Showing posts with label NHL Hat Tricks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NHL Hat Tricks. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Gary Sabourin Scores Four Goals For The California Golden Seals Against His Former Team

On November 7, 1975, the California Golden Seals pulled off a wild 7-5 win over the New York Rangers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena and the unlikely star of the night was Gary Sabourin.

Not Bobby Orr, but the other guy from Parry Sound, Ontario. Sabourin, once a Rangers prospect, lit up John Davidson and the Blueshirts for four goals, recording his second NHL hat trick (and then some).

Just a year earlier, Sabourin had scored only five goals in 55 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs. By his 15th game as a Seal, he had already surpassed that mark. He opened the scoring at just 1:01 of the first period with his fifth of the season, set up by Bob Girard and Ralph Klassen. A few minutes later, he struck again, once again thanks to Girard, this time with Rick Hampton adding an assist.

In the second period, after Al MacAdam and Rick Middleton traded goals, Sabourin completed his hat trick at 11:02 with Klassen picking up another helper. Early in the third, at 1:03, Sabourin buried the eventual game-winner, assisted by Klassen and former Ranger Jim Neilson. Sabourin, MacAdam, and Dennis Maruk paced the Seals with six shots each, while Phil Esposito and Rod Gilbert each had three-point nights for New York.

Goaltender Gilles Meloche backstopped the Seals with his usual heavy workload, stopping 31 of 36 shots, including six from Esposito.

That four-goal performance helped Sabourin finish the season with 21 goals, the fifth and final time he would hit the 20-goal mark in his career. Twice, with the St. Louis Blues, he topped out at a career-high 28 goals. Sadly, his NHL journey wrapped up shortly after, with just 33 games for the Cleveland Barons in 1976-77 before calling it a career.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Gary Sabourin

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

1. Gary Sabourin scored four goals in one game for the California Golden Seals in 1975. Which team was the opponent?

2. Sabourin twice reached his career-high in goals during a season. How many goals did he score in each of those peak years?

3. Which team did Gary Sabourin spend the majority of his NHL career with?

4. Sabourin’s final NHL season came in 1976-77, when he played 33 games for which franchise?

5. Gary Sabourin was born in Parry Sound, Ontario — the same hometown as which Hockey Hall of Famer?

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Mike Gartner Nets His First Career Hat Trick Against the Nordiques in 1979

On December 1, 1979, Mike Gartner gave Washington Capitals fans a glimpse of the legendary career that was about to unfold.

It had been a sluggish start for both Gartner and the Capitals during the 1979-80 NHL season. Through 24 games, Gartner had only three goals, while Washington’s record sat at a dismal 4-16-4. But that night at the Capital Centre against the Quebec Nordiques, everything changed.

After two periods, the game was locked at 2-2. Then came a third-period eruption. Washington buried five goals past Quebec netminder Goran Hogosta to secure a 7-2 victory. Gartner was the star, netting three of those goals, his 4th, 5th, and 6th of the season, on just four shots. Wes Jarvis assisted on all three and chipped in a goal of his own for a four-point night.

Though the Caps’ season struggles continued, Gartner found his scoring touch. He finished his rookie year with 36 goals, eventually hitting the 50-goal mark with Washington in 1984-85. Over his Hall of Fame career, he scored 708 goals in 1,432 games, ranking him 8th all-time, sandwiched between Phil Esposito and Mark Messier.

Gartner played for the Capitals, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Phoenix Coyotes, where he notched the franchise’s first-ever hat trick after their move from Winnipeg. His induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame came in 2001, cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Mike Gartner

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

1. In what season did Mike Gartner score his first NHL hat trick?





2. How many career goals did Mike Gartner score in the NHL?





3. Which team did Gartner score the first hat trick in franchise history for, after relocation?





4. Mike Gartner was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in which year?





5. Which of these teams did Gartner NOT play for in his NHL career?






Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Syl Apps Explodes For Six Points As Islanders Suffer Rough Start

When the New York Islanders entered the NHL for the 1972-73 season, few imagined that just eight years later they would become a dynasty with four straight Stanley Cup championships. Their early years, however, were filled with growing pains and one December night in Pittsburgh highlighted just how far they had to go.

