A goal, an assist and a fight in the same game: the Gordie Howe hat trick is one of hockey’s most colourful unofficial achievements. The irony? Mr. Hockey recorded just two during his NHL career. Rick Tocchet, widely credited with a record 18 across regular-season and playoff games, gave fans a good reason to wonder whether the feat should bear his name instead.
Highlights
Howe’s first Gordie Howe hat trick came on October 11, 1953.
He assisted on Red Kelly’s opening goal at 11:19.
Howe scored at 18:02, with Kelly earning an assist.
Just 31 seconds later, Howe fought Toronto’s Fern Flaman.
A second-period assist gave Howe three points in Detroit’s 4–0 win.
Dave Gatherum recorded his only NHL shutout in his NHL debut.
Howe accomplished his namesake feat just twice during his NHL career.
A First-Period Gordie Howe Hat Trick
On October 11, 1953, the Detroit Red Wings hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs at Olympia Stadium, one night after suffering a 4–1 loss to the Canadiens in Montreal. Howe helped Detroit get back on track at 11:19 of the first period, assisting on the opening goal by Red Kelly.
Kelly returned the favour at 18:02, assisting on Howe’s second goal of the 1953–54 season to give the Red Wings a 2–0 lead. Just 31 seconds later, Howe tangled with Toronto defenceman Fern Flaman. Both received five-minute fighting majors, completing Howe’s first namesake hat trick before the opening intermission.
Three Points for Howe, a Shutout for Gatherum
Howe added another assist in the second period, helping set up a Ted Lindsay goal. That gave him a goal and two assists in what became a 4–0 Detroit victory. His combination of scoring, playmaking and toughness perfectly illustrated the all-around game behind the famous expression.
At the other end of the ice, Dave Gatherum enjoyed a remarkable milestone of his own. Making his NHL debut, the Detroit goaltender shut out the Maple Leafs. It would be the only shutout of an NHL career that consisted of just three games, all with the Red Wings in 1953–54. On a night remembered for Howe doing a little of everything, Gatherum made his brief moment in the spotlight count.
Mr. Hockey: The Autobiography of Gordie Howe
The definitive autobiography of Gordie Howe, one of hockey’s greatest players and a true legend of the game.
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