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

How Lanny McDonald Joined Hockey’s Elite 60-Goal Club

On March 16, 1983, the Calgary Flames had little to celebrate in Buffalo, dropping a 5-3 decision to the Sabres. But one goal that night would make history.

With just two minutes left in the second period, Lanny McDonald scored his 60th of the season against Bob Sauvé. It was a milestone that put him in rare company with legends like Phil Esposito, Mike Bossy, Wayne Gretzky, Guy Lafleur, and more. Despite Calgary’s loss, McDonald etched his name into the franchise record book.

That 60th goal was just the start of his historic finish. Over the Flames’ final eight games of 1982-83, McDonald added six more goals to close the season with 66, a single-season team record that still stands today.

Even with that total, McDonald trailed behind Wayne Gretzky’s remarkable 71-goal campaign, while Mike Bossy also joined the 60-goal club with an even 60.

McDonald carried his scoring touch into the playoffs, notching three goals and seven points in seven games. Paul Reinhart led the Flames in playoff scoring with six goals, as Calgary swept Vancouver before bowing out to the powerhouse Oilers in round two.

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. The 500 goal scorer was a Stanley Cup champion with the Flames in 1988-89. McDonald was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.

Quiz: The Career of 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 career-high 66 goals, setting the Calgary Flames single-season record?

1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84

2. Before joining the Calgary Flames, which NHL team did Lanny McDonald spend most of his early career with?

Toronto Maple Leafs
Colorado Rockies
Montreal Canadiens
New York Rangers

3. Which milestone did Lanny McDonald achieve during his final NHL season in 1988-89?

500th career assist
1,000th career point
1,500th game played
500th career goal

4. Lanny McDonald retired as a Stanley Cup champion. Which year did he win the Cup with Calgary?

1986
1987
1989
1990

5. Known for his iconic moustache, Lanny McDonald was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in which year?

1990
1992
1995
1997

Pete Laframboise’s Historic 4-Goal Night Lifts Golden Seals to 11-3 Rout

On January 3, 1973, Pete Laframboise etched his name into California Golden Seals history with a jaw-dropping four-goal performance, the first in franchise history. Incredibly, those four tallies made up 12% of his entire NHL career goals.

The game, played at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena against the Vancouver Canucks, was tight after two periods with the Seals holding a 5-3 lead. Then came the third period eruption, six unanswered California goals, sealing an 11-3 rout.

Laframboise opened the scoring at 8:21 of the first period, burying his seventh of the season past Bruce Bullock, assisted by Walt McKechnie and Hilliard Graves. His second came on the power play at 14:36 of the second, with helpers from Graves and Stan Weir.

The real fireworks came in the third. Laframboise struck twice in quick succession, both set up by Graves and Weir, pushing the score to 9-3. Only three players in Seals history would ever match the feat of four goals in a game: Ivan Boldirev, Gary Sabourin, and Dennis Maruk. Boldirev also had a huge night in this game with two goals (including the game-winner) and two assists.

Goaltending was a story of contrasts. Bullock stayed between the pipes for Vancouver the entire night, surrendering 11 goals on 44 shots. Gilles Meloche, meanwhile, earned the win for California with 26 saves, picking up an assist on the final goal and even taking a delay of game penalty late in the second period.

About Pete Laframboise

Pete Laframboise’s NHL career spanned 227 regular season games and nine playoff appearances between 1971-72 and 1974-75, skating for the Golden Seals, Washington Capitals, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He also played 17 games for the Edmonton Oilers in the WHA during the 1976-77 season. Drafted in the second round by California in 1970, Laframboise made the leap to the pros after a standout junior career with the Ottawa 67’s.

NHL Hockey Trivia: California Golden Seals

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

1. What year did the Oakland Seals join the NHL?
   1965
   1967
   1970
2. Before becoming the California Golden Seals, the team was briefly known as:
   Bay Area Seals
   San Jose Seals
   Pacific Seals
3. Which future Conn Smythe Trophy winner played for the Seals before becoming a star with another team?
   Wayne Gretzky
   Reggie Leach
   Guy Lafleur
4. In 1976, the Golden Seals franchise relocated to which city?
   Denver, Colorado
   Cleveland, Ohio
   Minneapolis, Minnesota
5. What were the Golden Seals’ team colors during most of the 1970s?
   Black and Gold
   Red and White
   Green and Gold

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?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

