When Joe Mullen took the ice for the St. Louis Blues during the 1981-82 NHL season, few could’ve predicted the impact he’d make so quickly. Splitting time early in the season between the Blues and their CHL affiliate, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, Mullen’s breakout moment came on January 5, 1982, a night that still echoes in franchise history.
A Historic Night in St. Louis
Hosting the Minnesota North Stars, the Blues were locked in a 1-1 battle when Mullen made his move. At 18:22 of the second period, he netted his first NHL goal against goalie Gilles Meloche, with an assist from Ed Kea. Just eight seconds later, he struck again, this time with help from Brian Sutter and Larry Patey. That second goal not only gave the Blues the lead, but also stood as the game-winner in a 4-1 victory.
Mullen’s two goals in eight seconds still hold as a St. Louis Blues franchise record for the fastest two goals by a player. Rich Sutter came close in 1990 with two goals in ten seconds, but Mullen’s mark stands tall.
Nearly an NHL Record
To make things even more exciting, the North Stars’ Tim Young had scored just moments earlier at 18:11. That made for an incredible three goals in just 19 seconds, the fifth-fastest three-goal span in NHL history. While not a league record, it was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment for fans.
The NHL record for fastest three goals also involves the North Stars. On February 10, 1983, playing against the New York Rangers, three goals were scored in 15 seconds: Mark Pavelich (Rangers) at 19:18, Ron Greschner (Rangers) at 19:27, and Willi Plett (North Stars) at 19:33.
Joe Mullen’s Rookie Season Impact
Mullen finished his rookie season with 25 goals and 34 assists in just 45 games, totaling 59 points. He added another 18 points in 10 playoff appearances. Despite missing a chunk of the season, he still finished 11th in Calder Trophy voting for NHL rookie of the year, a strong showing that hinted at the stellar career to come.
Legacy of a Lightning Start
Joe Mullen's explosive performance on that winter night not only earned him a place in the Blues' record books but also served notice that the undrafted rookie was here to stay. Had he played a full season, the Calder might have been his.
About Joe Mullen
Between 1979-80 and 1996-97, Joe Mullen played 1,062 regular season and 143 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins. Undrafted, the Blues signed Mullen out of Boston College.
The two-time Lady Byng Trophy winner scored 20 or more goals in eleven seasons, topping six times. His career best came in 1988-89 with the Flames when he scored 51 and totaled 110 points. He tied for fifth in goal scoring with teammate Joe Nieuwendyk, 34 behind leader Mario Lemieux. He was seventh in the race for the Art Ross Trophy.
Mullen was a three time Stanley Cup champion. His first was with Calgary in 1988-89 before winning back-to-back with the Penguins in 1990-91 and 1991-92. A long time assistant coach in the NHL after retiring, Joe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000.
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