The California Golden Seals didn’t have many nights to celebrate in 1973-74, but Ivan Boldirev gave them one on January 9. Hosting the St. Louis Blues at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Boldirev scored four goals in an 8-6 victory. He accounted for half of California’s offence as the Seals earned just their ninth win in 40 games.
Highlights
California defeated St. Louis 8-6 on January 9, 1974.
Ivan Boldirev scored four goals, including the game winner.
The Seals erased a 4-2 deficit with four unanswered second-period goals.
Boldirev’s fourth goal was his 14th of the season.
Rick Kessell sealed the win with an empty-net goal with four seconds remaining.
Reggie Leach added a goal and an assist.
California earned its ninth victory in 40 games and finished the season with just 13 wins.
A Bright Spot in a Difficult Season
California finished the season with a miserable 13-55-10 record and 36 points, placing last in the NHL and 20 points behind the next closest team. The struggles were reflected in the players’ numbers, with Reggie Leach finishing at minus-62 and Boldirev at minus-53. On this particular night, however, the Seals had enough scoring power to overcome their defensive troubles.
Boldirev’s first goal came late in the opening period, pulling California into a 2-2 tie. Floyd Thomson quickly restored the Blues’ lead, then scored again early in the second period to put St. Louis ahead 4-2. For a team accustomed to losing, the Seals appeared headed toward another disappointing result.
Four Unanswered Goals Turn the Game Around
Instead, California responded with four unanswered goals before the second intermission. Boldirev scored twice during the surge, completing his hat trick and helping the Seals turn a two-goal deficit into a 6-4 lead. He struck again at 11:36 of the third period, scoring his fourth of the night and 14th of the season. That goal made it 7-4 and ultimately stood as the game winner.
St. Louis refused to go quietly. The Blues scored twice, cutting California’s lead to 7-6 with 34 seconds remaining. Rick Kessell finally settled matters with an empty-net goal at 19:56. His first goal of the season secured an unusually productive night for the Seals and an 8-6 victory.
Boldirev and Leach Were Soon Moving On
Boldirev led California with eight shots on goal, while Leach recorded seven shots and contributed a goal and an assist. Both would be wearing different uniforms by the start of 1974-75: Boldirev moved to the Chicago Blackhawks, while Leach joined the Philadelphia Flyers. For one January evening in Oakland, though, they helped give Golden Seals fans a welcome break from a difficult season.
The California Golden Seals: A Tale of White Skates, Red Ink, and One of the NHL's Most Outlandish Teams
Discover the fascinating and unconventional story of the California Golden Seals — one of the NHL’s most memorable and unusual franchises.
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