Rookie Joe Mullen Sets Blues Record with Rapid-Fire Goals in 1982

Joe Mullen began the 1981-82 season bouncing between the St. Louis Blues and their CHL affiliate in Salt Lake City, but one explosive performance made it clear he belonged in the NHL full-time. On January 5, 1982, the Blues hosted the Minnesota North Stars and Mullen delivered a breakout moment that still stands in franchise history.

With the game tied 1-1 late in the second period, Mullen struck for his first NHL goal at 18:22, beating Minnesota’s Gilles Meloche off a setup from Ed Kea. Eight seconds later, he buried his second, assisted by Brian Sutter and Larry Patey. That lightning-quick pair not only gave St. Louis the lead in an eventual 4-1 win, it also set a Blues record for the fastest two goals by a single player, a mark that still holds today.

The night was filled with rapid scoring overall. Tim Young had tallied for Minnesota at 18:11, meaning the trio of goals happened in just 19 seconds. It wasn’t an NHL record, but it was good enough to rank as the fifth-fastest set of three goals in league history. The all-time mark, also involving Minnesota, came a year later in February 1983, when the Rangers and North Stars combined for three goals in only 15 seconds.

Despite playing just 45 regular-season games in 1981-82, Mullen finished with an impressive 25 goals and 34 assists for 59 points, then added 18 more in ten playoff games. His production was strong enough for an 11th-place finish in Calder Trophy voting, a reminder that with a full season, he may have been a serious contender for Rookie of the Year.

About Joe Mullen

Between 1979-80 and 1996-97, Joe Mullen played 1,062 regular season and 143 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins. Undrafted, the Blues signed Mullen out of Boston College.

The two-time Lady Byng Trophy winner scored 20 or more goals in eleven seasons, topping six times. His career best came in 1988-89 with the Flames when he scored 51 and totaled 110 points. He tied for fifth in goal scoring with teammate Joe Nieuwendyk, 34 behind leader Mario Lemieux. He was seventh in the race for the Art Ross Trophy.

Mullen was a three time Stanley Cup champion. His first was with Calgary in 1988-89 before winning back-to-back with the Penguins in 1990-91 and 1991-92. A long time assistant coach in the NHL after retiring, Joe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Joe Mullen

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

1. Which NHL team did Joe Mullen debut with?

Calgary Flames
St. Louis Blues
Pittsburgh Penguins
Boston Bruins

2. Joe Mullen was one of the NHL’s greatest undrafted success stories. What league did he play in before reaching the NHL?

Central Hockey League (CHL)
World Hockey Association (WHA)
American Hockey League (AHL)
International Hockey League (IHL)

3. How many Stanley Cups did Joe Mullen win during his career?

One
Two
Three
Four

4. Joe Mullen became the first American-born player to reach which major NHL milestone?

500 career goals
1,500 games played
700 assists
1,200 penalty minutes

5. With which team did Joe Mullen win his first Stanley Cup?

St. Louis Blues
Calgary Flames
Pittsburgh Penguins
St. John’s Flames

Garry Howatt Leads the Charge in Record-Setting Playoff Brawl Between Islanders and Bruins

When the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins met in the 1979-80 Stanley Cup quarter-finals, few could have predicted that their series would etch itself into the NHL record books, not for goals or saves, but for sheer chaos.

Game 1 at Nassau Coliseum was mild enough, a clean 2-1 win for the Islanders featuring just eight minor penalties. But Game 2 was an entirely different story. The opening period exploded into mayhem, capped by a full-scale brawl that produced 248 total penalty minutes, the most ever recorded in a single Stanley Cup playoff period.

Leading the charge was none other than Garry Howatt, the Islanders’ rugged forward known for his tenacity and fearlessness. Howatt racked up a game-high 32 penalty minutes, starting with a spirited scrap against Boston’s Wayne Cashman, plus a boarding minor, before joining the melee that erupted at the period’s final whistle.

By the time officials restored order, eight players had been tagged with fighting majors, misconducts, and game misconducts. From New York: Howatt, Duane Sutter, Bob Lorimer, and Gord Lane. From Boston: Cashman, Al Secord, Mike Milbury, and Stan Jonathan.

