The Washington Capitals were still searching for their seventh win of their inaugural NHL season when they visited the Pittsburgh Civic Arena on February 26, 1975. Goaltender Michel Belhumeur gave them a fighting chance, stopping 42 of Pittsburgh’s 45 shots. Jean Pronovost, however, supplied all the offence the Penguins needed, scoring three times in a 3-1 victory that handed Washington its 53rd loss of the season.
Highlights
Pittsburgh defeated Washington 3-1 on February 26, 1975.
Jean Pronovost scored all three Penguins goals.
The performance was his first NHL regular-season hat trick.
Two of his goals came on the power play.
Pete Laframboise assisted on all three goals.
Michel Belhumeur made 42 saves as Pittsburgh outshot Washington 45-23.
Pronovost completed the hat trick with just two seconds remaining.
The teams remained scoreless until 8:13 of the second period, when Pronovost put his 34th goal of the season past Belhumeur. Pete Laframboise and Bob Paradise picked up the assists on what proved to be the only goal through the first two periods. Despite Pittsburgh’s pressure, Washington entered the final frame trailing by just one.
Pronovost wasted little time doubling that lead. With Capitals defenceman Yvon Labre serving a penalty, he scored on the power play just 17 seconds into the third period. Laframboise earned another assist, with Lowell MacDonald also helping set up the goal. Washington later cut the deficit to 2-1 when Ron Anderson spoiled Gary Inness’s shutout bid.
The Capitals remained within striking distance until the closing seconds. With Mike Bloom serving a double minor, Pronovost completed his hat trick on another power-play goal at 19:58. Laframboise collected his third assist of the night, while MacDonald added his second. Inness finished with 22 saves as Pittsburgh outshot Washington 45-23.
The three-goal performance was the first of five regular-season hat tricks in Pronovost’s NHL career. His first two came against the Capitals, making Washington a familiar opponent in his scoring milestones. In a fitting twist, his fifth and final NHL hat trick came while he was wearing a Capitals uniform.
NHL Playoff Hat Tricks Of The 1960s
Relive the NHL playoff hat tricks of the 1960s with the stories, stars, and memorable performances behind some of the decade’s biggest postseason scoring nights.
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