Terry O’Reilly’s reputation was built on toughness, leadership and intimidation, not hat tricks. But during the finest offensive season of his NHL career, even Boston’s feared enforcer had a night that defied expectations.
The 1977-78 season saw O’Reilly post career highs with 29 goals, 61 assists, and 90 points, production that earned him an eighth-place finish in Hart Trophy voting. It also produced the only three-goal game of his NHL career. That memorable performance came on November 10, 1977, when the Boston Bruins hosted the Los Angeles Kings at Boston Garden.
The evening didn’t start smoothly for Boston. Los Angeles jumped out to a 2-0 lead by the nine-minute mark of the first period on goals by Bert Wilson and Hartland Monahan. From there, however, the Bruins completely shut the door.
Stan Jonathan began the comeback at 16:47 of the opening frame, beating Rogie Vachon for his third goal of the season, with assists from O’Reilly and Jean Ratelle. The Kings would not score again.
O’Reilly took over in the second period, scoring the lone goal of the frame, his third of the season, set up by Ratelle and Brad Park. Just 32 seconds into the third period, he struck again, finishing a play created by Jonathan and Park to give Boston the lead.
After Ratelle extended the advantage to 4-2, O’Reilly completed the hat trick in dramatic fashion, scoring with just 24 seconds remaining. Jonathan and Peter McNab provided the assists on the milestone goal, sealing a 5-2 Bruins victory.
O’Reilly finished the night with four points, while Jonathan matched him with a goal and three assists. Ratelle added three points of his own, recording a goal and two helpers. O’Reilly also led all skaters with seven shots among Boston’s 24 attempts against Vachon.
Considering the Bruins lineup featured the likes of O’Reilly, Mike Milbury, and John Wensink, it’s remarkable that the game produced only three minor penalties, a relatively calm night by Boston Garden standards. Still, the lasting memory remains Terry O’Reilly’s lone career hat trick, achieved during the most productive season of his storied NHL career.
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