Despite the fireworks, the game itself delivered drama of a different kind. The teams settled down after the first intermission, combining for just three minor penalties the rest of the way. Bob Bourne sealed a 5-4 overtime win for the Islanders, who went on to sweep the Bruins and move on to face the Buffalo Sabres in the semi-final.

As for Howatt, he escaped suspension and was right back in the thick of it in Game 3, squaring off against Terry O’Reilly in yet another third-period fight. O’Reilly, ever the warrior, had already fought Clark Gillies twice earlier in the game, a testament to how fierce and physical this rivalry truly was.

About Garry Howatt

Garry Howatt played 720 regular season and 87 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1972-73 and 1983-84 with the New York Islanders, Hartford Whalers and New Jersey Devils. Over that time, the two-time Stanley Cup champion amassed 1,836 regular season penalty minutes. Originally, he was a lowly tenth round pick by the Islanders at the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft out of the Flin Flon Bombers.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Garry Howatt

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

1. Which NHL team did Garry Howatt spend the majority of his career with?
   New York Islanders
   Hartford Whalers
   Quebec Nordiques
   Vancouver Canucks
   
2. What nickname was Garry Howatt known by during his playing days?
   The Toy Tiger
   The Little General
   The Pocket Rocket
   The Bulldog
   
3. How many Stanley Cups did Howatt win with the New York Islanders?
   One
   Two
   Three
   Four
   
4. Garry Howatt was part of one of the most penalty-filled playoff games in history. How many total penalty minutes were called in the first period of that game?
   198
   220
   248
   260
   
5. After leaving the Islanders, which team did Howatt join as part of a trade in 1981?
   Hartford Whalers
   New Jersey Devils
   California Golden Seals
   Winnipeg Jets
   

80 Years Later: The Montreal Canadiens Record That Still Belongs to The Rocket

Over 80 years later, one record still stands tall in Montreal Canadiens history: the night Maurice “Rocket” Richard racked up eight points in a single game. It happened on December 28, 1944, during a dominant 9-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings at the Montreal Forum, and no Canadiens player has surpassed it since.

That 1944–45 season was already legendary for the Rocket, he became the first NHL player to score 50 goals in one season. But on that December night, he set a different kind of milestone. Richard scored five goals and added three assists, becoming the first player in NHL history to record eight points in a single game.

All nine Montreal goals came against Detroit goalie Harry Lumley, and Richard even took a minor penalty in the second period, just to make sure his name appeared everywhere on the scoresheet. His five goals were numbers 20 through 24 of the season, one of four hat tricks he recorded that year.

Richard’s linemates Elmer Lach and Toe Blake also had monster nights. Lach posted two goals and three assists, while Blake had one goal and three helpers. Together, they formed the iconic “Punch Line,” one of the most dominant trios in NHL history. Lach went on to lead the league in scoring with 80 points, followed by Richard (73) and Blake (67).

Although the Canadiens were eliminated by Toronto in the playoffs, Richard’s explosive scoring continued with six goals in six games, including four in one night during a 10-3 win over the Maple Leafs.

A decade later, on January 9, 1954, Bert Olmstead tied Richard’s single-game record with four goals and four assists in a 12-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Fittingly, the Rocket was part of the action again, this time setting up five of Olmstead’s points.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Maurice “Rocket” Richard

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

1. In which season did Maurice “Rocket” Richard become the first NHL player to score 50 goals in 50 games?

1943–44
1944–45
1945–46
1946–47

2. How many times did Maurice Richard lead the NHL in goal scoring during his career?

5
8
9
10

3. Which famous linemates formed the “Punch Line” with Maurice Richard on the Montreal Canadiens?

Jean Béliveau and Bernie Geoffrion
Elmer Lach and Toe Blake
Henri Richard and Dickie Moore
Doug Harvey and Bert Olmstead

4. How many Stanley Cups did Maurice Richard win during his career with the Montreal Canadiens?

5
6
7
8

5. What major NHL trophy was introduced in 1999 to honour Maurice Richard’s legacy?

The Art Ross Trophy
The Rocket Richard Trophy
The Hart Memorial Trophy
The Conn Smythe Trophy

8 Days In 1974 When The Hammer Was One Of The NHL's Top Goal Scorers

Dave “The Hammer” Schultz is best remembered for his time in the penalty box and for good reason. But during one unforgettable stretch in January 1974, the Philadelphia Flyers enforcer proved he could light the lamp as well as throw punches.

