Denis Savard scored just once on five penalty shots during his NHL career. That lone success came on December 15, 1985, against the Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Stadium and it launched a hat trick. With Detroit leading on an early Steve Yzerman goal, Savard beat Greg Stefan on a penalty shot at 7:57 of the first period. His 17th goal of the 1985-86 season pulled the Chicago Blackhawks even at 1-1.
Highlights
Chicago defeated Detroit 6-4 at Chicago Stadium on December 15, 1985.
Savard opened his scoring with a penalty shot at 7:57 of the first period.
It was his only successful penalty shot in five NHL career attempts.
His second goal gave Chicago a 4-3 third-period lead.
Doug Wilson scored the winner at 17:35.
Savard completed his hat trick just 12 seconds later.
He finished 1985-86 with a career-high 47 goals and 116 points.
Savard Gives Chicago a Third-Period Lead
The teams entered the third period tied 3-3 before Savard struck again. At 8:14, he scored his second goal of the night, assisted by Wayne Presley and Al Secord, to give Chicago a 4-3 advantage. John Ogrodnick later answered for Detroit, leaving the teams level once more as the clock ticked toward the final three minutes.
Two Goals in 12 Seconds Settle It
Doug Wilson broke the deadlock at 17:35, scoring what stood as the game-winning goal with assists from Troy Murray and Ed Olczyk. Just 12 seconds later, Savard completed his hat trick to make it 6-4. After a back-and-forth evening, Chicago had delivered two decisive blows before Detroit could respond.
For Savard, the opening goal remained a distinctive part of the performance. It came on the third penalty-shot opportunity of his NHL career and was the only one of his five attempts that he converted. On this night, that rare goal was the starting point for a three-goal effort against a longtime rival.
A Career-High 47 Goals
The hat trick was part of Savard’s best NHL season for goal scoring. He finished the 1985-86 regular season with a career-high 47 goals, the closest he came to reaching 50. He added four more in three playoff games, bringing his combined total to 51. His 116 regular-season points ranked seventh in the Art Ross Trophy race, although Wayne Gretzky’s extraordinary 215-point season left Savard, and the rest of the league, far behind.
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