On December 13, 1972, the expansion Islanders came into the Civic Arena with a dismal 3-21-3 record, having already allowed nine or more goals three times. Against the Penguins, things quickly spiraled out of control. Pittsburgh fired nine unanswered goals past beleaguered New York goaltender Gerry Desjardins, who faced a staggering 55 shots on the night. The Islanders only avoided being shut out when they scored with six seconds left, barely spoiling Denis Herron’s quiet evening in the other crease.

The star of the night was Syl Apps Jr., who delivered the finest offensive performance of his 1972-73 season. Apps recorded a hat trick, his first of three career NHL hat tricks, while also setting up three more goals for a six-point masterpiece. His linemate Lowell MacDonald added two goals and two assists, while Al McDonough chipped in with a goal and three helpers.

For Apps, this game was one of the highlights of a productive campaign. Along with this six-point night, he notched a five-point game against Toronto and three four-point outings. His offensive flair reached another peak in December 1977, when he tallied his only career four-goal game against the Los Angeles Kings.

About Syl Apps

Syl Apps played 727 regular season and 23 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1970-71 and 1979-80 with the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings. He was a playoff champion with both the Omaha Knights in the CHL and the Buffalo Bisons in the AHL in 1969-70.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Syl Apps Jr.

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

1. Which NHL team did Syl Apps Jr. spend the majority of his career with?




2. How many career NHL hat tricks did Syl Apps Jr. record?




3. In which season did Apps record his only four-goal game?




4. What was Syl Apps Jr.’s highest single-season point total in the NHL?




5. Which NHL franchise originally drafted Syl Apps Jr. in 1964?




Monday, September 8, 2025

Two Goals in Six Seconds: Turgeon’s Historic Whalers Moment

On March 28, 1987, Sylvain Turgeon snapped out of a scoring slump in dramatic fashion for the Hartford Whalers. Facing Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Hartford Civic Center, Turgeon delivered one of the most memorable performances in franchise history.

After scoring just one goal in his previous eight games, Turgeon opened the scoring late in the first period, beating Pat Riggin unassisted. The second period turned into a wild offensive showcase, with six goals scored in just over five minutes.

Lemieux tied the game at 13:39 with his 53rd goal of the season, but Turgeon responded instantly. Just 20 seconds later, he notched his second of the night. Six seconds after that, he completed the hat trick. The two lightning-quick tallies remain a Whalers franchise record for the fastest two goals by a single player. Even after the team relocated and became the Carolina Hurricanes, the closest anyone has come was Ray Whitney’s two goals in 31 seconds back in 2007.

The Whalers went on to win 5-4, thanks to a clutch goal from captain Ron Francis. Turgeon himself fired 10 of Hartford’s 22 total shots, while goaltender Mike Liut made 19 saves for the victory.

Turgeon went on to play 669 regular season and 36 playoff games in the NHL with the Whalers, New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators. Twice he hit the 40-goal plateau in Hartford, peaking with a career-best 45 in 1985-86.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Sylvain Turgeon

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

1. Which NHL team drafted Sylvain Turgeon second overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft?





2. Turgeon’s career-best season came in 1985-86 with how many goals scored for Hartford?





3. Which of the following teams did Sylvain Turgeon NOT play for during his NHL career?





4. In March 1987, Turgeon set a Hartford Whalers record by scoring two goals just six seconds apart. Who were the opponents that night?





5. Across his NHL career, how many regular season games did Sylvain Turgeon play?






Friday, August 29, 2025

Guy Charron’s Hat Trick Sparks Red Wings To 5-4 Victory Over Leafs

On November 11, 1973, Guy Charron delivered one of the best performances of his NHL career, scoring three goals to lead the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs at Olympia Stadium.

