80 Years Later: The Montreal Canadiens Record That Still Belongs to The Rocket

Over 80 years later, one record still stands tall in Montreal Canadiens history: the night Maurice “Rocket” Richard racked up eight points in a single game. It happened on December 28, 1944, during a dominant 9-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings at the Montreal Forum, and no Canadiens player has surpassed it since.

That 1944–45 season was already legendary for the Rocket, he became the first NHL player to score 50 goals in one season. But on that December night, he set a different kind of milestone. Richard scored five goals and added three assists, becoming the first player in NHL history to record eight points in a single game.

All nine Montreal goals came against Detroit goalie Harry Lumley, and Richard even took a minor penalty in the second period, just to make sure his name appeared everywhere on the scoresheet. His five goals were numbers 20 through 24 of the season, one of four hat tricks he recorded that year.

Richard’s linemates Elmer Lach and Toe Blake also had monster nights. Lach posted two goals and three assists, while Blake had one goal and three helpers. Together, they formed the iconic “Punch Line,” one of the most dominant trios in NHL history. Lach went on to lead the league in scoring with 80 points, followed by Richard (73) and Blake (67).

Although the Canadiens were eliminated by Toronto in the playoffs, Richard’s explosive scoring continued with six goals in six games, including four in one night during a 10-3 win over the Maple Leafs.

A decade later, on January 9, 1954, Bert Olmstead tied Richard’s single-game record with four goals and four assists in a 12-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Fittingly, the Rocket was part of the action again, this time setting up five of Olmstead’s points.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Maurice “Rocket” Richard

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. In which season did Maurice “Rocket” Richard become the first NHL player to score 50 goals in 50 games?

1943–44
1944–45
1945–46
1946–47

2. How many times did Maurice Richard lead the NHL in goal scoring during his career?

5
8
9
10

3. Which famous linemates formed the “Punch Line” with Maurice Richard on the Montreal Canadiens?

Jean Béliveau and Bernie Geoffrion
Elmer Lach and Toe Blake
Henri Richard and Dickie Moore
Doug Harvey and Bert Olmstead

4. How many Stanley Cups did Maurice Richard win during his career with the Montreal Canadiens?

5
6
7
8

5. What major NHL trophy was introduced in 1999 to honour Maurice Richard’s legacy?

The Art Ross Trophy
The Rocket Richard Trophy
The Hart Memorial Trophy
The Conn Smythe Trophy

Ralph Backstrom’s Rookie Heroics Seal Montreal’s Fourth Straight Stanley Cup

In the spring of 1959, a young Ralph Backstrom put a dazzling exclamation point on his rookie season and on another Montreal Canadiens dynasty run. The 1958-59 Calder Trophy winner stepped up in the Stanley Cup Final, delivering a four-point performance to clinch Montreal’s fourth consecutive championship.

Game Five of the final was played at the legendary Montreal Forum, with the Canadiens holding a 3-1 series lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Backstrom wasted no time making an impact. Just 4:13 into the first period, he scored his third goal of the playoffs on Johnny Bower, with assists from Bernie Geoffrion and Dickie Moore. Before the opening period ended, Montreal had stormed ahead 3-0 and Backstrom had assisted on the other two goals.

He wasn’t done yet. In the second period, Backstrom picked up another assist on Geoffrion’s late goal, stretching the lead to 5-1. Toronto tried to rally in the third with goals from Frank Mahovlich and Bert Olmstead, but Montreal held firm for a 5-3 victory. Marcel Bonin netted the Cup-winning goal, and Jacques Plante stopped 30 of 33 shots.

About Ralph Backstrom 

Ralph Backstrom played 1,032 regular season and 116 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1956-57 and 1972-73 with the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks. The six-time Stanley Cup champion was a 20+ goal scorer seven times. Between 1973-74 and 1976-77, Backstrom played 304 regular season and 38 playoff games in the WHA with the Chicago Cougars, Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics and New England Whalers.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Ralph Backstrom

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Ralph Backstrom won the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in which season?

1957-58
1958-59
1959-60
1960-61

2. How many Stanley Cups did Ralph Backstrom win with the Montreal Canadiens?

Three
Six
Five
Four

3. After leaving the Canadiens, Backstrom later played in which rival league during the 1970s?

AHL
WHA
EHL
IHL

4. Which NHL team did Backstrom briefly play for after his long tenure in Montreal?

Buffalo Sabres
St. Louis Blues
Los Angeles Kings
Vancouver Canucks

5. Ralph Backstrom later became a successful hockey executive and coach. Which university team did he help build as head coach?

