John Tonelli reached a major personal milestone in unforgettable fashion during the final game of the 1984-85 NHL season, becoming just the fifth player in New York Islanders history to record a 100-point campaign. Alongside teammate Brent Sutter, Tonelli joined an exclusive club previously occupied only by Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin, and Bryan Trottier. Since then, only Pat LaFontaine and Pierre Turgeon have managed the feat in an Islanders uniform.
Tonelli’s path to 100 points was anything but easy. After being shut out along with the rest of the Islanders in a 3–0 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 79, Tonelli entered the season finale stuck at 99 points. The April 6, 1985 matchup against the New Jersey Devils at Nassau Coliseum appeared to be slipping away as the third period wound down without a goal, and New Jersey clung to a 5-4 lead.
With just 48 seconds remaining in regulation, Tonelli delivered when it mattered most. He scored his 42nd goal of the season against Devils goaltender and former Islander Glenn Resch, with assists from Mike Bossy and Clark Gillies. The goal not only tied the game but also gave Tonelli his long-awaited 100th point. Overtime failed to produce a winner, and the contest ended in a 5-5 tie, but the moment belonged to Tonelli.
Brent Sutter also played a key role in Islanders history during the 1984-85 season. He finished with 102 points, collecting an assist in the finale. Sutter reached the 100-point mark earlier, on March 12, 1985, during a road win over the St. Louis Blues in which he recorded four points. His total could have been even higher if not for missing ten late-season games before returning for the final two contests.
About John Tonelli
John Tonelli played 1,028 regular season and 172 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1978-79 and 1991-92 with the New York Islanders, Calgary Flames, Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks and Quebec Nordiques.
The four-time Stanley Cup champion was originally drafted by the Islanders in the second round of the 1977 NHL Amateur Draft but started his major league career in the WHA. Between 1975-76 and 1977-78, Tonelli played 224 regular season and 34 playoff games in the World Hockey Association, all with the Houston Aeros.
NHL Hockey Trivia: John Tonelli
1. Which NHL team originally drafted John Tonelli?
2. How many Stanley Cups did John Tonelli win during his NHL career?
3. During which season did John Tonelli record his only 100-point campaign?
4. Against which former New York Islanders goaltender did Tonelli score his 100th point?
5. Which Original Six team did John Tonelli play for late in his NHL career?
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