Charron, known for playing 734 regular season games without a playoff appearance, was often underrated but had plenty of offensive talent. The 1973-74 campaign marked his breakout year, finishing with 25 goals. Three of those came in this memorable game, his second of five career hat tricks.

He opened the scoring with a first-period powerplay goal, assisted by Mickey Redmond and Ted Harris. Just minutes later, Charron struck again, this time with help from Ace Bailey and Brent Hughes. He completed the hat trick early in the second period, his ninth goal of the season, again assisted by Redmond, giving Detroit a commanding 3-0 lead.

Nick Libett scored Detroit’s other two goals, while Toronto battled back with Norm Ullman (two goals, one assist) and Paul Henderson (three assists) keeping it close. Still, Charron’s scoring touch proved the difference in Detroit’s 5-4 victory.

Charron’s time in Detroit ended early in the 1974-75 season when he was traded to the Kansas City Scouts. He found his stride there, stringing together four straight 27+ goal seasons, including a career-best 38 with the Washington Capitals in 1977-78.


NHL Hockey Trivia: Guy Charron

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

1. How many regular season NHL games did Guy Charron play in his career?

  • 534
  • 734
  • 834
  • 934

2. How many playoff games did Charron appear in?

  • 0
  • 12
  • 22
  • 34

3. Which team did Guy Charron score his second career hat trick against on November 11, 1973?

  • Montreal Canadiens
  • Toronto Maple Leafs
  • Chicago Blackhawks
  • New York Rangers

4. What was Charron’s single-season career high in goals scored?

  • 27
  • 30
  • 35
  • 38

5. Which of the following teams did Guy Charron play for during his NHL career?

  • Detroit Red Wings, Kansas City Scouts, Washington Capitals
  • Detroit Red Wings, Quebec Nordiques, Washington Capitals
  • Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Washington Capitals
  • Detroit Red Wings, Kansas City Scouts, Buffalo Sabres

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Bruce Boudreau’s Lone NHL Hat Trick Comes Against the Minnesota North Stars


When most hockey fans think of Bruce Boudreau, it’s for his work behind the bench rather than on the ice. But on December 16, 1977, “Gabby” had the best game of his NHL playing career with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Boudreau had proven his scoring touch in junior with the Toronto Marlboros (68 goals) and in the AHL with the St. Catharines Saints (50 goals). In the NHL, his best season came in 1977-78 when he tallied 11. Three of those came on one memorable night in Minnesota.

The Leafs were flying high early that season while the North Stars were struggling badly. Toronto rolled to an 8-5 win, and Boudreau was the star.

  • His first goal came at 12:00 of the second period, assisted by Börje Salming and Tiger Williams, putting Toronto ahead 3-1.

  • Just minutes later, Ron Ellis and Salming set up his second to make it 4-2.

  • Early in the third, with Minnesota’s Tom Younghans in the box for hooking, Boudreau buried his hat trick goal on the power play for what proved to be the game-winner.

Salming finished with five assists, three of them on Boudreau’s goals, while Toronto peppered Pete LoPresti with 37 shots.

Boudreau would go on to play 141 regular season and nine playoff games in the NHL with Toronto and Chicago. His legacy, however, would be built as a coach, where he won championships in the ECHL and AHL and became one of the most colorful personalities behind an NHL bench, even if a Stanley Cup title still eludes him.