University of Minnesota
University of Denver
Boston University
Michigan State University

Johnny Bower’s Final NHL Shutout: A Vintage Performance in Philadelphia

On December 12, 1968, in the twilight of his remarkable career, Johnny Bower turned back the clock one last time. Playing at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, the veteran netminder stopped all 27 shots he faced to backstop the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 1-0 win over the Flyers. Ron Ellis provided the game’s lone goal, beating Bernie Parent for the decisive tally. Among the Flyers, Simon Nolet kept Bower busiest, firing five shots on goal.

Earlier that same 1968-69 season, Bower had recorded his final home shutout at Maple Leaf Gardens, a 2-0 victory over the Boston Bruins. In that contest, he turned aside 29 shots while Larry Mickey and Dave Keon did the scoring. Keon’s third-period shorthanded marker against Gerry Cheevers sealed the win, in a game that also featured a spirited scrap between Tim Horton and Derek Sanderson.

That season would be Bower’s last as a regular contributor, appearing in 20 regular-season and four playoff games while sharing duties with Bruce Gamble. The following year, he suited up for just a single game before retiring from the NHL.

Between 1953-54 and 1969-70, Bower appeared in 552 regular season and 74 playoff games with the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Known for his fearless play and famous poke check, “The China Wall” became one of hockey’s most beloved figures and, fittingly, his career ended as it had so often been defined: with a shutout.

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976, Johnny Bower’s final blanking of the Flyers remains a classic example of his enduring brilliance between the pipes.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Johnny Bower

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs, Johnny Bower began his NHL career with which team?

Chicago Black Hawks
New York Rangers
Detroit Red Wings
Boston Bruins

2. Bower was affectionately nicknamed “The China Wall.” What was the main reason for this nickname?

His unbreakable goaltending style
His time spent playing in China
His habit of wearing a mask made in China
His connection to the Great Wall through his ancestry

3. How many Stanley Cups did Johnny Bower win with the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Two
Three
Four
Five

4. What unique goaltending technique was Johnny Bower especially known for perfecting?

The butterfly style
The poke check
The stand-up save
The glove flash

5. In what year was Johnny Bower inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?

1970
1972
1976
1980

Al Hill’s Unforgettable NHL Debut With the Philadelphia Flyers

When it comes to unforgettable NHL debuts, none shine brighter than Al Hill’s first game with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Undrafted, Hill came from the Victoria Cougars of the WCHL and spent most of 1976-77 with the Springfield Indians in the AHL. Called up for a February 14, 1977 home game against the St. Louis Blues, he made sure his first NHL appearance would be one for the record books.

Just 36 seconds into the first period, Hill scored on Ed Johnston with assists from Bob Kelly and Terry Murray. Eleven minutes later, he struck again, his second career goal assisted by Rick MacLeish and Gary Dornhoefer. Before the period ended, he added an assist on Reggie Leach’s 23rd of the season.

Three points in one period would be memorable enough, but Hill wasn’t done. In the second period, he assisted on a Mel Bridgman goal, and in the third, he set up Bobby Clarke’s 21st of the campaign. That gave him five points on debut, an NHL record that still stands.

And there was toughness to go with the skill. In the second period, Hill dropped the gloves with Bob MacMillan, earning five for fighting. That gave him a rare distinction: likely the only Gordie Howe Hat Trick in a player’s first NHL game.

The Flyers capped the night with a 6-4 victory, but the night truly belonged to Al Hill, a debut the NHL has never seen before or since.

About Al Hill

Al Hill played 221 regular season and 51 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1976-77 and 1987-88, all with the Philadelphia Flyers. He was undrafted, joining the Flyers after playing major junior hockey with the Victoria Cougars. Twice, he helped the Maine Mariners to Calder Trophy championships in the AHL. In 1977-78, he was third in the league in scoring with 91 points, seven behind co-leaders Rick Adduono and Gord Brooks. 

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Al Hill

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Al Hill is best remembered for setting an NHL record in his first game with the Flyers in 1977. How many points did he score that night?

3 points
4 points
5 points
6 points

2. Al Hill spent his entire NHL career with which team?

Philadelphia Flyers
Vancouver Canucks
New York Rangers
Calgary Flames

3. Approximately how many NHL games did Al Hill play over his career?

Just under 100
About 220
Around 400
Over 600

4. Aside from his scoring record, what rare feat did Hill also achieve in his very first NHL game?

A penalty shot goal
A Gordie Howe Hat Trick
A short-handed goal
A game-winning overtime goal

5. After retiring as a player, Al Hill stayed involved in hockey. Which role did he take on with the Flyers organization?

