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.

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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.

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Murray Oliver’s Hat Trick Sparks Bruins Past Maple Leafs in 1961

Murray Oliver’s early days in Boston were anything but smooth. Acquired from the Detroit Red Wings late in the 1960-61 season, Oliver arrived with promise after scoring 20 goals in just 54 games as an NHL rookie. But his production dipped the following year, and by the start of the 1961-62 campaign, confidence was clearly being tested.

Through his first 32 games with the Bruins that season, Oliver had managed only three goals. Enter December 23, 1961, a road date against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Maple Leaf Gardens and a night that would change the narrative.

Oliver opened the scoring at 8:31 of the first period, beating Johnny Bower with help from Johnny Bucyk and Leo Boivin. It was an early spark that set the tone for Boston. Late in the second period, he struck again, scoring his fifth goal of the season at 18:47 with rookie Ed Westfall earning the assist. The tally sent the Bruins into the intermission holding a commanding 5-1 lead.

Toronto pushed back hard in the third period. Goals from Dick Duff, Frank Mahovlich, and George Armstrong cut the Bruins’ advantage to 6-4 and briefly brought the Gardens crowd to life. But Oliver wasn’t finished.

With just 1:16 remaining, he completed his hat trick with an unassisted goal at 18:44, sealing a 7-4 Bruins victory. Earlier, Oliver had also set up Bucyk for a goal, giving him a four-point night. Bucyk and Don McKenney followed closely with three points apiece.

In goal, Don Head delivered one of his strongest performances of the season, stopping 38 of 42 shots and repeatedly frustrating Toronto shooters. Bower, meanwhile, endured a rough outing, surrendering seven goals on just 28 shots.

Special teams played a quiet but decisive role. Only five minor penalties were called, yet Boston capitalized twice on three power-play chances, both opportunities coming while Bob Pulford served time in the penalty box.

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