NHL Hockey Trivia: Bruce Boudreau

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia
  1. In which season did Bruce Boudreau score his only NHL hat trick?
    1976-77
    1977-78
    1978-79
    1979-80
  2. Which Hall of Fame defenseman assisted on all three of Boudreau’s goals in that hat trick game?
    Börje Salming
    Brad Park
    Denis Potvin
    Larry Robinson
  3. How many regular season NHL games did Bruce Boudreau play in his career?
    99
    141
    184
    201
  4. As an NHL head coach, which team gave Bruce Boudreau his first coaching job?
    Anaheim Ducks
    Minnesota Wild
    Washington Capitals
    Vancouver Canucks
  5. Which nickname has followed Bruce Boudreau throughout his career?
    Gabby
    Boom Boom
    Chopper
    Moose

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Lanny McDonald’s Lone Hat Trick With The Colorado Rockies


On February 6, 1981, Lanny McDonald recorded his only hat trick as a member of the Colorado Rockies in a thrilling 6-4 home win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

McDonald was no stranger to multi-goal games, he tallied 18 career hat tricks, including eight with the Toronto Maple Leafs (one a four-goal outing) and nine with the Calgary Flames. But during his short stay in Denver, fans only got to witness one such performance.

In the first period, McDonald opened the scoring just 5:22 in, beating Pittsburgh’s Nick Ricci with help from Merlin Malinowski. After the Penguins tied it up, McDonald struck again in the second frame with his 24th of the season, assisted by Paul Gagné and WaltMcKechnie, giving Colorado a 3-2 edge.

His third goal sealed the night, coming unassisted into an empty net with just 41 seconds left in the game. Not only did McDonald complete the hat trick, but he also collected two assists on goals by Lucien DeBlois and Mike Gillis, finishing with a five-point night. He registered five of Colorado’s 23 shots, while Rockies goaltender Al Smith turned aside 30 of 34 Pittsburgh attempts for the win.

McDonald’s path to Denver began with a December 29, 1979 trade that sent him and Joel Quenneville to Colorado in exchange for Pat Hickey and Wilf Paiement. His Rockies tenure spanned 142 games over parts of three seasons before he was dealt to Calgary on November 25, 1981, in a trade that saw Don Lever and Bob MacMillan head to Colorado.

About Lanny McDonald

Lanny McDonald played 1,111 regular season and 117 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1973-74 and 1988-89 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Rockies and Calgary Flames. Originally a fourth overall pick by the Maple Leafs at the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft, McDonald was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.


NHL Hockey Trivia: Lanny McDonald

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia
  1. In which year did Lanny McDonald score his only hat trick as a member of the Colorado Rockies?
    1979
    1981
    1983
  2. Which team did McDonald spend the majority of his NHL career with, including winning a Stanley Cup?
    Toronto Maple Leafs
    Calgary Flames
    Colorado Rockies
  3. How many career hat tricks did Lanny McDonald record in total?
    12
    18
    22
  4. What was unique about McDonald’s goal-scoring in the 1982-83 season with Calgary?
    He scored 66 goals, setting a franchise record
    He scored 50 goals in 50 games
    He had more assists than goals for the only time in his career
  5. In which year was Lanny McDonald inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
    1990
    1992
    1995

Bonus Round!

NHL Hockey Trivia: Colorado Rockies

  1. In what year did the Colorado Rockies first take the ice in the NHL?
    1974
    1976
    1978
  2. Before moving to Denver, what was the team’s original NHL identity?
    Kansas City Scouts
    Oakland Seals
    Cleveland Barons
  3. Who was the goaltender most associated with the Rockies, appearing in over 150 games?
    Ron Low
    Chico Resch
    Michel Plasse
  4. In 1979-80, who coached the Rockies for one memorable season before becoming an NHL legend elsewhere?
    Scotty Bowman
    Don Cherry
    Herb Brooks
  5. What became of the Colorado Rockies franchise after the 1981-82 season?
    Folded
    Relocated to New Jersey as the Devils
    Merged with the Quebec Nordiques

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Butch Goring’s First Islanders Hat Trick Comes in High-Octane Duel with Real Cloutier


On
March 10, 1980, the New York Islanders made a franchise-altering move by acquiring Butch Goring from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Billy Harris and Dave Lewis. Just nine games into his tenure with the Isles, Goring showed exactly why the deal would become legendary.

