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

J.C. Tremblay’s Historic 4-Assist Period vs. Detroit in 1962

On December 29, 1962, Montreal Canadiens defenseman J.C. Tremblay carved out a slice of NHL history with a second-period performance that stood unmatched for more than six decades. In a 5-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at the Montreal Forum, Tremblay notched four assists, all in the middle frame alone.

That burst of playmaking was part of a dominant showing that helped the Canadiens take a 4-0 lead into the final frame. Bill Hicke and Bernie Geoffrion each scored twice in that middle period, with Tremblay assisting on all four goals. Geoffrion completed his hat trick early in the third.

Detroit’s legendary goaltender Terry Sawchuk faced a barrage of 51 shots, while JacquesPlante had a far quieter night at the other end, stopping 25 of 26. The Red Wings’ lone goal came from AlexDelvecchio at 9:08 of the third period.

Tremblay’s four-assist outburst set the NHL record for most assists in a single period by a defenseman, a mark that stood until Kris Letang tallied five in the second period of a 2023 game between the Penguins and Islanders.

Though others would later match Tremblay’s four in a period, names like BobbyOrr, Phil Housley, Rob Blake, and Scott Stevens, none would surpass it until Letang's historic night.

Tremblay’s offensive contributions only grew from there. He recorded back-to-back seasons with 50+ assists in 1970-71 (52) and 1971-72 (51), and led the WHA with 75 assists as a member of the Quebec Nordiques in 1972-73.

About J.C. Tremblay

J.C. Tremblay played 794 regular season and 108 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1959-60 and 1971-72, all with the Montreal Canadiens. Over that time, he helped the Habs to five Stanley Cup championships.

Between 1972-73 and 1978-79, the full duration of the World Hockey Association, Tremblay played 454 regular season asnd 34 playoff games in the WHA, all with the Quebec Nordiques. He helped the team to an Avco World Trophy championship in 1976-77.

Try The Trivia Challenge

Here's a series of trivia questions derived from the content above. Can you get a perfect score?

We have much more hockey trivia at our Hockey Trivia Website.

J.C. Tremblay Hockey Trivia

1. Which Canadiens defenseman recorded four assists in one period in 1962?

B) J.C. Tremblay A) Doug Harvey C) Serge Savard D) Larry Robinson

2. Who broke Tremblay’s record with five assists in one period?

A) Bobby Orr B) Phil Housley C) Kris Letang D) Rob Blake

3. True or False: Tremblay’s four-assist period happened in the first period.

False True

4. Who scored a hat trick in that same game for Montreal?

C) Bernie Geoffrion A) Henri Richard B) Jean Beliveau D) Dick Duff

5. True or False: Jacques Plante faced more shots than Terry Sawchuk in the game.

False True

Michel Goulet’s Game-Winning Surge Lifts Nordiques in 1983-84 Season

In the heart of the 1983-84 NHL season, Michel Goulet was on an absolute tear. On December 10, 1983, he capped a seven-game winning streak for the Quebec Nordiques with a two-goal, one-assist performance against the Los Angeles Kings at the Forum. Quebec skated off with a 6-4 road win, thanks largely to their high-flying left winger.

Goulet’s second goal of the night, and 18th of the season, came on the power play. Assisted by Dave Pichette and Anton Stastny, it marked his fifth game-winning goal in just six games. That surge helped propel him to 16 game-winning goals on the season, tying Phil Esposito’s NHL record, originally set in both 1970-71 and 1971-72. That record still stands today.

The 1983-84 campaign would turn out to be a career year for Goulet: 56 goals, 65 assists, 121 points in just 75 games.

Still, this memorable night in Los Angeles might have gone the other way if not for Quebec goaltender DanBouchard, who stood tall under pressure. Bouchard faced 45 shots and made 41 saves, including several key stops against Marcel Dionne, who fired eight shots and scored once. Kings netminder Mike Blake, on the other hand, had a rough night, giving up six goals on only 24 shots.

