The Night Butch Goring Dominated His Future Stanley Cup Team

Long before becoming a key piece of the New York Islanders dynasty, Butch Goring gave them a firsthand look at his brilliance.

Game Highlights

• Butch Goring recorded a 4-point night (2 goals, 2 assists), factoring in all four Kings goals
• Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Islanders 4-1 on March 28, 1974
• Goring assisted on Mike Corrigan’s opening goal in the first period
• Denis Potvin tied the game shortly after to make it 1-1
• Goring scored the game-winning goal late in the second period (25th of the season)
• Added a second goal early in the third period (26th of the season)
• Picked up another assist on a goal by Bob Nevin
• Corrigan recorded a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist, fight)
• Goring took a minor penalty: his only penalty of the entire 1973-74 season
• Performance came years before Goring joined the Islanders and helped win four straight Stanley Cups

On March 28, 1974, at the The Forum in Los Angeles, Goring dominated the Islanders in a 4-1 victory for the Los Angeles Kings, factoring in every single goal.

At the time, this was still pre-Marcel Dionne in Los Angeles, and Goring was the offensive engine of the Kings. He proved it early in this one. Midway through the opening period, he picked up an assist on Mike Corrigan’s 16th goal of the season, with Bob Nevin also drawing a helper.

The Islanders answered quickly, as Denis Potvin tied the game less than two minutes later, sending the teams into the intermission deadlocked at one.

From there, it became the Goring show.

Late in the second period, Goring scored his 25th goal of the season, set up by Tom Williams and Sheldon Kannegiesser, a goal that would stand as the game-winner. He struck again early in the third for his second of the night, then added an assist on another Nevin goal to complete a dominant four-point performance.

While Goring controlled the scoresheet, Corrigan added a different kind of flair. His goal and assist were complemented by a third-period fight with Garry Howatt, giving him the rare Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

Goring’s night, however, had its own unique footnote. He took a minor penalty for hooking in the first period, remarkably, the only penalty he recorded during the entire 1973–74 season.

Years later, Goring would join the Islanders and help deliver four straight Stanley Cups. But on this night in 1974, he was the one doing the damage against them and perhaps planting the first seeds of what was to come.

Tales from the Los Angeles Kings Locker Room

A collection of the greatest Kings stories ever told — from the locker room to unforgettable moments on the ice.

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Bobby Gould’s Big Moment in Washington’s First Playoff Run

The Washington Capitals endured a long and difficult start after entering the NHL in 1974-75. With just eight wins in their inaugural season and no playoff appearances in their first eight years, success seemed distant for the struggling expansion franchise.

That finally changed in 1982-83. The Capitals posted their first winning season and finished third in the Patrick Division, just two points behind the powerhouse New York Islanders, who also happened to be their first-ever playoff opponent.

In Game 1 of that opening-round series, Bobby Gould made franchise history. At 4:01 of the first period, he scored the Capitals’ first playoff goal against Billy Smith, with Dennis Maruk picking up the assist. Gould added another goal in the game, though Washington fell 5-2.

He stayed red-hot in Game 2, scoring twice, including the game-winner, to give the Capitals their first playoff victory. But after that, the Islanders took control, eliminating Washington in four games before continuing their march to another Stanley Cup.

Despite the short series, Gould left his mark with five goals in four games, an unforgettable performance that helped launch Capitals playoff history.

Washington Capitals: Team History

A look back at the history of the Washington Capitals — from expansion years to modern success.

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Danny Grant Nets Two Against Capitals to Become Detroit’s Second 50-Goal Man

On April 2, 1975, at the historic Detroit Olympia, Danny Grant etched his name into Red Wings history. With two goals against the expansion Washington Capitals, Grant became just the second player in franchise history to score 50 goals in a season.

The only Red Wing to reach the milestone before him was Mickey Redmond, who hit the 50-goal mark in both 1972-73 and 1973-74. Grant’s 50-goal campaign in 1974-75 didn’t surpass Redmond’s team record of 52, but it firmly secured his place among Detroit’s elite scorers.