On March 30, 1980, the Islanders visited the Quebec Nordiques for a wild offensive showcase. Goring went toe-to-toe with Quebec star Real “Buddy” Cloutier, with both players recording a hat trick and an assist for four-point nights. The Islanders came out on top, winning 9-6 in a game loaded with firepower.

Cloutier got off to a hot start, notching his 36th and 37th goals of the season in the first period, both assisted by Marc Tardif, beating goalie Glenn "Chico" Resch. Butch Goring got on the board early in the second, narrowing the score to 3-2, and shortly after, assisted on a Clark Gillies goal to help the Islanders gain momentum.

Despite another Quebec tally from Paul Stewart (assisted by Cloutier), the Islanders held a slim 6-5 lead heading into the third.

Cloutier completed his hat trick with his 38th of the season just under four minutes into the third, tying the game 6-6. But the Islanders would not be denied. John Tonelli put New York back ahead just seconds later, and Goring sealed the win with two more goals, his 24th and 25th of the campaign, both assisted by Denis Potvin, with the final helper also coming from goalie Glenn Resch.

Goring was a force all game, firing six shots, alongside Bob Nystrom, Bryan Trottier, and Potvin, all of whom also registered six shots. The Islanders peppered Quebec goalie Goran Hogosta with 49 total shots. Cloutier and Tardif combined for nearly half of Quebec's 29 shots on goal.

Hockey Trivia: Butch Goring Quiz

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our Hockey Trivia website!
  1. What team did Butch Goring start his NHL career with?



  2. How many Stanley Cups did Butch Goring win as a player with the Islanders?



  3. Which NHL award did Butch Goring win in the 1977–78 season?



  4. Who did the Islanders trade to get Butch Goring in 1980?



  5. What was Goring famously known for wearing on his head instead of a traditional helmet?



Sunday, August 3, 2025

3 Goals and 1 Fight: Wendel Clark’s Rookie Statement Game


On February 25, 1986, Toronto Maple Leafs fans witnessed a performance that would define the fiery rookie season of
Wendel Clark, the franchise’s first-ever first overall draft pick.

Facing the higher-ranked New York Rangers at Maple Leaf Gardens, the Leafs quickly fell behind 2-0. But Clark and company stormed back in thrilling fashion to earn a 7-3 victory and the young forward played a starring role.

In a game that had everything, Wendel served five minutes for fighting after a heated scrap with RonGreschner. Just seconds after leaving the box, he netted his 24th goal of the season, the eventual game-winner, assisted by Russ Courtnall, who had a standout night himself with a goal and three helpers.

Clark wasn’t done. He added two more goals in the third period, his 25th and 26th of the season, both again set up by Courtnall to complete the hat trick. All seven Leafs goals were scored on John Vanbiesbrouck, with Clark’s third tally sending the goalie to the bench in favor of Glen Hanlon.

Clark wrapped up his 1985-86 rookie season with 34 goals and helped the Leafs win their first playoff series since 1979. He would finish second in Calder Trophy voting, just behind Gary Suter of the Calgary Flames.

About Wendel Clark

Wendel Clark played 793 regular season and 95 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1985-86 and 1999-00 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. He was originally a first overall pick by Toronto at the 1985 NHL Entry Draft.

Despite an injury plagued career that saw Wendel play just one full schedule, he totaled 330 regular season goals. Clark's career best came in 1993-94 when he scored 46 for the Maple Leafs in just 64 games.


Wendel Clark Rookie Game Trivia Quiz

The first set of trivia questions pertains to the content above. Following that, there's another short hockey trivia quiz for Wendel Clark's NHL career. 

