Hat Trick Heroics Wasted: Ron Ellis Shines In 1972 Loss To Vancouver

On March 24, 1972, the Toronto Maple Leafs paid a visit to the Vancouver Canucks at the Pacific Coliseum. On paper, it looked like a mismatch. Toronto was headed for the playoffs, while Vancouver, just in its second NHL season, would finish last in the 14-team league. But on this night, the home crowd was treated to one of the Canucks’ rare victories.

The lone bright spot for Toronto was Ron Ellis. The dependable winger delivered a goal in each period, his 19th, 20th, and 21st of the season, recording the fourth of his six NHL career hat tricks. Ellis was relentless, firing nine shots at Vancouver goaltender Dunc Wilson, accounting for nearly one-third of the 31 shots Wilson faced. Linemates Paul Henderson and Norm Ullman each chipped in with two assists, benefiting directly from Ellis’ offensive surge.

Vancouver answered with balanced scoring. Bobby Schmautz scored twice against Toronto netminder Jacques Plante. The decisive goal came at 8:09 of the third period when Andre Boudrias notched his 25th of the season, assisted by Wayne Connelly and Dave Balon. Balon and Wayne Maki also added singles to secure the 5-3 win.

The following night, Toronto quickly regrouped. The Leafs blanked the Los Angeles Kings 4-0 at the Forum. Ellis stayed hot, scoring the game winner just 3:37 into the first period on goaltender Billy Smith, with an assist from Dave Keon. It marked Ellis’ third game-winning goal of March 1972. He also added an assist on a Henderson tally for a two-point effort, while Bernie Parent turned aside 23 shots to record the shutout.

1972: The Series That Changed Hockey Forever

A compelling look at the iconic 1972 Summit Series — how it reshaped international hockey and captivated fans around the world.

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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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Two While Short: Reggie Fleming’s Shorthanded Heroics vs. Toronto in 1964

On October 22, 1964, at the legendary Boston Garden, Reggie Fleming delivered one of the most unusual performances of his career. In just his first season with the Boston Bruins, Fleming scored both Boston goals and remarkably, both came while the team was shorthanded in a 2-2 tie with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 1964-65 season would prove to be Fleming’s most productive offensively. After scoring a combined 21 goals over four seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, he found a new gear in Boston, finishing the year with a career-best 18 goals. Known primarily for his rugged style, he recorded 136 penalty minutes in 67 games, Fleming showed that he could do more than just play the enforcer’s role.

His first goal came at 12:25 of the opening period, beating Toronto goaltender Johnny Bower while Boston was killing a high-sticking penalty to Leo Boivin. Forbes Kennedy earned the assist on the play. Fleming struck again at 9:38 of the second period, this time unassisted, while Tom Johnson sat in the penalty box for hooking. The two shorthanded goals gave Boston a 2-0 lead and accounted for all of their scoring on the night.

Toronto responded before the second period ended when Andy Bathgate solved Bruins netminder Eddie Johnston. In the third period, Bob Pulford tied the game at 9:07 to secure a 2-2 draw. The result gave Boston its first point of the young 1964-65 NHL season.

In a twist fitting the era’s rough-and-tumble reputation, it was actually a relatively disciplined game. Aside from the two Boston penalties that led to Fleming’s goals, the only other infraction was an interference call against Johnston late in the third. Fleming led the Bruins with five of their 24 shots on Bower, while Johnston faced 36 shots at the other end, including five from defenseman Tim Horton. It was a gritty, opportunistic effort that set the tone for Fleming’s best offensive season in Boston.

Boston Bruins: Greatest Moments and Players

A celebration of the iconic history of the Boston Bruins — from legendary players to unforgettable moments.

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