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

A) Charlie Hodge
B) Jacques Plante
C) Gump Worsley
D) Terry Sawchuk

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

A) 2
B) 3
C) 1
D) 0

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

A) 2
B) 4
C) 3
D) 5

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

A) George Armstrong
B) Dick Duff
C) Bob Nevin
D) Frank Mahovlich

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

A) Hart Trophy
B) Lady Byng Trophy
C) Norris Trophy
D) Selke Trophy

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

A) 2
B) 4
C) 3
D) 5

Steve Shutt Hits 60 Goals: A Montreal Canadiens Milestone

In Montreal Canadiens lore, few offensive feats shine brighter than the elusive 60-goal season and in the 1970s, it was accomplished by not one but two Habs legends. Steve Shutt and Guy Lafleur share the franchise record for most goals in a single season, each hitting the 60-goal mark. But Shutt did it first.

The milestone came during the final game of the 1976-77 season, on April 3, 1977, at the Capital Centre against the Washington Capitals. With the Canadiens already boasting 60 wins and playoff positioning locked up, it was clear the team had one priority that night: getting Shutt to 60.

Lafleur got things started early, scoring his 56th of the season at 4:21 of the first period, assisted by Shutt himself. Washington tied it midway through the frame, but the moment everyone waited for came at 18:17 of the first period, Shutt took a pass from Jacques Lemaire and Larry Robinson and fired his 60th of the season past Caps goalie Ron Low. It was one of just five shots Shutt took all night.

That would be the final goal of the game. Both teams seemingly coasted to the finish, with Montreal taking a narrow 2-1 win. The Canadiens registered just 19 shots on net, while Michel Larocque turned away 24 of 25 for Montreal.

At the time, Shutt’s 60-goal output set the NHL record for most goals in a season by a left winger, a mark later topped by Luc Robitaille in 1992-93 (63 goals) and then Alex Ovechkin in 2007-08 (65 goals).

For his efforts that season, Shutt was named a First Team All-Star, finishing well ahead of Buffalo’s Rick Martin in the voting. And though Guy Lafleur would match the 60-goal total the following season, Steve Shutt was the first Canadiens player to make it happen and he did it in style.

About Steve Shutt

Steve Shutt played 930 regular season and 99 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings. His time in L.A. was limited to 59 games in his final season.

He was the fourth overall pick by the Habs at the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft behind Billy Harris, Jacques Richard and Don Lever. A junior with the Toronto Marlboros, Shutt scored 70 and 63 goals in his final two years with the club.

Along with his 60 goal campaign, Steve had 45 or more in four seasons and 30 or more in nine straight. Shutt was part of five Stanley Cup championship teams in Montreal, arriving in time for the 1973 win but playing just a single game in that post season.

Mark Howe Leads Hartford Whalers to First NHL Victory in Franchise History

After four winless games to start their inaugural NHL season, the Hartford Whalers finally broke through with a landmark victory on October 19, 1979. Hosting the Los Angeles Kings at the Springfield Civic Center in their first official “home” game, the Whalers delivered a 6-3 win and rising star Mark Howe stole the spotlight.

Just 1:31 into the game, Howe opened the scoring with help from veterans Dave Keon and Rick Ley. Then, early in the second period, Howe struck again, this time scoring the game-winner at 4:50, assisted by Keon and Jim Warner. That goal made it 4-3 for Hartford, and they never looked back.

Howe capped his performance with a third point, an assist on a goal by Bill Bennett. That goal was also assisted by none other than his legendary father, Gordie Howe, marking Gordie’s lone point of the night in a historic family moment.

The win came after a rough road start to the season, with losses to the Minnesota North Stars and Buffalo Sabres, and ties against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks. The team wouldn’t win again until October 31, when they beat the Toronto Maple Leafs to go 2-4-4.

Despite early growing pains, the Whalers made the postseason in their first NHL campaign, finishing fourth in the Norris Division. Their playoff run was brief, however, as they were swept by the powerhouse Montreal Canadiens in the opening round. But on that October night in Springfield, Mark Howe helped etch the Whalers’ first NHL win into hockey history.

About Mark Howe

Between 1979-80 and 1994-95, Mark Howe played 929 regular season and 101 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings. He topped out offensively in 1985-86, scoring 24 and assisting on 58 for 82 points iwth the Flyers. 

Prior to starting in the NHL, Howe had six years of major league experience in the WHA from 1973-74 to 1978-79, playing for the Houston Aeros and New England Whalers. He scored no less than 23 goals in a season and had 107 points in his final campaign with New England. In his first two years, he helped the Aeros to consecutive Avco World Trophy championships.