There is much more NHL hockey trivia at our hockey trivia website!
  1. How many goals did Wendel Clark score in the February 25, 1986 game against the Rangers?
    2
    3
    4
    5

  2. Who did Wendel Clark fight in that game?
    Barry Beck
    Ron Greschner
    Ulf Samuelsson
    George McPhee

  3. Which teammate assisted on all three of Clark’s goals that night?
    Russ Courtnall
    Gary Leeman
    Al Iafrate
    Steve Thomas

  4. How many goals did Wendel Clark score in his rookie season?
    26
    34
    38
    40

  5. Who won the Calder Trophy over Wendel Clark in 1985-86?
    Brian MacLellan
    Claude Lemieux
    Gary Suter
    Patrick Roy

Wendel Clark NHL Career Trivia Quiz

  1. In what year was Wendel Clark selected 1st overall in the NHL Draft?
    1985
    1983
    1986
    1984

  2. What position did Wendel Clark play for most of his NHL career?
    Left Wing
    Defense
    Center
    Right Wing

  3. Wendel Clark was traded from the Leafs to which team in a blockbuster 1994 deal?
    Edmonton Oilers
    Quebec Nordiques
    New York Islanders
    Detroit Red Wings

  4. What future superstar did the Leafs receive in return for Wendel Clark in 1994?
    Mats Sundin
    Joe Sakic
    Owen Nolan
    Mike Modano

  5. How many times did Wendel Clark score 30 or more goals in an NHL season?
    1
    3
    5
    7

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Red Kelly’s Hat Trick vs Canadiens Includes His Only NHL Penalty Shot


On
January 31, 1963, the Toronto Maple Leafs stormed into the Montreal Forum and took down the Canadiens 6-3. The spotlight belonged to Red Kelly, who recorded a hat trick, highlighted by the only penalty shot goal of his entire 20-year NHL career.

The Canadiens jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period thanks to goals from Gilles Tremblay and Dickie Moore. But at 14:59 of the opening frame, Kelly sparked the comeback with a powerplay goal assisted by Billy Harris.

Red struck again midway through the second, tying the game 2-2 with his 13th of the season, set up by Bob Nevin and Frank Mahovlich. The Leafs then took over in the third:

  • George Armstrong scored at 1:34 (assisted by Kelly),

  • Dick Duff notched the game-winner at 6:17,

  • and at 13:51, Red Kelly was awarded a penalty shot.

In a rare moment for the veteran center, he buried the puck behind Jacques Plante for his third goal of the game and 14th of the season. It marked the third hat trick of Kelly’s career, the only penalty shot goal he ever scored in his 1,316-game NHL tenure.

Kelly finished the night with four points and five shots on goal. That season, he would tally 20 goals and 40 assists in 66 games, with only four minor penalties, a model of sportsmanship. Despite that, he placed just fourth in Lady Byng Trophy voting, behind teammate Dave Keon.

About Red Kelly

Between 1947-48 and 1966-67, Red Kelly played 1,316 regular season and 164 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. The eight time Stanley Cup champion (four times each with the Red Wings and Maple Leafs) won the Lady Byng Trophy four times and was the Norris Trophy winner in 1953-54 as the NHL's top defenseman.

Immediately after retiring, Kelly became the first ever head coach of the Los Angeles Kings. He went on to stints as bench boss for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Red was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1969.

Red Kelly’s Hat Trick vs Canadiens – Trivia Quiz

You can find much more hockey trivia at our hockey trivia website!

1. How many goals did Red Kelly score in the January 31, 1963 game vs the Canadiens?




2. Who was the goaltender Red Kelly scored his penalty shot goal against?




3. How many penalty shots did Red Kelly score in his NHL career?




4. How many points did Red Kelly record in that game?




5. Who scored the game-winning goal for the Leafs in that 6–3 victory?




6. What trophy is associated with sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in the NHL?




7. How many hat tricks did Red Kelly have in his NHL career?





Monday, July 21, 2025

In Season Two The St. Louis Blues Finally Get Their First NHL Hat Trick


The St. Louis Blues made their NHL debut in the 1967-68 season, but offensive fireworks were in short supply. Red Berenson led the expansion team in scoring that year, notching 22 goals and 51 points. No other Blues player managed more than 15 goals.

