Monday, February 16, 2026

Bobby Clarke’s Historic Night: First 100-Point Season in Flyers History

On March 29, 1973, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Bobby Clarke etched his name into franchise history. With two goals against the Atlanta Flames, Clarke became the first player in Philadelphia Flyers history to reach the 100-point mark in a single season. The Flyers defeated the Flames 4-2 that night, but the bigger story was the milestone achieved by their captain.

Clarke entered the game on the brink of history. His first goal came late in the second period at 18:26, beating goaltender Phil Myre with assists from Tom Bladon and Bill Barber. The tally gave Philadelphia a 3-1 lead following two earlier goals by Simon Nolet and marked Clarke’s 99th point of the season. It would also stand as the game-winning goal.

The historic 100th point arrived at 14:53 of the third period. Clarke scored his 35th goal of the 1972-73 campaign, once again solving Myre, this time with help from Rick MacLeish and Bladon. Despite surrendering the milestone marker, Myre was outstanding in goal, stopping 42 of 46 shots in a valiant losing effort.

This was game number 76 of the season for the Flyers, and Clarke had set the standard. MacLeish would soon follow, reaching 100 points in game 78. He did so in dramatic fashion, scoring his 50th goal of the season, alongside 50 assists for a perfect 100 points, against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The milestone goal came at 2:02 of the second period against goaltender Cam Newton, assisted by Gary Dornhoefer.

Clarke would go on to finish the 1972-73 season with 37 goals and 104 points, setting a new offensive benchmark for the young Flyers franchise. It was a defining moment not only for Clarke personally, but for a Philadelphia team that was rapidly evolving into a powerhouse in the early 1970s.

So You Think You're a Philadelphia Flyers Fan?: Stars, Stats, Records, and Memories for True Diehards book cover

So You Think You're a Philadelphia Flyers Fan?: Stars, Stats, Records, and Memories for True Diehards

A deep dive into Flyers history filled with stars, records, stats, and unforgettable memories from the ice — perfect for true diehards and history buffs. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

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Friday, February 13, 2026

Trottier’s Two-Goal Night Sinks Kings On February 14, 1978

On February 14, 1978, the New York Islanders hosted the Los Angeles Kings for a Valentine’s Day showdown and there was no love shown by Bryan Trottier.

The Kings struck first. Dave Taylor opened the scoring early in the first period, beating goaltender Glenn Resch with assists from Gary Sargent and Randy Manery. The Islanders didn’t wait long to answer.

Less than two minutes later, Bryan Trottier tied the game with his 36th goal of the 1977-78 NHL season. He beat Rogie Vachon with helpers credited to Jude Drouin and Clark Gillies, setting the tone for what would become a memorable night for the Islanders’ star center.

The second period saw L.A. regain the lead thanks to Butch Goring, sending the Kings into the intermission up 2-1. But the third period belonged to the Islanders. Just 1:18 into the final frame, Denis Potvin fired home his 20th of the season to even the score at 2-2. Trottier picked up the primary assist, with Bill Harris drawing the secondary helper.

Midway through the period, with Kings forward Mike Murphy serving a tripping penalty, Trottier delivered the dagger. At 10:50, he scored his second of the night, his 37th of the season, on the power play. Potvin and Stefan Persson assisted on what stood as the game-winner in a 3-2 Islanders victory.


Trottier’s Monster Season

The Valentine’s Day heroics were just part of a remarkable campaign. Trottier finished 1977-78 with:

  • 46 goals

  • 77 assists

  • 123 points

  • 6 game-winning goals

He finished runner-up to Guy Lafleur for the Hart Trophy that season, an award Trottier would capture the following year.

All Roads Home: A Life On and Off the Ice cover

All Roads Home: A Life On and Off the Ice

The autobiography of Bryan Trottier — his journey through hockey greatness and life beyond the rink.

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Thursday, February 12, 2026

Whalers Humiliate Oilers 11-0 in Stunning 1984 Rout

On February 12, 1984, the Hartford Civic Center played host to one of the most stunning results of the 1983-84 NHL season. With Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri absent from the lineup, the Edmonton Oilers were missing two of their most dangerous offensive weapons. Still, few could have anticipated the magnitude of what followed, as the Hartford Whalers delivered an emphatic 11-0 victory that was never in doubt.

Ron Francis set the tone almost immediately, scoring just 1:26 into the opening period. That goal would stand as the game-winner, but it was only the beginning of a historic night for the young star. Francis scored four goals and added an assist for a five-point performance, establishing a franchise record with his fourth goal just eight seconds into the third period. The Whalers also overwhelmed Edmonton on special teams, striking for six power-play goals in a dominant display.

Greg Malone enjoyed a career night of his own. The offseason acquisition from the Pittsburgh Penguins recorded a hat trick and added two assists for five points. Malone assisted on goals by Francis and Bob Crawford, turning what had been a modest offensive season into a memorable personal highlight. His production, paired with Francis’ explosion, powered Hartford’s relentless attack.

The game also featured a classic Gordie Howe Hat Trick from Ray Neufeld, who picked up an assist on Francis’ first goal, scored in the second period, and engaged in a first-period fight with Randy Gregg. In goal, Greg Millen completed the effort with a 28-save shutout, turning aside every Edmonton opportunity to preserve the lopsided final score.

While the Oilers would go on to capture the Stanley Cup that spring, this February night belonged entirely to Hartford. Even accounting for the absence of Gretzky and Kurri, an 11-0 result spoke volumes. For one remarkable evening, the Whalers showcased their full offensive firepower and secured one of the most decisive victories in franchise history.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV) cover

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

Dive into unforgettable tales from NHL history — the biggest moments, legendary players, and classic rivalries.

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