In just eight days, Schultz scored six goals in two Thursday night games, briefly finding himself among the NHL’s hottest scorers.

Hat Trick #1: January 3, 1974

The new year began with fireworks at the Spectrum. Facing the New York Rangers, Schultz scored three of Philadelphia’s four goals in a 4-2 victory.

He opened the scoring just 1:43 into the first period, assisted by Rick MacLeish and Don Saleski. His second came midway through the second, proving to be the game winner. He capped it off with an insurance goal in the third, all without a single penalty minute.

Hat Trick #2: January 10, 1974

One week later, the Flyers hosted the Minnesota North Stars and skated to a 7-4 win. Once again, Schultz stayed out of the box and recorded another hat trick.

Two came in the first period, while his third, on the power play, was assisted by Bobby Clarke and goaltender Bernie Parent, sealing the victory.

In Between

Between those two offensive explosions, Schultz returned briefly to his usual role. On January 5, in a tie against the North Stars, he dropped the gloves with Tom Reid. Two nights later, at the Montreal Forum, the Flyers fell 2–1 to the Canadiens, with Schultz registering just one shot on goal.

The Hammer’s Season

By season’s end, Schultz had 20 goals and 348 penalty minutes over 73 games, a rare combination of scoring touch and toughness. In the playoffs, as Philadelphia stormed to their first Stanley Cup, he added 139 penalty minutes in 17 games.

The next season, Schultz would set an NHL record that still stands today: 472 penalty minutes in a single campaign. But for those eight days in January 1974, The Hammer wasn’t just the league’s most feared fighter, he was one of its top goal scorers.

About Dave Schultz

A 5th round pick by the Philadelphia Flyers at the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft, Dave Schultz played 535 regular season and 73 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1971-72 and 1979-80 with the Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres. 

The two-time Stanley Cup champion was a penalty minute leader in the EHL with the Salem Rebels in 1969-70. The following year, he led the AHL with 382 PIM while playing for the Quebec Aces, nearly double the total of the runner-up. He would again lead the AHL the next year, this time playing for the Richmond Robins. Of course, his exploits in the NHL are well known.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Dave "The Hammer" Schultz

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

1. During which NHL season did Dave “The Hammer” Schultz set the all-time record for penalty minutes?
   1972-73
   1973-74
   1974-75
   1975-76
   


2. How many penalty minutes did Schultz accumulate in that record-setting season?
   438
   472
   489
   501
   


3. Schultz played a key role with which Flyers team that won the Stanley Cup?
   The 1973-74 Philadelphia Flyers
   The 1972-73 Philadelphia Flyers
   The 1977-78 Philadelphia Flyers
   The 1975-76 Philadelphia Flyers
   


4. After leaving the Flyers, Schultz also played for which of the following teams?
   Detroit Red Wings
   Vancouver Canucks
   Los Angeles Kings
   New York Rangers
   


5. What was Dave Schultz’s nickname during his playing days?
   The Hammer
   The Animal
   The Enforcer
   The Sheriff
   

Super Mario’s Legendary 5-Goal New Year’s Eve Performance in 1988

On December 31, 1988, the Pittsburgh Civic Arena became the stage for one of the most jaw-dropping individual performances in NHL history. Mario Lemieux, already known as "Super Mario," put on a show that may never be duplicated, scoring five goals in five different ways in an 8-6 victory over the New Jersey Devils.

No other player has ever done it, and odds are no one ever will again. Lemieux’s magical night unfolded like this:

• Even Strength: Just 4:17 into the game, Lemieux opened the scoring with help from Rob Brown.

• Shorthanded: Less than four minutes later, he struck again while killing a penalty, punishing the Devils for Phil Bourque’s minor.

• Power Play: Before the first period was through, Lemieux completed his hat trick on the man advantage, assisted by Paul Coffey and Gord Dineen.

• Penalty Shot: In the second period, he was awarded a penalty shot at 11:14. Cool and composed, he buried it past Chris Terreri, who was promptly pulled in favor of Bob Sauve. Remarkably, it also counted as a shorthanded tally with Dan Quinn in the box.