Things began to shift in the team’s second season. Berenson upped his production, and the addition of veteran sniper Camille “The Eel” Henry added a new scoring threat. On November 3, 1968, at Detroit Olympia, Henry made franchise history by scoring the first hat trick in Blues history in a game against the Red Wings.

Detroit jumped out to a 2-0 lead with goals from Frank Mahovlich and Gary Bergman. Henry got the Blues on the board late in the first period with a powerplay goal at 16:39. By the end of the second, it was 4-2 Red Wings but Henry wasn’t finished.

In the third period, Henry lit the lamp twice in a 15-second span to tie the game. Two of his three goals came on the powerplay, and Red Berenson assisted on two of them. All four St. Louis goals were scored against Red Wings goalie Roger Crozier, and the game ended in a 4-4 tie.

Just four nights later, on November 7, Berenson delivered one of the most iconic single-game performances in NHL history, scoring six goals in an 8-0 road win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Henry added to the onslaught with a goal and two assists, while Berenson recorded seven points in total. Doug Favell was in net for the shell-shocked Flyers.

About Camille Henry

Camille Henry played 727 regular season and 47 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1953-54 and 1969-70 with the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues. He was the Calder Trophy winner in 1953-54 as NHL rookie of the year and won the Lady Byng Trophy in 1957-58.

Never a Stanley Cup champion, Henry did win a Calder Cup title in the AHL with the Providence Reds in 1955-56. That year, he led the league with exactly 50 goals and added ten more in the post season. His career best in the NHL was 37 goals in 1962-63 with the Rangers. That total placed him second, just a single goal behind leader Gordie Howe.


Monday, June 23, 2025

Penalty Kill Perfection: Dave Keon Nets a Hat Trick (Including 2 SHG) in 1970


On December 2, 1970, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dave Keon put on a penalty-killing clinic at Maple Leaf Gardens and turned it into a hat trick showcase.

Facing the Los Angeles Kings, Keon scored two shorthanded goals and added a third at even strength, powering the Leafs to a dominant 7-0 victory. His first shorty came in the second period while Jim Harrison was in the box for elbowing. George Armstrong, "The Chief", in his final NHL season, provided the assist as Keon beat Jack Norris at 9:36.

Then, early in the third, Keon struck again on the penalty kill, this time assisted by Billy MacMillan while Paul Henderson was off for tripping. He finished off the hat trick midway through the final frame with a five-on-five tally from Mike Pelyk and Garry Monahan.

Veteran goalie Jacques Plante turned aside 35 shots for the shutout, and Ron Ellis chipped in with two goals and an assist. Even Armstrong, nearing the end of his storied career, notched a pair of helpers.

This game marked just the seventh win in the Leafs' first 23 games of the 1970–71 season. But Keon’s inspired play was a bright spot in a rough start.

Over his Hall of Fame career, Keon scored 32 shorthanded goals, placing him in a four-way tie for 17th all-time alongside Peter Bondra, Bobby Clarke, and Joe Sakic. His eight SHG in 1970–71 tied him for the league lead with Boston’s Ed Westfall and Don Marcotte.

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. He also played 301 regular season and 36 playoff games in the WHA between 1975-7 and 1978-79 with the Minnesota Fighting Saints, Indianapolis Racers and New England Whalers.

A four time Stanley Cup champion with the Maple Leafs, Keon won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 1960-61. In the following two seasons, he was the recipient of the Lady Byng Trophy. Dave was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in Toronto's 1966-67 run to the Stanley Cup championship. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986 and his jersey number 14 has been retired by the Maple Leafs.