The game marked the second half of a home-and-home series with Washington. Grant had already tormented the Caps earlier, posting a goal and two assists. In six games against the new franchise that season, he piled up five goals and seven assists for 12 points, clearly relishing the matchup.

Detroit trailed 2-0 after the opening period in the April 2 contest, but the tide turned quickly. By the 9:30 mark of the second period, Grant buried his 49th goal of the season to give Detroit a 4-2 lead. The tally came against goaltender John Adams, with assists from linemates Marcel Dionne and Phil Roberto. That goal would stand as the game-winner in an eventual 8-3 Red Wings victory.

Grant’s milestone 50th goal came at 6:16 of the third period, once again assisted by Dionne and Roberto. Dionne enjoyed a standout night himself, recording a goal and three assists for four points. Grant, meanwhile, would finish the season right at 50, going scoreless in Detroit’s final two games.

Redmond’s franchise record of 52 goals remained intact until 1984-85, when John Ogrodnick raised the bar to 55.

The Franchise: Detroit Red Wings (A Curated History of Hockeytown)

Explore the storied history of the Detroit Red Wings — legends, moments, rivalries, and the culture that made Hockeytown iconic.

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Guy Chouinard’s 6-Assist Night Fuels 11-4 Calgary Flames Explosion

On February 25, 1981, the Calgary Flames welcomed the New York Islanders to the historic Stampede Corral for a showdown between two strong clubs. The Islanders held a 12-point edge in the standings, but what unfolded that night had little to do with pre-game expectations.

In their first season after relocating from Atlanta, the Flames were still establishing franchise benchmarks. Guy Chouinard set one in spectacular fashion, recording six assists, a single-game franchise record that still stands (later matched by Gary Suter in 1986). Chouinard set up goals by Bob MacMillan (2), Paul Reinhart, Kent Nilsson, Eric Vail, and Don Lever in a dazzling display of playmaking.

The Islanders led 4-3 after the opening period, but Calgary erupted thereafter. The Flames scored eight unanswered goals against goaltender Glenn Resch, transforming a tight contest into a stunning 11-4 rout. At the time, the eleven goals established a franchise scoring record, later surpassed in a 13-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks in 1993.

Kent Nilsson delivered a five-point performance with a hat trick and two assists, while MacMillan added a pair of goals and a helper. Ken Houston rounded out the fireworks with a classic Gordie Howe HatTrick: a goal, an assist, and a first-period fight with Clark Gillies.

The Battle of Alberta: The Historic Rivalry Between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames

A deep dive into one of hockey’s most intense rivalries — the Edmonton Oilers vs. the Calgary Flames, featuring unforgettable games, personalities, and playoff clashes.

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Bobby Clarke’s Historic Night: First 100-Point Season in Flyers History

On March 29, 1973, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Bobby Clarke etched his name into franchise history. With two goals against the Atlanta Flames, Clarke became the first player in Philadelphia Flyers history to reach the 100-point mark in a single season. The Flyers defeated the Flames 4-2 that night, but the bigger story was the milestone achieved by their captain.

Clarke entered the game on the brink of history. His first goal came late in the second period at 18:26, beating goaltender Phil Myre with assists from Tom Bladon and Bill Barber. The tally gave Philadelphia a 3-1 lead following two earlier goals by Simon Nolet and marked Clarke’s 99th point of the season. It would also stand as the game-winning goal.

The historic 100th point arrived at 14:53 of the third period. Clarke scored his 35th goal of the 1972-73 campaign, once again solving Myre, this time with help from Rick MacLeish and Bladon. Despite surrendering the milestone marker, Myre was outstanding in goal, stopping 42 of 46 shots in a valiant losing effort.