• Empty Net: After the Devils clawed back, Lemieux sealed history in the dying second of the third, scoring into an empty net with an assist from Jay Caufield.

Lemieux wasn’t done. He also added three assists, meaning he figured in all eight Penguins goals. His eight-point masterpiece overshadowed Kirk Muller’s five-point effort (two goals, three assists) for New Jersey.

About Mario Lemieux

Mario Lemieux played 915 regular season and 107 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1984-85 and 2005-06, all with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The two-time Stanley Cup champion won the Art Ross Trophy six times, the Hart Trophy three times and the Conn Smythe Trophy twice.

His personal best season offensively came in 1988-89 when he totaled 199 points on 85 goals and 114 assists. The first overall pick by the Penguins in 1984 was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997.

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Bonus Quiz: The Career of Mario Lemieux

1. In which year was Mario Lemieux drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins?

1982
1984
1986
1988

2. How many Stanley Cups did Mario Lemieux win as a player?

1
2
3
4

3. Lemieux won six Art Ross Trophies as NHL scoring champion. Which other player’s dominance kept him from winning even more?

Wayne Gretzky
Mark Messier
Jaromir Jagr
Steve Yzerman

4. After retiring in 1997, Lemieux made a comeback in 2000. How did he rejoin the Penguins before lacing up again?

He was hired as head coach
He became the team’s owner
He signed as a free agent
He was traded back to Pittsburgh

5. Which major health challenge did Mario Lemieux publicly battle during his career, yet still return to dominate on the ice?

Heart disease
Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Diabetes
Multiple concussions

December 16, 1970: Cliff Koroll’s Four-Assist Period Ties NHL Record

On December 16, 1970, second-year forward Cliff Koroll carved his name into NHL history. In an 8-3 Chicago Blackhawks win over the St. Louis Blues at Chicago Stadium, Koroll recorded four assists in a single period, tying an NHL record that had stood since 1920-21.

The Blues entered the second period with a 3-1 lead, paced by Jim Lorentz’s two goals and an assist. But Chicago stormed back with five unanswered goals in the middle frame. Koroll set up two goals by Stan Mikita, one by Pit Martin, and one by Dennis Hull to etch his name into the record books. All five Blackhawks goals in that period came against St. Louis goalie Ernie Wakely, who faced 42 shots on the night.

Mikita had an unforgettable game himself. He scored Chicago’s first goal in the opening frame, then added three more in the second for a four-goal outing. He also picked up an assist on Dennis Hull’s goal, finishing with five points.

Koroll went on to play his entire NHL career with the Blackhawks, appearing in 814 regular season and 85 playoff games between 1969-70 and 1979-80. Known for his consistency, he reached the 20-goal plateau in five straight seasons, peaking with 33 goals in 1972-73.

Though Dale Hawerchuk eventually raised the bar to five assists in a period in 1983-84 (later matched by Kris Letang in 2023), Koroll remains part of an exclusive group of players who made NHL history in just one period of play.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Cliff Koroll

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

1. Cliff Koroll played his entire NHL career with which team?

Chicago Blackhawks
Detroit Red Wings
St. Louis Blues
Minnesota North Stars

2. How many career regular season games did Koroll play in the NHL?

612
814
929
740

3. What was Cliff Koroll’s highest single-season goal total in the NHL?

20
27
33
38

4. Which Hall of Fame linemate did Koroll often skate with during his Chicago years?

Stan Mikita
Bobby Orr
Guy Lafleur
Jean Ratelle

5. After retiring as a player, what role did Cliff Koroll hold with the Blackhawks?

Assistant Coach
General Manager
Team President
Play-by-Play Broadcaster

Gilles Villemure Turns Away All 15 Phil Esposito Shots In 1972 Bruins-Rangers Clash

On December 14, 1972, the New York Rangers visited the Boston Garden in a showdown that featured two of the NHL’s biggest names: Phil Esposito and Gilles Villemure.

The 1972-73 season marked the third of four straight years that Esposito led the league in shots, and he showed no hesitation to fire the puck against Villemure. Boston launched 55 shots on goal, with 15 coming from Esposito alone.

Yet despite his relentless attack, Esposito was shut out individually. Villemure turned aside every single one of Espo’s shots. The Bruins still came out on top with a 4-2 victory, but not one of their goals came from their superstar sniper.