NHL Hockey Card Legends: Dave Keon [Video]



Friday, June 13, 2025

Rick Middleton Nets Nifty Hat Trick in His Bruins Debut


Rick Middleton made an unforgettable first impression in Boston. Drafted 14th overall by the New York Rangers in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft, Middleton came up through the Oshawa Generals program and spent two solid seasons on Broadway before being traded to the Bruins in exchange for veteran Ken Hodge ahead of the 1976-77 campaign.

Determined to prove his worth in his new hockey home, Middleton made a dazzling debut. On October 7, 1976, in Boston’s season and home opener at the Boston Garden against the Minnesota North Stars, he recorded a hat trick, scoring three of Boston’s six goals in a commanding 6-2 win.

His first goal as a Bruin came at 15:21 of the second period, assisted by Jean Ratelle and Johnny Bucyk. It gave the Bruins a 2-0 lead and electrified the Garden crowd. Middleton struck again late in the third at 15:36, assisted by Gregg Sheppard and goaltender GerryCheevers. Less than three minutes later, he completed the hat trick on a feed from Don Marcotte. Amazingly, Middleton scored on all three of his credited shots.

It was his only hat trick of the season, but far from his last big moment in black and gold. Middleton went on to score 20 goals in 72 games that year and added five more in the playoffs, helping the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup Final, where they ultimately fell to the powerhouse Montreal Canadiens.

Middleton’s NHL career spanned from 1974-75 to 1987-88, totaling 1,005 regular-season games and 114 playoff appearances with the Rangers and Bruins. He scored 51 goals in 1981-82 and topped 100 points twice, carving out a legacy as one of the most skilled wingers of his era.

The Rick Middleton Trade

On May 26, 1976, Rick Middleton was traded from the New York Rangers to the Boston Bruins straight up for Ken Hodge. Middleton went on to score 402 regular season goals for the Bruins, adding 45 more in the playoffs.

Ken Hodge would play just one full season with the Rangers, 1976-77, while appearing in 18 games for the Blue Shirts in 1977-78, his final games in the NHL. The one-time 50 goal scorer with the Bruins scored 21 in 1976-77 and added two more in 1977-78. Clearly, Boston won this trade.

NHL Hockey Card Greats: Rick Middleton [Video]



Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Ray Bourque's Lone NHL Hat Trick Came in a Blowout Win Over the Nordiques


Ray Bourque’s legendary NHL career included 410 goals, five Norris Trophies, and over 1,600 regular season games. Yet, the Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman only recorded a single NHL hat trick, coming in dominant fashion.

On March 8, 1983, the Boston Bruins visited their rivals, the Quebec Nordiques, at Le Colisée. The Bruins overwhelmed Quebec goalie Dan Bouchard in an 11-5 rout. Bourque scored his 18th, 19th, and 20th goals of the 1982-83 season during a blistering ten-minute stretch in the second period. His second tally, Boston’s sixth of the night, stood as the game-winner. He also assisted on a first-period goal by Peter McNab, finishing the night with four points and seven shots on net.

Interestingly, Bourque would again make history against Quebec in 1991 by firing 19 shots in a single game, still the NHL record for most by one player. The blowout saw big contributions across the Bruins roster. McNab tallied five points (two goals, three assists), while Keith Crowder and Rick Middleton each had four-point performances. Bouchard played the full 60 minutes for the Nordiques, surrendering the 11 goals on 38 shots.

Bourque played from 1979-80 through 2000-01 with Boston and Colorado. After more than two decades of elite play, he finally won a Stanley Cup in his final NHL game with the Avalanche. In 2004, he was rightfully enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

About Ray Bourque

The eighth overall pick at the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, Ray Bourque played 1,612 regular season and 214 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1979-80 and 2000-01 with the Bruins and Avalanche. His regular season game total places him 13th all-time, three games behind Larry Murphy

Bourque won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 1979-80 then went on to win the Norris Trophy five times as the league's top defenseman. The longest serving team captain in the history of the Boston Bruins has his number 77 retired by both the Bruins and Avalanche. Ray was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.