This was game number 76 of the season for the Flyers, and Clarke had set the standard. MacLeish would soon follow, reaching 100 points in game 78. He did so in dramatic fashion, scoring his 50th goal of the season, alongside 50 assists for a perfect 100 points, against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The milestone goal came at 2:02 of the second period against goaltender Cam Newton, assisted by Gary Dornhoefer.

Clarke would go on to finish the 1972-73 season with 37 goals and 104 points, setting a new offensive benchmark for the young Flyers franchise. It was a defining moment not only for Clarke personally, but for a Philadelphia team that was rapidly evolving into a powerhouse in the early 1970s.

So You Think You're a Philadelphia Flyers Fan?: Stars, Stats, Records, and Memories for True Diehards

A deep dive into Flyers history filled with stars, records, stats, and unforgettable memories from the ice — perfect for true diehards and history buffs. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

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Don Luce’s Only NHL Hat Trick Gives the French Connection the Night Off

When the Buffalo Sabres visited the Capital Centre on December 22, 1974, all eyes were on the famed French Connection. Washington’s expansion Capitals keyed in on slowing Gilbert Perreault, René Robert, and Rick Martin. For the most part, they succeeded. What they didn’t account for was the damage done by Buffalo’s secondary line.

With Washington desperate for just its fourth win in the first 35 games of its inaugural season, and the Sabres rolling with only six losses in their first 33 contests of 1974-75, holding Buffalo to four goals was an achievement in itself. But one Sabre made those four count. Don Luce.

Luce, skating alongside Craig Ramsay and Bill Hajt, recorded the only hat trick of his NHL career in a dominant two-period stretch. He first contributed with an assist on the game-winning goal, a shorthanded marker by Ramsay at 19:53 of the opening period. Then came the second.

At 9:59, Luce opened the scoring himself, netting his 17th goal of the season at even strength, the only even-strength tally of the game. With Gilbert Perreault in the penalty box later in the period, Luce struck again, this time shorthanded at 13:25, beating Ron Low with help from Ramsay.

Just 23 seconds later, with Perreault still serving his minor, Luce completed the hat trick. This time, Bill Hajt picked up the assist as Luce capped off a rare offensive outburst. That would be all the scoring on the night. Gary Bromley stopped all 27 shots he faced to earn the shutout, while Low made 37 saves in a losing effort for Washington.

The performance came during a career season for Luce, who finished 1974-75 with 33 goals and 43 assists for 76 points. He added 13 more points in 16 playoff games as the Sabres marched to the Stanley Cup Final before falling to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

Dive into unforgettable tales from NHL history — the biggest moments, legendary players, and classic rivalries.

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About Don Luce

Don Luce played 894 regular season and 71 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1969-70 and 1981-82 with the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings and Toronto Maple Leafs. Luce had 20+ goals in six seasons, putting up a career best 33 in 1974-75 with Buffalo.

Don Luce NHL Career Stats

Regular Season

Playoffs

Hextall and Goldsworthy Power North Stars to First 10-Goal Game in Franchise History

On March 7, 1973, the Minnesota North Stars reached a historic offensive milestone at the Met Center, scoring ten goals in a single game for the first time in franchise history. Facing the Pittsburgh Penguins, the North Stars delivered a dominant performance that would stand as a benchmark moment in team history.

To date, the Minnesota North Stars / Dallas Stars franchise has scored ten goals in a game nine times, surpassing that total only once. The franchise record of 15 goals was set in 1981 against the Winnipeg Jets, but this 1973 outburst marked the beginning of Minnesota’s most explosive nights offensively.

Dennis Hextall and Bill Goldsworthy led the charge with four-point performances. Hextall recorded the first of his two NHL career hat tricks, scoring his 24th, 25th, and 26th goals of the 1972-73 season. He also added an assist on one of Goldsworthy’s second-period goals, capping off a standout night.

Mirage of Destiny: The Story of the 1990-91 Minnesota North Stars

A deep dive into the remarkable season of the Minnesota North Stars — their playoff run, key moments, and legacy.

