
   The Omni Coliseum
   Montreal Forum
   Detroit Olympia
   Boston Garden

Dan Bouchard – NHL Career Trivia Quiz

1. Which team drafted Dan Bouchard in the NHL?
   Quebec Nordiques
   Boston Bruins
   Atlanta Flames
   Montreal Canadiens


2. With which NHL team did Dan Bouchard finish his career?
   Calgary Flames
   Winnipeg Jets
   Quebec Nordiques
   Boston Bruins


3. In what year did Bouchard represent Canada at the Canada Cup?
   1972
   1976
   1981
   He never played in the Canada Cup


4. What was the highest number of wins Bouchard recorded in a single NHL season?
   22
   26
   29
   31


5. Which NHL team did Dan Bouchard never play for?
   Calgary Flames
   Atlanta Flames
   Quebec Nordiques
   Vancouver Canucks

In Season Two The St. Louis Blues Finally Get Their First NHL Hat Trick

The St. Louis Blues made their NHL debut in the 1967-68 season, but offensive fireworks were in short supply. Red Berenson led the expansion team in scoring that year, notching 22 goals and 51 points. No other Blues player managed more than 15 goals.

Things began to shift in the team’s second season. Berenson upped his production, and the addition of veteran sniper Camille “The Eel” Henry added a new scoring threat. On November 3, 1968, at Detroit Olympia, Henry made franchise history by scoring the first hat trick in Blues history in a game against the Red Wings.

Detroit jumped out to a 2-0 lead with goals from Frank Mahovlich and Gary Bergman. Henry got the Blues on the board late in the first period with a powerplay goal at 16:39. By the end of the second, it was 4-2 Red Wings but Henry wasn’t finished.

In the third period, Henry lit the lamp twice in a 15-second span to tie the game. Two of his three goals came on the powerplay, and Red Berenson assisted on two of them. All four St. Louis goals were scored against Red Wings goalie Roger Crozier, and the game ended in a 4-4 tie.

Just four nights later, on November 7, Berenson delivered one of the most iconic single-game performances in NHL history, scoring six goals in an 8-0 road win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Henry added to the onslaught with a goal and two assists, while Berenson recorded seven points in total. Doug Favell was in net for the shell-shocked Flyers.

About Camille Henry

Camille Henry played 727 regular season and 47 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1953-54 and 1969-70 with the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues. He was the Calder Trophy winner in 1953-54 as NHL rookie of the year and won the Lady Byng Trophy in 1957-58.

Never a Stanley Cup champion, Henry did win a Calder Cup title in the AHL with the Providence Reds in 1955-56. That year, he led the league with exactly 50 goals and added ten more in the post season. His career best in the NHL was 37 goals in 1962-63 with the Rangers. That total placed him second, just a single goal behind leader Gordie Howe.

Dave Keon’s Six-Point Explosion Powers Leafs Over First-Place Red Wings in 1964

On December 5, 1964, the Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the league-leading Detroit Red Wings at Maple Leaf Gardens. Though Detroit sat comfortably atop the NHL standings, 13 points ahead of the fourth-place Leafs, the night belonged to Dave Keon.

Keon, a cornerstone of the Leafs dynasty, delivered one of the most dominant performances of his career, scoring two goals and adding four assists for a total of six points. That single game accounted for 12% of his total points for the 1964-65 season, in which he finished with 50.

Toronto opened with a modest 2-1 lead after the first period, with Keon held off the scoresheet. But the second period turned into a Blue and White clinic. The Leafs scored four more before Detroit’s Norm Ullman, a future Maple Leaf himself, added the Wings’ second and final tally of the night. Keon assisted on goals by Jim Pappin and Ron Ellis during the frame.

In the third period, Keon put on a show. Just 21 seconds in, he and Red Kelly assisted on Andy Bathgate’s goal. Then came two goals of his own before assisting on Ellis’s second of the game at 13:06.

Bathgate had a four-point night himself (1G, 3A), leading the team with six shots on goal. Toronto outshot Detroit 41-36, with rookie Roger Crozier under siege in the Wings’ net. At the other end, former Red Wing Terry Sawchuk made 34 saves in his third appearance against his former club since joining the Leafs in the off-season. Only Pit Martin and Ullman managed to beat him.

About Dave Keon

Dave Keon played 1,296 regular season and 92 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1960-61 and 1981-82 with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Hartford Whalers. The four-time Stanley Cup champion was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1966-67.

Starting with his Calder Trophy winning 1960-61 NHL season, Keon scored at least 20 goals eleven times. His career best of 38 was scored in 1970-71 with the Maple Leafs, placing him tied for sixth in the league with Gilbert Perreault of the Buffalo Sabres.

Between 1975-76 and 1978-79, Dave played an additional 301 regular season and 36 playoff games in the WHA with the Minnesota Fighting Saints, Indianapolis Racers and New England Whalers. Keon was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986.

NHL Hockey Card Legends: Dave Keon