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.

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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

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

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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)

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

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Bernie Nicholls Erupts For 4 Goals, 6 Points To Hand Oilers First Loss Of 1983-84

On October 20, 1983, at the Forum in Los Angeles, Bernie Nicholls delivered one of the most explosive performances of his career. The Los Angeles Kings were 0-5-1 entering their seventh game of the 1983-84 NHL season, while the Edmonton Oilers had stormed out to seven straight wins.

By the end of the night, Nicholls had flipped the script entirely. The Kings crushed the previously undefeated Oilers 7-2, powered by a four-goal, six-point masterpiece from Nicholls and a rock-solid performance in goal by Mike Blake.

A First Period Statement

Nicholls opened the scoring early, beating Andy Moog at even strength. He wasn’t finished. With Jari Kurri serving a slashing minor late in the period, Nicholls struck again on the power play at 18:29 to give L.A. full momentum heading into intermission.Two goals. One period. Statement made.

Short-Handed Dagger

Midway through the second period, Nicholls delivered the backbreaker, a shorthanded goal with just three seconds remaining on teammate Wes Jarvis’ penalty. It was a perfectly timed strike that stunned Edmonton and showcased Nicholls’ all-situations dominance.

Sealing It In The Third

At 14:54 of the third period, Nicholls buried his fourth goal of the night, his eighth of the young season, assisted by Jim Fox and Brian MacLellan. Fox enjoyed a huge night himself, scoring the game-winning goal and adding three assists for four points. MacLellan contributed a goal and two helpers. Nicholls, in turn, assisted on goals by both Fox and MacLellan to complete his six-point effort.

Gretzky Held (Mostly) In Check

Wayne Gretzky managed just a single goal against Kings netminder Mike Blake, who turned aside 36 of 38 shots in a busy, confident performance. Ironically, just five years later, Nicholls and Gretzky would become teammates in Los Angeles and combine for a staggering 318 points during the 1988-89 season.

Bernie Nicholls: From Flood Lights To Bright Lights

The story of Bernie Nicholls — from grassroots hockey under the floodlights to NHL stardom and scoring success.

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