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Goldsworthy matched Hextall’s impact, scoring his 24th and 25th goals of the season while assisting on two of Hextall’s tallies. All ten Minnesota goals came against Penguins goaltender Andy Brown, who was left in net for the entire game and stopped 32 of 42 shots despite the lopsided score.

Minnesota received strong secondary scoring as well, with Jude Drouin, Buster Harvey, and J.P. Parise each contributing three-point nights. For Pittsburgh, Eddie Shack scored twice and Syl Apps Jr. recorded three assists. North Stars goaltender Cesare Maniago turned aside 30 shots to secure the convincing victory.

Hextall finished the 1972-73 season with career highs in goals (30) and points (82), leading the North Stars in scoring while also topping the team with 140 penalty minutes. Goldsworthy ended the year with 27 goals and 60 points, finishing fifth on the team in scoring during one of the most productive seasons in franchise history.

John Tonelli Hits 100 Points in Dramatic Fashion in Islanders’ 1984-85 Finale

John Tonelli reached a major personal milestone in unforgettable fashion during the final game of the 1984-85 NHL season, becoming just the fifth player in New York Islanders history to record a 100-point campaign. Alongside teammate Brent Sutter, Tonelli joined an exclusive club previously occupied only by Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin, and Bryan Trottier. Since then, only Pat LaFontaine and Pierre Turgeon have managed the feat in an Islanders uniform.

Tonelli’s path to 100 points was anything but easy. After being shut out along with the rest of the Islanders in a 3–0 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 79, Tonelli entered the season finale stuck at 99 points. The April 6, 1985 matchup against the New Jersey Devils at Nassau Coliseum appeared to be slipping away as the third period wound down without a goal, and New Jersey clung to a 5-4 lead.

With just 48 seconds remaining in regulation, Tonelli delivered when it mattered most. He scored his 42nd goal of the season against Devils goaltender and former Islander Glenn Resch, with assists from Mike Bossy and Clark Gillies. The goal not only tied the game but also gave Tonelli his long-awaited 100th point. Overtime failed to produce a winner, and the contest ended in a 5-5 tie, but the moment belonged to Tonelli.

Brent Sutter also played a key role in Islanders history during the 1984-85 season. He finished with 102 points, collecting an assist in the finale. Sutter reached the 100-point mark earlier, on March 12, 1985, during a road win over the St. Louis Blues in which he recorded four points. His total could have been even higher if not for missing ten late-season games before returning for the final two contests.

About John Tonelli

John Tonelli played 1,028 regular season and 172 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1978-79 and 1991-92 with the New York Islanders, Calgary Flames, Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks and Quebec Nordiques. 

The four-time Stanley Cup champion was originally drafted by the Islanders in the second round of the 1977 NHL Amateur Draft but started his major league career in the WHA. Between 1975-76 and 1977-78, Tonelli played 224 regular season and 34 playoff games in the World Hockey Association, all with the Houston Aeros.

Deal With It: The Trades That Shook Hockey & How They Changed The Game

A fascinating look at the blockbuster trades that reshaped NHL history, revealing the stories, strategies, and consequences behind the deals that changed teams — and the game itself.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: John Tonelli

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

1. Which NHL team originally drafted John Tonelli?

Toronto Maple Leafs
New York Islanders
Montreal Canadiens
Chicago Blackhawks

2. How many Stanley Cups did John Tonelli win during his NHL career?

Two
Three
Four
Five

3. During which season did John Tonelli record his only 100-point campaign?

1980-81
1984-85
1982-83
1986-87

4. Against which former New York Islanders goaltender did Tonelli score his 100th point?

Billy Smith
Glenn Resch
Chico Resch
Ron Hextall

5. Which Original Six team did John Tonelli play for late in his NHL career?

Chicago Blackhawks
Boston Bruins
Detroit Red Wings
New York Rangers

Blair MacDonald Delivers First NHL Hat Trick in Edmonton Oilers History

When the Edmonton Oilers skated into their fourth-ever NHL game on October 19, 1979, they walked out of Northlands Coliseum with not just a victory but a milestone. Blair MacDonald recorded the first hat trick in the franchise’s NHL history, powering the Oilers to a 6-3 win over the Quebec Nordiques. The performance also marked the Oilers’ first NHL win, cementing MacDonald’s place in the team’s earliest big moments.

