By the 1986-87 NHL season, the career of rugged forward Dave “Tiger” Williams was beginning to wind down. Known far more for his toughness than his scoring touch, Williams still managed to produce one of the most memorable moments in Los Angeles Kings history during that campaign.
Williams finished that season with 16 goals and a staggering 358 penalty minutes, a career high that reflected the gritty style that made him one of hockey’s most famous enforcers. Yet it was one of those goals, not the penalty minutes, that secured him a place in the Kings record book.
On February 14, 1987, the Kings hosted the Hartford Whalers at the Forum in Inglewood. Valentine’s Day offered little love for Hartford goaltender Mike Liut. Just seven seconds after the opening faceoff, Williams surprised everyone by beating Liut to give Los Angeles an instant lead. The goal, assisted by Bernie Nicholls and Dean Kennedy, was Williams’ 12th of the season.
That quick strike still stands as the fastest goal to start a game in Los Angeles Kings franchise history. After that lightning start, Williams stayed off the scoresheet and unusually, out of the penalty box for the remainder of the night.
The Kings went on to defeat the Whalers 5-2, fueled by three-point performances from offensive stars Marcel Dionne and Luc Robitaille.
Interestingly, Williams’ 358 penalty minutes during the 1986-87 season also stood as a Kings franchise record for several years. That mark was eventually surpassed by Marty McSorley, who recorded 399 penalty minutes during the 1992-93 campaign.
Williams finished the 1986-87 season with Los Angeles and returned briefly the following year, appearing in just two games for the Kings before closing out his NHL career with the Hartford Whalers, playing the final 26 games of his long and colorful run in the league.
Tiger: A Hockey Story (Autobiography of Tiger Williams)
The colorful and candid autobiography of Dave “Tiger” Williams, the NHL’s all-time penalty minute leader, filled with unforgettable stories from one of hockey’s toughest and most entertaining personalities.
Buy on Amazon