Head coach of the Flyers
Goaltending coach
Pro scout
TV broadcaster

Super Mario’s Legendary 5-Goal New Year’s Eve Performance in 1988

On December 31, 1988, the Pittsburgh Civic Arena became the stage for one of the most jaw-dropping individual performances in NHL history. Mario Lemieux, already known as "Super Mario," put on a show that may never be duplicated, scoring five goals in five different ways in an 8-6 victory over the New Jersey Devils.

No other player has ever done it, and odds are no one ever will again. Lemieux’s magical night unfolded like this:

• Even Strength: Just 4:17 into the game, Lemieux opened the scoring with help from Rob Brown.

• Shorthanded: Less than four minutes later, he struck again while killing a penalty, punishing the Devils for Phil Bourque’s minor.

• Power Play: Before the first period was through, Lemieux completed his hat trick on the man advantage, assisted by Paul Coffey and Gord Dineen.

• Penalty Shot: In the second period, he was awarded a penalty shot at 11:14. Cool and composed, he buried it past Chris Terreri, who was promptly pulled in favor of Bob Sauve. Remarkably, it also counted as a shorthanded tally with Dan Quinn in the box.

• Empty Net: After the Devils clawed back, Lemieux sealed history in the dying second of the third, scoring into an empty net with an assist from Jay Caufield.

Lemieux wasn’t done. He also added three assists, meaning he figured in all eight Penguins goals. His eight-point masterpiece overshadowed Kirk Muller’s five-point effort (two goals, three assists) for New Jersey.

About Mario Lemieux

Mario Lemieux played 915 regular season and 107 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1984-85 and 2005-06, all with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The two-time Stanley Cup champion won the Art Ross Trophy six times, the Hart Trophy three times and the Conn Smythe Trophy twice.

His personal best season offensively came in 1988-89 when he totaled 199 points on 85 goals and 114 assists. The first overall pick by the Penguins in 1984 was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997.

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Bonus Quiz: The Career of Mario Lemieux

1. In which year was Mario Lemieux drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins?

1982
1984
1986
1988

2. How many Stanley Cups did Mario Lemieux win as a player?

1
2
3
4

3. Lemieux won six Art Ross Trophies as NHL scoring champion. Which other player’s dominance kept him from winning even more?

Wayne Gretzky
Mark Messier
Jaromir Jagr
Steve Yzerman

4. After retiring in 1997, Lemieux made a comeback in 2000. How did he rejoin the Penguins before lacing up again?

He was hired as head coach
He became the team’s owner
He signed as a free agent
He was traded back to Pittsburgh

5. Which major health challenge did Mario Lemieux publicly battle during his career, yet still return to dominate on the ice?

Heart disease
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Diabetes
Multiple concussions

Gordie Howe’s Natural Hat Trick Powers Red Wings Toward 1955 Stanley Cup

On April 10, 1955, Detroit’s Olympia Stadium witnessed one of Gordie Howe’s finest playoff performances. Facing the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final, “Mr. Hockey” delivered a natural hat trick that carried the Red Wings within one win of the championship.

Howe’s trio of goals showcased his all-around greatness: one even strength, one on the power play, and one shorthanded. His first, scored at 18:59 of the opening period against Montreal’s Jacques Plante, stood as the game-winner in a 5-1 Detroit victory.

The second period belonged to Howe. At 12:29, he struck on the power play with help from Alex Delvecchio and Ted Lindsay. Just four minutes later, with Montreal down a man for hooking, Howe struck shorthanded, assisted by Lindsay and Red Kelly, to complete the rare natural hat trick.

Montreal bounced back to win Game 6 at the Forum, 6-3, with Bernie Geoffrion notching the winner. Howe was shut out that night, but in Game 7 he responded the way legends do, scoring his ninth goal of the postseason late in the second period. Detroit clinched the Stanley Cup with a 3-1 win, capturing the series 4-3.

Over 11 playoff games that spring, Howe racked up 9 goals and 11 assists for 20 points, numbers that would have easily earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy, had it been awarded at the time. It was the fourth and final Stanley Cup of his extraordinary career.