The Oilers carried a 2-1 lead after the opening period, and MacDonald wasted no time widening the gap. Early in the second, he struck twice, his 3rd and 4th goals of the 1979-80 season. Doug Hicks and a teenage Wayne Gretzky set up the first, while Al Hamilton and Brett Callighen assisted on the second, which would stand as the game-winner. Both goals beat Quebec goaltender Michel Dion.

MacDonald capped the night with his third goal in the final minute of play, again assisted by Gretzky. He also added an assist of his own on a Callighen tally, finishing with four points and a team-leading six shots. On the Nordiques' side, Marc Tardif paced all skaters with seven shots, scoring twice on Eddie Mio and helping set up a Serge Bernier goal.

The 1979–80 season would be MacDonald’s finest NHL campaign. His four hat tricks tied him with Marcel Dionne for the league lead, and his 46 goals ranked second on the Oilers behind Gretzky’s 51. But his time in Edmonton was short-lived, MacDonald was traded to Vancouver midway through the 1980–81 season in a deal involving Lars-Gunnar Pettersson, Ken Berry, and Garry Lariviere.

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About Blair MacDonald

Blair MacDonald carved out a reputation as a natural goal scorer long before he made his NHL mark. Born in Cornwall, Ontario, he became a prolific junior forward with the Cornwall Royals of the QMJHL, posting standout offensive totals that propelled him into the professional spotlight. His scoring touch earned him early attention from the World Hockey Association, where he would take his first major step as a pro.

MacDonald joined the Edmonton Oilers during their WHA days and quickly proved he could generate offense at the major-league level. His best WHA season came in 1977-78, when he recorded 34 goals and 64 points in just 60 games, a performance that solidified him as one of the team’s most reliable finishers. Skating alongside young talents like Wayne Gretzky during the Oilers’ final WHA season, MacDonald was part of the transition core that bridged the franchise’s move into the NHL.

After leaving Edmonton, MacDonald spent time with the Vancouver Canucks, contributing secondary scoring and veteran presence through the early 1980s. Although his NHL role diminished compared to his peak years, he remained an intelligent shooter with strong positional instincts. His pro career later included stops in the minor leagues, where he continued to produce offense and mentor developing players.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Blair MacDonald

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

1. Blair MacDonald recorded the first NHL hat trick in Edmonton Oilers history during which season?

1980–81
1979–80
1978–79
1981–82

2. How many hat tricks did Blair MacDonald score in the NHL during his career?

2
4
6
1

3. Before joining the NHL Oilers, Blair MacDonald was a standout scorer in which league?

AHL
WHA
CHL
IHL

4. Blair MacDonald scored 46 goals in 1979–80, finishing second on the Oilers behind which teammate?

Mark Messier
Wayne Gretzky
Brett Callighen
Stan Weir

5. MacDonald was traded by the Oilers during the 1980–81 season. Which team acquired him?

Vancouver Canucks
Winnipeg Jets
Quebec Nordiques
Hartford Whalers

Milestone Moment: Maruk’s 300th Goal in His Hometown

On November 11, 1984, Toronto-born Dennis Maruk reached a personal milestone and did it in front of the fans at Maple Leaf Gardens. Entering the season just seven goals shy of 300, the Minnesota North Stars forward wasted little time in closing the gap. After netting number 299 a night earlier against Vancouver, he returned home to face the Toronto Maple Leafs and made history.

