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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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

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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