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Bonus Quiz: Gordie Howe’s Legendary Career

1. Gordie Howe played the majority of his NHL career with which team?

Boston Bruins
Detroit Red Wings
Chicago Blackhawks
Montreal Canadiens

2. Howe was nicknamed “Mr. Hockey.” Which of these is a unique record he held at the time of his retirement in 1980?

Most career goals, assists, and points in NHL history
Most consecutive games without a penalty
Most penalty minutes in a single season
Most playoff shutouts

3. In addition to the NHL, Gordie Howe also played in another professional league during the 1970s. Which league was it?

AHL (American Hockey League)
WHA (World Hockey Association)
IHL (International Hockey League)
KHL (Kontinental Hockey League)

4. Howe famously played professional hockey alongside his sons. What were their names?

Marty and Mark
Brett and Bobby
Wayne and Keith
Dave and Dean

5. Which of the following best describes Howe’s final professional game?

NHL game at age 48 with the Hartford Whalers
WHA game at age 52 with the Houston Aeros
AHL game at age 56 with the Rochester Americans
IHL game at age 69 with the Detroit Vipers

Bryan Trottier’s Historic 8-Point Night Against Rangers in 1978

The New York Islanders were already a powerhouse in the 1978-79 season, dropping only four games by the time they hosted the rival New York Rangers on December 23, 1978. On that night, Bryan Trottier gave Islanders fans an unforgettable early Christmas gift with one of the greatest single-game performances in franchise and NHL history.

Trottier recorded eight points on five goals and three assists, breaking his own Islanders record of five points in a game, set just a year earlier in 1977. His six points in the second period alone still stand as an NHL record for most points in a single period, later tied by Mika Zibanejad of the Rangers decades later.

The scoring started modestly, with Trottier netting one in the first period before the game stood tied 1-1. Then came the Islanders’ second-period explosion. New York’s goalie Wayne Thomas was overwhelmed as Trottier scored three goals in the frame and set up Mike Bossy twice and Garry Howatt once. By the end of the period, the Isles had buried seven goals, with Trottier firmly in the spotlight.

Trottier capped off his incredible night with his fifth goal early in the third period. While the Rangers clawed back with a pair of late goals, the Islanders skated off with a 9-4 victory. Bossy chipped in five points of his own, and Garry Howatt completed the Gordie Howe Hat Trick with a goal, an assist, and a third-period fight. For the Rangers, Ron Greschner did his best to keep things respectable, scoring twice in the loss.

About Bryan Trottier

Bryan Trottier played 1,279 regular season and 221 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1975-76 and 1993-94 with the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. He won six Stanley Cup championships, four with New York and two with Pittsburgh.

Trottier was the Calder Trophy winner in 1975-76 as NHL rookie of the year. Other accolades include an Art Ross Trophy, Hart Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy. Bryan was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Bryan Trottier

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Bryan Trottier won the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in which season?

A) 1973-74
B) 1974-75
C) 1975-76
D) 1976-77

2. How many Stanley Cups did Bryan Trottier win during his playing career?

A) 4
B) 6
C) 7
D) 8

3. Trottier won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in which season?

A) 1977-78
B) 1978-79
C) 1979-80
D) 1980-81

4. Which superstar winger formed a legendary scoring duo with Trottier on the Islanders?

A) Mike Bossy
B) Clark Gillies
C) Pat LaFontaine
D) Denis Potvin

5. How many career NHL regular season points did Trottier finish with?

A) 1,280
B) 1,425
C) 1,565
D) 1,704

Bobby Orr Begins His Chicago Blackhawks Career With a Three-Point Statement Game

It never felt quite right seeing Bobby Orr in anything but black and gold. Yet on October 7, 1976, Orr officially began the final chapter of his NHL career, this time wearing a Chicago Blackhawks sweater. After a frustrating 1975-76 season marred by recurring knee injuries, fans in the Windy City were hopeful they'd see flashes of the legendary Orr in action. And on opening night, that’s exactly what they got.

Facing the St. Louis Blues at the Checkerdome, Orr made his presence known just 1:32 into the game, assisting on Pit Martin’s opening goal past Blues goalie Ed Staniowski. Then, just 1:27 into the second period, he found the back of the net himself, scoring his first goal as a Blackhawk with help from Cliff Koroll and Dick Redmond.

Later in the same frame, Orr added a second assist on a powerplay goal by Ivan Boldirev, giving him a three-point night in his return to NHL action. The Blackhawks ultimately won the game 6-4, with Pit Martin’s second of the night holding up as the game-winner.

While Orr showed early promise in his new colors, his knee troubles never fully subsided. He would post 23 points in 20 games that season before sitting out the entire 1977-78 campaign. A brief six-game return in 1978-79 marked the final days of his brilliant career.

About Bobby Orr

Bobby Orr played 657 regular season and 74 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1966-67 and 1978-79 with the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks. The two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Bruins won the Norris Trophy eight consecutive times as the NHL's top defenseman.

Along with winning the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 1966-67, Orr was also a three-time recipient of the Hart Trophy while winning both the Art Ross Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy twice. Bobby was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979.

Quick Hockey Trivia Quiz

Just some fun hockey trivia focused on the content above. You can find much more at our hockey trivia website.