At 10:28 of the second period, Maruk buried his 300th NHL goal past Leafs netminder Allan Bester, assisted by Tom McCarthy. The crowd may have had mixed emotions, but Maruk wasn’t done. Late in the third, he scored again, his 301st, sealing a 7-6 victory for Minnesota.

Supporting Cast Shines

Tom McCarthy had a standout game with five points (two goals and three assists), while goaltender Don Beaupre stopped 40 shots to earn the win. For Maruk, it capped an impressive stretch of six points in three games, though he’d briefly cool off before heating up again against the same Leafs later that month.

A Goal-Scoring Career

Maruk’s career was defined by his scoring touch. He finished with 356 regular-season goals, highlighted by back-to-back monster seasons with Washington, scoring 50 goals in 1980-81 and 60 in 1981-82. Between 1975-76 and 1988-89, he played 888 regular-season and 34 playoff games across four franchises: the California Golden Seals, Cleveland Barons, Washington Capitals, and Minnesota North Stars.

Dennis Maruk: Hockey Biography

The story of Dennis Maruk — a prolific scorer whose 60-goal season remains one of the great NHL achievements.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Dennis Maruk

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

1. In which NHL season did Dennis Maruk score a remarkable 60 goals?
   1979–80
   1980–81
   1981–82
   1982–83


2. Which team did Dennis Maruk begin his NHL career with?
   Washington Capitals
   Cleveland Barons
   California Golden Seals
   Minnesota North Stars


3. How many total regular season goals did Maruk score in his NHL career?
   300
   320
   356
   380


4. Maruk scored his 300th career goal at Maple Leaf Gardens against which goaltender?
   Mike Palmateer
   Allan Bester
   Rick St. Croix
   Don Edwards


5. During his peak scoring years, which team did Maruk play for?
   Minnesota North Stars
   Cleveland Barons
   Washington Capitals
   Toronto Maple Leafs

Jean Ratelle: 5 Key Points from a Gentleman’s Hall of Fame Career

Few players embodied grace and skill on the ice like Jean Ratelle. Over an incredible 21-season career split between the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins, Ratelle quietly built a Hall of Fame résumé defined by consistency, sportsmanship, and class. Here are five key moments that highlight his remarkable journey.

---

1. First NHL Goal (March 4, 1961)

Ratelle’s NHL debut came while he was still a junior with the Guelph Royals. In just his third game with the Rangers, he netted his first NHL goal on March 4, 1961, against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Maple Leaf Gardens.

His goal came at 9:32 of the third period on Cesare Maniago, assisted by Ted Hampson and Bill Gadsby. Though the Rangers fell 5-4, Ratelle also added an assist on Hampson’s first-period tally, a strong two-point night for the young forward.

---

2. Last NHL Goal (February 26, 1981)

Twenty years later, Ratelle found the net one last time in his final NHL season with the Boston Bruins. On February 26, 1981, he scored a power-play goal against the Minnesota North Stars’ Gilles Meloche, assisted by Ray Bourque and Rick Middleton.

The goal turned out to be the game-winner in a 5-1 Boston victory, a fitting way to close a brilliant scoring career that totaled 491 regular-season goals.

---

3. First NHL Hat Trick (January 7, 1968)

After a slow start to the 1967-68 season, Ratelle broke out with his first career hat trick against the Maple Leafs on January 7, 1968, at Madison Square Garden.

He recorded a natural hat trick, scoring three straight goals in just 4 minutes and 45 seconds, all in the second period. Teammate Rod Gilbert assisted on two of them, and Ratelle’s explosion powered the Rangers to a 6-2 win.

---

4. Two-Time Lady Byng Winner

Known as one of hockey’s true gentlemen, Ratelle was twice awarded the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and performance, in 1971-72 and 1975-76.

Across 1,281 games, he logged only 276 penalty minutes, averaging barely a minor per season. His 1971-72 campaign was especially impressive: just two minors in 63 games while finishing fourth in Hart Trophy voting.

