Pete Mahovlich Scores Two Goals in Five Seconds for Canadiens Record in 1971

On February 20, 1971, Pete Mahovlich etched his name into the NHL record book with one of the fastest scoring bursts the league had ever seen.

Before that night, the record for the fastest two goals by the same player belonged to Nels Stewart, who scored twice in just four seconds during a 1931 game between the Montreal Maroons and Boston Bruins. The next fastest belonged to Howie Meeker, who scored two goals six seconds apart in 1952.

Mahovlich didn’t quite break Stewart’s record, but he came incredibly close. During a matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks at the Montreal Forum, Mahovlich scored twice in five seconds, placing himself between Stewart and Meeker in the NHL record books.

The game itself offered little suspense for the Montreal crowd. The Canadiens dominated early, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first period before the frame was halfway finished. They extended the lead to 4-0 early in the second period and carried a 5-1 advantage into the third.

Rejean Houle got Montreal rolling with the first two goals of the game. Phil Roberto followed with three consecutive tallies, with Jean Béliveau assisting on all three.

Then came Mahovlich’s historic moment.

At 12:16 of the third period, Mahovlich beat Blackhawks goaltender Tony Esposito for his 26th goal of the 1970-71 season, assisted by John Ferguson. Just five seconds later, at 12:21, Mahovlich struck again, once more with Ferguson setting him up, for his 27th goal of the season.

While it fell just short of the NHL record, Mahovlich’s rapid-fire scoring remains the fastest two goals in Montreal Canadiens franchise history. Remarkably, those two goals were also Mahovlich’s only shots on net in the entire game.

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John Ferguson Fights, Scores, and Shines in First Canadiens Game

When the Montreal Canadiens brought in John Ferguson, the mission was clear, protect Jean Beliveau and keep opponents honest. But on October 8, 1963, in his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins, Ferguson proved he was more than just muscle. He was a scoring threat.

Just 12 seconds into his first NHL game, Ferguson tangled with Boston’s Ted Green, earning a roughing minor and an early trip to the penalty box. It seemed the Canadiens had gotten the enforcer they wanted but then came the scoring.

Midway through the first period, Ferguson netted his first NHL goal, set up perfectly by none other than Jean Beliveau, and beat Bruins goalie Eddie Johnston. In the second period, Ferguson struck again, this time assisted by Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion and Jacques Laperriere. Moments later, he returned the favor, assisting on a Geoffrion goal for a remarkable three-point debut.

Before joining the NHL, Ferguson had shown his scoring chops with the AHL’s Cleveland Barons in 1962-63, finishing third in goals (38) and second in penalty minutes (179). That same mix of grit and scoring followed him to Montreal.

By the end of his rookie season, Ferguson had 18 goals and 45 points over 59 games while also racking up 125 penalty minutes (seventh most in the NHL that year). He finished second in voting for the Calder Trophy, behind teammate Jacques Laperriere. Fellow Hab Terry Harper finished third.

About John Ferguson

Between 1963-64 and 1970-71, John Ferguson played 500 regular season and 85 playoff games in the National Hockey League, all with the Montreal Canadiens. Despite playing just eight seasons in the NHL, Ferguson was a member of five Stanley Cup championship teams with the Habs.

Known for his toughness, John could provide offense, as well. Twice, he reached the 20 goal plateau, putting up a career best 29 in 1968-69. That number tied him with Jacques Lemaire for fourth on the team. That year, he finished third in the NHL with a career high 185 penalty minutes, 34 PIM behind leader Forbes Kennedy.