Kent Nilsson Steals the Show in Historic First Game at Stampede Corral

When the Calgary Flames officially began their new chapter in Alberta, fans packed into the intimate Stampede Corral for a night they wouldn’t soon forget. On October 9, 1980, the former Atlanta franchise played its first regular season game in Calgary against the Quebec Nordiques and while the game ended in a 5-5 tie, it delivered plenty of excitement.

The scoring opened with Michel Goulet beating Calgary goaltender Dan Bouchard midway through the first period. But the Flames wasted no time responding, as Guy Chouinard evened things up just 35 seconds later. Before the period ended, the home crowd was buzzing thanks to Kent Nilsson, who picked up assists on goals by Willi Plett and Chouinard to give Calgary a 3-1 lead.

Nilsson continued his dazzling performance in the second period, scoring his first goal of the season. However, Quebec battled back with three goals of their own, including a pair from Jacques Richard, sending the game into the third period tied 4-4.

In the final frame, Nilsson struck again, scoring his second goal of the night to reclaim the lead for Calgary. But Goulet answered quickly, tying the game just 49 seconds later and capping off a thrilling 5-5 finish.

Nilsson’s four-point performance (two goals, two assists) was just a preview of what was to come. He would go on to record an incredible 49 goals and 82 assists for 131 points during the 1980-81 season, numbers that still stand as single-season franchise records for assists and points.

Just five nights later, the Flames celebrated their first home victory in Calgary, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 4-2. Fittingly, Nilsson played a key role once again, assisting on the game-winning goal by Kevin LaVallee to help secure the milestone win.

The Battle of Alberta: The Historic Rivalry Between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames

A deep dive into one of hockey’s most intense rivalries — the Edmonton Oilers vs. the Calgary Flames, featuring unforgettable games, personalities, and playoff clashes.

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Butch Goring’s First Islanders Hat Trick Comes in High-Octane Duel with Real Cloutier

On March 10, 1980, the New York Islanders made a franchise-altering move by acquiring Butch Goring from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Billy Harris and Dave Lewis. Just nine games into his tenure with the Isles, Goring showed exactly why the deal would become legendary.

On March 30, 1980, the Islanders visited the Quebec Nordiques for a wild offensive showcase. Goring went toe-to-toe with Quebec star Real “Buddy” Cloutier, with both players recording a hat trick and an assist for four-point nights. The Islanders came out on top, winning 9-6 in a game loaded with firepower.

Cloutier got off to a hot start, notching his 36th and 37th goals of the season in the first period, both assisted by Marc Tardif, beating goalie Glenn "Chico" Resch. Butch Goring got on the board early in the second, narrowing the score to 3-2, and shortly after, assisted on a Clark Gillies goal to help the Islanders gain momentum.

Despite another Quebec tally from Paul Stewart (assisted by Cloutier), the Islanders held a slim 6-5 lead heading into the third.

Cloutier completed his hat trick with his 38th of the season just under four minutes into the third, tying the game 6-6. But the Islanders would not be denied. John Tonelli put New York back ahead just seconds later, and Goring sealed the win with two more goals, his 24th and 25th of the campaign, both assisted by Denis Potvin, with the final helper also coming from goalie Glenn Resch.

Goring was a force all game, firing six shots, alongside Bob Nystrom, Bryan Trottier, and Potvin, all of whom also registered six shots. The Islanders peppered Quebec goalie Goran Hogosta with 49 total shots. Cloutier and Tardif combined for nearly half of Quebec's 29 shots on goal.

Hockey Trivia: Butch Goring Quiz

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our Hockey Trivia website!

1. What team did Butch Goring start his NHL career with?
   New York Islanders
   Boston Bruins
   Los Angeles Kings
   Atlanta Flames
2. How many Stanley Cups did Butch Goring win as a player with the Islanders?
   1
   2
   3
   4
3. Which NHL award did Butch Goring win in the 1977–78 season?
   Hart Trophy
   Lady Byng Trophy
   Conn Smythe Trophy
   Bill Masterton Trophy
4. Who did the Islanders trade to get Butch Goring in 1980?
   Bob Bourne and Stefan Persson
   Bryan Trottier and Dave Langevin
   Billy Harris and Dave Lewis
   Mike Bossy and Bob Lorimer
5. What was Goring famously known for wearing on his head instead of a traditional helmet?
   A Spaps brand helmet
   A Jofa bubble helmet
   A heavily padded mask
   A clear plastic visor