---

5. Two 100-Point Seasons

Ratelle surpassed the 100-point mark twice, in 1971-72 (109 points in 63 games) and 1975-76 (105 points). Both seasons coincided with his Lady Byng wins, showcasing a rare balance of dominance and discipline.

In 1975-76, Ratelle’s midseason trade from the Rangers to the Bruins didn’t slow him down. He racked up 90 points in 67 games with Boston, finishing tied for sixth in NHL scoring.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Jean Ratelle

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

1. Jean Ratelle began his NHL career with which team?

Boston Bruins
New York Rangers
Montreal Canadiens
Quebec Nordiques

2. In which season did Ratelle record an incredible 109 points in just 63 games?

1970–71
1971–72
1972–73
1975–76

3. Jean Ratelle was part of a blockbuster 1975 trade that sent him to Boston along with which other key player?

Ken Hodge
Brad Park
Wayne Cashman
Rick Middleton

4. How many times did Jean Ratelle win the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and skill?

Once
Twice
Three times
Never

5. Jean Ratelle was part of one of the Rangers’ most famous lines during the late 1960s and early 1970s. What was it called?

The GAG Line (Goal-A-Game)
The French Connection
The Kraut Line
The Production Line

NHL Hockey Card Legends: Jean Ratelle [Video]

Patrick Roy’s First NHL Shutout: The Quiet Start to a Legendary Career

Patrick Roy is remembered as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history, a fiery competitor who backstopped his teams to four Stanley Cups and redefined the position. Over his career, he piled up 66 regular season shutouts and 23 more in the playoffs, but the very first one came quietly on a cold night in Montreal.

On January 15, 1986, the Montreal Canadiens hosted the struggling Winnipeg Jets at the old Montreal Forum. The Habs entered the game with a solid 23-15 record, while Winnipeg sat well below .500 at 14-26. Few could have guessed that this would become a milestone night for the rookie goalie from Quebec City.

Roy stopped all 19 shots he faced as the Canadiens cruised to a 4-0 victory. Guy Carbonneau opened the scoring just 1:05 into the game, and Stéphane Richer added two more, while Mats Näslund rounded out the offense. At the other end, Winnipeg’s Dan Bouchard faced 23 shots and gave up all four goals, as Scott Arniel led the Jets with five shots on net.

That lone regular season shutout in 1985-86 would be joined by another during the playoffs and it came in an even bigger moment. In Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Calgary Flames, Roy turned aside 15 shots in a 1-0 victory, helping the Canadiens take a 3-1 series lead. Montreal went on to win the Cup in five games, giving Roy his first of four championships and setting the tone for an incredible career.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Patrick Roy

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

1. In what year did Patrick Roy make his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens?

1983
1984
1985
1986

2. Patrick Roy won his first Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy during which NHL season?

1984-85
1985-86
1986-87
1988-89

3. Which team did Patrick Roy join after his famous trade from the Montreal Canadiens in 1995?

Detroit Red Wings
Colorado Avalanche
St. Louis Blues
Chicago Blackhawks

4. How many Stanley Cups did Patrick Roy win as a player in his NHL career?

2
3
4
5

5. After retiring, Patrick Roy later became head coach and vice president of hockey operations for which NHL team?

Montreal Canadiens
Quebec Nordiques
Colorado Avalanche
Ottawa Senators

Frank Mahovlich Scores His 500th NHL Goal Thanks To Henri Richard and Guy Lapointe

Frank Mahovlich’s legendary scoring touch reached a milestone on March 21, 1973, when he notched his 500th NHL goal at the Montreal Forum. The Canadiens hosted the Vancouver Canucks that night, and “The Big M” made sure it was memorable.

Mahovlich peppered Vancouver goalie Dunc Wilson with six shots, and one finally found the back of the net at 1:27 of the third period. That goal, assisted by Henri Richard and Guy Lapointe, stood as the game winner in a 3-2 Montreal victory.