Bobby Orr's Chicago Blackhawks Debut Quiz

1. What team did the Blackhawks face in Bobby Orr’s debut?

Detroit Red Wings
St. Louis Blues
Boston Bruins

2. How many points did Orr score in the game?

Two
Three
Four

3. Who scored the first goal of the game assisted by Orr?

Ivan Boldirev
Cliff Koroll
Pit Martin

4. How many games did Orr play in 1976–77?

20
6
82

5. What arena did Orr’s debut take place in?

The Forum
Checkerdome
Boston Garden

3 Goals by 1 Player on the Same Power Play? How Jean Béliveau Helped Change NHL History

Before the 1956-57 NHL season, minor penalties were served in full, two full minutes in the box, regardless of whether a goal was scored. That all changed thanks to a remarkable night at the Montreal Forum, courtesy of Jean Béliveau.

On November 5, 1955, the Boston Bruins were up 2-0 on first-period goals by Leo Boivin and Doug Mohns. But the tide quickly turned.

With Cal Gardner in the box for charging (penalty assessed with just 10 seconds left in the first), and Hal Laycoe penalized for hooking just 17 seconds into the second period, the Canadiens had a 5-on-3 advantage to start the frame.

Jean Béliveau, already one of the league’s top stars, wasted no time. He scored at 0:42, again at 1:08, and completed the power play hat trick at 1:26, just 44 seconds apart, all on legendary goalie Terry Sawchuk. Bert Olmstead assisted on all three, with Doug Harvey picking up two helpers and Maurice “Rocket” Richard assisting on the middle marker.

Béliveau added a fourth goal in the third period, again with Olmstead helping out, alongside BernieGeoffrion. The Canadiens skated away with a 4-2 win, and Béliveau had all four goals.

That explosive performance helped fuel a monster season for “Le Gros Bill.” After scoring just three times in his first 12 games, he ended up with 47 goals, winning both the Art Ross Trophy (scoring title) and the Hart Trophy (MVP), while leading the Habs to a Stanley Cup championship.

More importantly, his rare three-goal feat on a single minor penalty power play sparked a rethink of the NHL’s rulebook. Starting in 1956-57, players serving minor penalties would exit the box after the opposing team scored, a rule that remains in effect to this day.

Ironically, despite having nine power plays in that game, the Bruins only capitalized once.

Here's Some NHL Trivia

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Trivia Question: Who was the first ever recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy?

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Dave Keon’s Six-Point Explosion Powers Leafs Over First-Place Red Wings in 1964

On December 5, 1964, the Toronto Maple Leafs faced off against the league-leading Detroit Red Wings at Maple Leaf Gardens. Though Detroit sat comfortably atop the NHL standings, 13 points ahead of the fourth-place Leafs, the night belonged to Dave Keon.

Keon, a cornerstone of the Leafs dynasty, delivered one of the most dominant performances of his career, scoring two goals and adding four assists for a total of six points. That single game accounted for 12% of his total points for the 1964-65 season, in which he finished with 50.

Toronto opened with a modest 2-1 lead after the first period, with Keon held off the scoresheet. But the second period turned into a Blue and White clinic. The Leafs scored four more before Detroit’s Norm Ullman, a future Maple Leaf himself, added the Wings’ second and final tally of the night. Keon assisted on goals by Jim Pappin and Ron Ellis during the frame.

In the third period, Keon put on a show. Just 21 seconds in, he and Red Kelly assisted on Andy Bathgate’s goal. Then came two goals of his own before assisting on Ellis’s second of the game at 13:06.

Bathgate had a four-point night himself (1G, 3A), leading the team with six shots on goal. Toronto outshot Detroit 41-36, with rookie Roger Crozier under siege in the Wings’ net. At the other end, former Red Wing Terry Sawchuk made 34 saves in his third appearance against his former club since joining the Leafs in the off-season. Only Pit Martin and Ullman managed to beat him.

About Dave Keon

Dave Keon played 1,296 regular season and 92 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1960-61 and 1981-82 with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Hartford Whalers. The four-time Stanley Cup champion was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1966-67.

Starting with his Calder Trophy winning 1960-61 NHL season, Keon scored at least 20 goals eleven times. His career best of 38 was scored in 1970-71 with the Maple Leafs, placing him tied for sixth in the league with Gilbert Perreault of the Buffalo Sabres.

Between 1975-76 and 1978-79, Dave played an additional 301 regular season and 36 playoff games in the WHA with the Minnesota Fighting Saints, Indianapolis Racers and New England Whalers. Keon was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986.

NHL Hockey Card Legends: Dave Keon