Joe Nieuwendyk Makes Calgary Flames History With 5 Goals in 1989 Win Over Winnipeg Jets

On January 11, 1989, Joe Nieuwendyk delivered one of the greatest individual performances in Calgary Flames history. Hosting the Winnipeg Jets at the Saddledome, the Flames dominated the game in more ways than one, setting a franchise record at the time with 131 penalty minutes, while Nieuwendyk let his stick do the talking.

In a wild 8-3 victory, Nieuwendyk scored five goals, becoming the only player in Atlanta/Calgary Flames history to accomplish the feat. His performance was highlighted by three goals in just 1:53 during the second period, a franchise record for the fastest hat trick by a single player that still stands.

Nieuwendyk opened the scoring at 11:45 of the first period, followed by a shorthanded goal early in the second. His lightning-fast hat trick followed, and his second-period shorty turned out to be the game-winner.

While chaos unfolded around him, Nieuwendyk remained composed, one of seven Flames players, including goalie Mike Vernon, who didn’t take a penalty that night. He fired 12 shots on Jets goalie Daniel Berthiaume, accounting for one-third of Calgary’s 36.

This was the fifth of 14 career NHL hat tricks for Nieuwendyk, who scored 51 goals in the 1988-89 season, matching his output from the year prior. Though he never hit the 50-goal mark again, he went on to notch 564 goals over 1,257 regular-season games, also winning Stanley Cups with Calgary, Dallas, and New Jersey.

NHL Record: Fastest 3 Goals

By one player, the fastest three goals in an NHL game was recorded nearly 75 years ago and has the staying power to remain an unbroken record. Bill Mosienko of the Chicago Blackhawks scored three in 21 seconds in a game on March 23, 1952, a 7-6 win over the New York Rangers. All three were assisted by Gus Bodnar.

By one team, the fastest is 20 seconds, set by the Boston Bruins on February 25, 1971 in an 8-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks. John Bucyk, Ed Westfall and Ted Green each scored for the Bruins in a rapid fire third period.

The fastest three goals by two teams in a game is a mind-blowing 15 seconds. This was set on February 10, 1983 in a game between the Minnesota North Stars and New York Rangers. Mark Pavelich and Ron Greschner scored for the Rangers before Willi Plett replied for the Stars. This was all in the last minute of the second period. The North Stars won the game 7-5.