This performance set a rare mark in NHL history: most shots in a game without scoring a goal. To this day, only Alex Ovechkin has matched Esposito’s total, doing so in 2015. The overall single-game shots record belongs to Ray Bourque, who fired 19 on the Nordiques in 1991.

Esposito still found the scoresheet, recording two assists in the second period on goals by Wayne Cashman, both also assisted by Bobby Orr. Cashman and Orr each had seven shots, and when combined with Espo’s 15, the trio accounted for 29 of Boston’s 55 shots.

At the other end, Ed Johnston had a relatively calm night, stopping 22 of 24 shots. The Rangers’ goals came from Gene Carr and Jean Ratelle, while Fred O’Donnell scored the game-winner for Boston with help from Gregg Sheppard and Don Marcotte.

About Gilles Villemure

Between 1967-68 and 1976-77, Gilles Villemure played 205 regular season and 14 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks. Along with his 1970-71 Vezina Trophy win (shared with Ed Giacomin), Villemure was WHL rookie of the year in 1962-63 before winning both the Hap Holmes Award and Les Cunningham Award in the AHL for 1968-69 and 1969-70.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Gilles Villemure

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

1. Gilles Villemure spent the majority of his NHL career with which team?

Chicago Black Hawks
New York Rangers
Toronto Maple Leafs
Vancouver Canucks

2. Villemure shared the Vezina Trophy in 1971 with which fellow Rangers goalie?

Gump Worsley
Ed Giacomin
Bernie Parent
Rogie Vachon

3. Which season was Villemure’s best statistically, earning him NHL All-Star recognition?

1967-68
1970-71
1973-74
1975-76

4. Before becoming an NHL regular, Villemure was a standout in which minor league?

WHA
AHL
WHL
IHL

5. Villemure finished his NHL career with which team in 1976-77?

New York Rangers
Buffalo Sabres
Chicago Black Hawks
Los Angeles Kings

Gary Smith’s Record 48-Loss Season Still Stands Tall In NHL History

On April 3, 1971, Gary “Suitcase” Smith set a mark in NHL history that has never been matched. Playing for the struggling California Golden Seals, Smith suffered his 48th loss of the season, cementing a record that still stands more than five decades later.

The 1970-71 Golden Seals won just 20 games and finished at the bottom of the standings, ten points behind the next-worst team. Smith, however, was the backbone of the club, appearing in 71 of 78 games. He led the league in games played, minutes played, shots faced, saves, goals against and, unfortunately, losses. Without him, the Seals may have fared even worse.

The record-setting defeat came in the season finale against the Los Angeles Kings at the Forum. California stormed out to a 3-0 lead just 6:53 into the game, and still held a 4-3 advantage entering the third period. But goals from Bob Pulford, Ralph Backstrom, and Eddie Joyal gave the Kings a 6-4 comeback win. 

Smith was bombarded with 52 shots, making 46 saves, but it wasn’t enough. His 48th loss surpassed Al Rollins’ 47 with Chicago in 1953-54. Only Peter Sidorkiewicz, with 46 losses for Ottawa in 1992-93, has come close since.

It was also Smith’s last game as a Seal. That offseason, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Kerry Bond, Gerry Desjardins, and Gerry Pinder. In Chicago, his fortunes improved dramatically. Working behind Tony Esposito, Smith posted a 2.42 GAA and five shutouts in 28 games. The tandem went on to share the Vezina Trophy for their efforts.

About Gary Smith

Between 1965-66 and 1979-80, Gary Smith appeared in 532 regular season and 20 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Oakland Seals, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, Minnesota North Stars, Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Gary Smith

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

1. Gary “Suitcase” Smith set an NHL record in 1970-71 with how many losses in a single season?
   44
   46
   48
   50
2. Which team did Smith play for when he recorded his 48-loss season?
   Chicago Blackhawks
   California Golden Seals
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Vancouver Canucks
3. Smith earned the nickname “Suitcase” because of what?
   His oversized goalie gear
   He was often traded and moved between teams
   His habit of carrying lucky charms in a suitcase
   He traveled with the team’s equipment manager
4. After leaving the Seals, Smith joined the Chicago Blackhawks and shared which trophy with Tony Esposito?
   Hart Trophy
   Vezina Trophy
   Jennings Trophy
   Calder Trophy
5. Smith later starred for the Vancouver Canucks and helped lead them to which milestone in 1975?
   Their first playoff series win
   Their first division title
   Their first 100-point season
   Their first Stanley Cup Final

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?