Wilson faced a barrage of 41 shots, while Ken Dryden turned away 23 of 25 for Montreal. The goal came during a five-game hot streak for Mahovlich, who racked up 11 points over that span. He finished the 1972-73 season with 93 points, just shy of his career-best 96 the year before.

Over his NHL career, Mahovlich tallied 533 regular season goals, ranking 36th all-time and making him one of just 48 players to surpass the 500-goal mark. He added 51 playoff goals in 137 games and later scored 89 more in the WHA with the Toronto Toros and Birmingham Bulls.

From 1956-57 to 1973-74, Frank played 1,181 NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Montreal Canadiens. The 1957-58 Calder Trophy winner captured six Stanley Cups, four with Toronto and two with Montreal, before earning induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Frank Mahovlich

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

1. Frank Mahovlich won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year with which team?
   Montreal Canadiens
   Detroit Red Wings
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Chicago Black Hawks
   


2. How many Stanley Cups did Mahovlich win during his NHL career?
   4
   5
   6
   7
   


3. Which goaltender gave up Frank Mahovlich’s 500th career NHL goal on March 21, 1973?
   Ken Dryden
   Dunc Wilson
   Rogie Vachon
   Tony Esposito
   


4. Before joining the Montreal Canadiens, Mahovlich was traded to them from which NHL team?
   Chicago Black Hawks
   Detroit Red Wings
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   New York Rangers
   


5. In addition to his NHL career, Mahovlich played in the WHA. Which two teams did he play for there?
   Edmonton Oilers and Quebec Nordiques
   Winnipeg Jets and New England Whalers
   Toronto Toros and Birmingham Bulls
   Calgary Cowboys and Houston Aeros
   

Gilbert Perreault Becomes the 12th Player in NHL History to Reach the 500 Goal Plateau

On March 9, 1986, the Buffalo Sabres faithful at the Aud witnessed history. Their franchise cornerstone, Gilbert Perreault, became just the 12th player in NHL history to reach the 500-goal milestone.

Perreault had notched goal number 499 two nights earlier in a loss to the Hartford Whalers. Against the New Jersey Devils, he struck again, scoring his milestone marker at 10:44 of the second period on Alain Chevrier, with Mike Foligno and Bill Hajt picking up the assists.

Although it was Perreault’s only point of the night, the Sabres pulled off a 4-3 victory. Foligno added a goal and an assist, and Doug Smith netted the game-winner late in the third period. Tom Barrasso was solid between the pipes, turning aside 31 of 34 shots for the win.

For Perreault, the milestone came near the twilight of his brilliant career. His 500th was his 18th goal of the 1985-86 season, and he would finish that year with 21, good for fourth on the team despite his age and reduced ice time. The Sabres missed the playoffs, and Perreault would play only 20 more games the following season before retiring with 512 career goals.

A true one-franchise legend, Gilbert Perreault played 1,191 regular-season games and 90 playoff games, all with Buffalo. He remains the only player ever to wear No. 11 for the Sabres, and his 1990 induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame cemented his place among the game’s greatest. As of today, he still ranks 43rd on the NHL’s all-time goals list, just behind Jeremy Roenick, a testament to the skill, grace, and longevity that defined his career.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Gilbert Perreault

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

1. In what year did Gilbert Perreault make his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres?

1968-69
1969-70
1970-71
1971-72

2. Which award did Perreault win during his rookie season in the NHL?

Lady Byng Trophy
Calder Memorial Trophy
Hart Trophy
Bill Masterton Trophy

3. Gilbert Perreault was the centerpiece of what famous Buffalo Sabres forward line?

The French Connection
The Production Line
The Triple Crown Line
The Legion of Doom

4. How many career goals did Perreault finish with before retiring in 1987?

486
500
512
519

5. In what year was Gilbert Perreault inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?

1988
1989
1990
1991

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