1978-79
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82

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

612
650
708
742

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

Washington Capitals
New York Rangers
Toronto Maple Leafs
Phoenix Coyotes

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

1999
2000
2001
2003

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

Minnesota North Stars
New York Rangers
St. Louis Blues
Toronto Maple Leafs

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

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?

Montreal Canadiens
Hartford Whalers
Ottawa Senators
New Jersey Devils

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

35
40
45
50

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

Hartford Whalers
Montreal Canadiens
New Jersey Devils
Toronto Maple Leafs

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

Boston Bruins
Pittsburgh Penguins
Buffalo Sabres
New York Rangers

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

450
669
710
820

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

Ralph Backstrom’s 2 Goals in 6 Seconds Set Kings Record

When the Boston Bruins visited the Los Angeles Kings at the Forum on November 2, 1972, Ralph Backstrom delivered one of the fastest scoring bursts in Kings history.

Backstrom was already riding a hot streak, with 8 goals and 9 assists over a seven-game stretch. Against Boston, the game was tied 1-1 entering the third period, with Serge Bernier scoring for L.A. late in the first and Mike Walton tallying for the Bruins.

At 8:30 of the third, Backstrom put the Kings ahead 2-1 with his sixth goal of the season, beating Boston goalie Eddie Johnston unassisted. Just six seconds later, he struck again, this time with help from Butch Goring, to extend the lead to 3-1. The Kings went on to win 5-2, with Backstrom firing seven of the team’s 33 shots on net. Goalie Gary Edwards held Boston to just two goals on 31 shots.

Backstrom finished the 1972-73 season with 20 goals in 63 games for the Kings, including six game-winners. Traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in February 1973, he wrapped up his NHL career before moving to the WHA.

His two goals in six seconds remain a Kings franchise record. The closest anyone has come since was Jari Kurri’s pair in 1991, just ten seconds apart.

About Ralph Backstrom

Ralph Backstrom played 1,032 regular season and 116 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1956-57 and 1972-73 with the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks. In 1958-59, Ralph was awarded the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year. With the Habs, Backstrom was a six-time Stanley Cup champion.

In the WHA, Backstrom played another 304 regular season and 38 playoff games between 1973-74 and 1976-77 with the Chicago Cougars, Ottawa Civics and New England Whalers. In his first year with Chicago he scored 33 goals, the most over his major league career.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Ralph Backstrom

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

1. Ralph Backstrom played the majority of his career with which NHL team?

Los Angeles Kings
Chicago Blackhawks
Montreal Canadiens
Minnesota North Stars

2. How many Stanley Cups did Ralph Backstrom win as a member of the Montreal Canadiens?

3
6
4
2

3. In 1972, Backstrom set a Kings franchise record by scoring two goals how many seconds apart?

4 seconds
6 seconds
8 seconds
10 seconds

4. Which player assisted on Backstrom’s second goal in that record-setting 1972 game?

Serge Bernier
Eddie Johnston
Butch Goring
Jari Kurri

5. After his NHL career, Ralph Backstrom played in which league before retiring?

WHA
AHL
IHL
OHA

The Canadiens Game Where Roles Reversed: Richard the Playmaker, Olmstead the Sniper

On January 9, 1954, the Montreal Forum witnessed one of the most remarkable role reversals in NHL history. Maurice "Rocket" Richard, usually the goal-scoring machine, became the playmaker, while Bert Olmstead, best known as a setup man, lit up the scoreboard.

Olmstead, whose career-high in goals came as a rookie with 20 for the Chicago Blackhawks, was typically among the league’s leaders in assists. Richard, on the other hand, was almost exclusively a finisher, his career defined by relentless goal-scoring. But on this night against the struggling Blackhawks, the script was flipped.

Olmstead tied Richard’s franchise record by recording eight points on four goals and four assists in Montreal’s 12-1 blowout victory. Richard, though goal-less, piled up five assists in the win. Jean Béliveau added to the fireworks with a five-point performance of his own (two goals and three assists).

The game was over early, as Chicago entered with just eight wins in 40 games and went on to win only 12 all season, finishing a distant last, 37 points behind the next team. Olmstead’s game-winning tally came at 10:20 of the first period, assisted by Richard and Béliveau. He followed with two second-period powerplay goals and capped off his night with a fourth in the third, plus a final assist on Ken Mosdell’s hat trick marker.

About Bert Olmstead

Bert Olmstead played 848 regular season and 115 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1948-49 and 1961-62 with the Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. His time in Chicago was limited to one full season, 1949-50. That year, he scored 20 goals and added 29 assists for 49 points while finishing third in voting for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year.

In December 1950, Olmstead was part of a trade with the Detroit Red Wings that sent Vic Stasiuk to the Wings in exchange for Lee Fogolin and Steve Black. Without playing a game for Detroit, Bert was then traded to the Canadiens for Leo Gravelle. With Montreal, he was an important part of four Stanley Cup championships. He won a fifth with the Maple Leafs in 1961-62.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Bert Olmstead

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

1. Which team did Bert Olmstead begin his NHL career with?

Montreal Canadiens
Chicago Blackhawks
Toronto Maple Leafs
Detroit Red Wings

2. In the 1950s, Olmstead led the NHL in assists. What was his single-season career-high total?

42
50
56
61

3. How many Stanley Cups did Bert Olmstead win during his career?

3
4
5
6

4. Which superstar center was often paired with Olmstead in Montreal, forming one of hockey’s most effective lines?

Jean Béliveau
Henri Richard
Doug Harvey
Elmer Lach

5. In what year was Bert Olmstead inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?

1972
1975
1985
1988

Who Scored 50 First? The Penguins’ Historic 1975-76 Season

In the 1975-76 NHL season, the Pittsburgh Penguins achieved a franchise first. Not one, but two players reached 50 goals. Pierre Larouche and Jean Pronovost both cracked the milestone, with Larouche finishing at 53 goals and Pronovost close behind at 52. But who hit 50 first?

March 24, 1976: Pronovost Makes Penguins History

On a Wednesday night at the Civic Arena (a.k.a. The Igloo), the Penguins faced off against the powerhouse Boston Bruins. With the game tied in the third period, Jean Pronovost scored his 50th goal of the season at the 11:01 mark. The goal came on Gilles Gilbert, assisted by Lowell MacDonald and Syl Apps.

That moment made Pronovost the first Pittsburgh Penguin ever to reach 50 goals in a single season. Larouche also scored in the game, his 45^th, The match ended in a 5-5 tie.

April 3, 1976: Larouche Follows In A Flash

Just over a week later, Pierre Larouche entered a game against the Washington Capitals with 49 goals. He scored number 50 at 11:16 of the second period, assisted by Ron Stackhouse and Rick Kehoe. With eight seconds left in the same period, he added another, goal number 51.

Despite Larouche’s heroics, the Penguins lost 5-4. It was just the Capitals' 11th win of the year.

A Quick Playoff Exit

Although Larouche and Pronovost combined for 105 goals, the Penguins were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, losing a best-of-three series to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Neither player scored during the series.

Today’s Franchise Benchmark: Lemieux’s 85

While Pronovost was the first to reach 50, and Larouche edged him in total, Mario Lemieux now holds the single-season franchise record with a jaw-dropping 85 goals in 1988-89.

1970's 50 Goal Scorers Quiz

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our Hockey Trivia website!

1. Who was the first NHL player to score 50 goals in a season during the 1970s?
Phil Esposito (1971)
Phil Esposito (1970)
Bobby Hull (1970)
Guy Lafleur (1971)

2. In the 1970s, which NHL player had the most 50-goal seasons?
Marcel Dionne
Mike Bossy
Guy Lafleur
Rick Martin

3. Which of these players did NOT score 50 goals in a season during the 1970s?
Pierre Larouche
Jean Pronovost
Dave Keon
Ken Hodge

4. Which team had two players reach 50 goals in the same 1975-76 season?
Pittsburgh Penguins
Montreal Canadiens
New York Islanders
Buffalo Sabres

5. Who scored 52 goals in the 1974-75 season for the Buffalo Sabres?
Danny Gare
Gilbert Perreault
Rene Robert
Rick Martin