About Michel Goulet

Michel Goulet played 1,089 regular season and 92 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Quebec Nordiques and Chicago Blackhawks. He topped the 50 goal plateau four times with Quebec and finished his career with 548 regular season markers. He also surpassed 100 points on four occasions.

Originally a first round pick by the Nordiques at the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, Goulet was coming off a season in the WHA with the Birmingham Bulls. Previously, he'd played major junior with the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL. Michel was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1998. 

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.

Ken Hodge’s 6 Assist Game Still a Boston Bruins Record

On February 9, 1971, Ken Hodge turned playmaker and carved his name into Boston Bruins history with a record-setting performance that still stands today. Known more for lighting the lamp than setting up goals, Hodge dished out six assists in a 6-3 win over the visiting New York Rangers.

That night, Hodge played provider on two goals by Bobby Orr, two by Wayne Cashman, one by Phil Esposito, and one by Johnny Bucyk. Though he fired four shots of his own at Rangers goalie Gilles Villemure, he couldn’t find the back of the net. But it was his incredible setup work that stole the spotlight.

Just weeks earlier, Bucyk had tied the club’s previous record with five assists in a single game. Hodge surpassed it with his six-helper night, becoming the sole record-holder, though not for long. On January 1, 1973, Bobby Orr matched the feat with six assists of his own against the Vancouver Canucks. As of today, Hodge and Orr remain co-holders of the Bruins' single-game assist record.

Interestingly, Hodge joined the list of Bruins players with five-assist nights just over a year later, doing it again on November 9, 1972, in a game versus Detroit.

The 1970-71 season would prove to be Hodge’s best. He tallied 62 assists and 43 goals for 105 points, ranking fourth in the NHL in all three categories. Still, he remained somewhat in the shadows with teammates Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr were busy shattering league records of their own.

About Ken Hodge

Ken Hodge played 880 regular season and 97 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1964-65 and 1977-78 with the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. Prior to his NHL start, he earned the Eddie Powers Trophy as the OHA Junior A (OHL) top scorer in 1964-65, putting up 63 goals and 123 points with the St. Catharines Black Hawks.

Involved in two major trades over his NHL career, Hodge was shipped from Chicago to Boston on May 15, 1967 with Phil Esposito and Fred Stanfield for Gilles Marotte, Pit Martin and Jack Norris. On May 26, 1976, he was traded from the Bruins to the Rangers for Rick Middleton. Middleton went on to a great career with Boston while Hodge soon fizzled out and played just one full season with the Blue Shirts.

NHL Hockey Card Greats: Ken Hodge [Video]

It Was No April Fool's Joke: Reg Leach Hits 60 Goals in Historic Flyers Blowout

April 1, 1976, was no laughing matter for the Washington Capitals. Visiting the Philadelphia Flyers at the Spectrum, the Caps were pummeled 11-2 in a game that secured the Flyers’ 50th win of the 1975-76 season. But more memorably, it was the night Reg Leach cemented his place in franchise history.

Leach not only scored twice and assisted on three others for a five-point evening, but his second goal, coming at 10:06 of the second period, was his 60th of the season. Assisted by Bill Barber and Jimmy Watson, the milestone marker made Leach the first and still the only player in Flyers history to reach the 60-goal plateau. He added one more two nights later in Buffalo to finish with 61.

Philadelphia was relentless that night, peppering Capitals goalie Ron Low with 62 shots. Bill Barber led the barrage with 11 shots and recorded a hat trick (goals 47, 48, and 49). He’d hit the 50-goal milestone himself just two nights later. Leach fired 8 shots, while Bobby Clarke dished out five assists. Gary Inness made 21 saves on 23 shots for the Flyers.

Though Tim Kerr would come close, scoring 54 goals twice and 58 twice between 1983-84 and 1986-87, no other Flyer has matched Leach’s 60-goal feat. Leach would crack the 50-goal mark one more time in 1979-80, finishing with exactly 50.

About Reg Leach

Reggie Leach played 934 regular season and 94 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1970-71 and 1982-83 with the Boston Bruins, California Golden Seals, Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings. He was the third overall pick by the Bruins at the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, behind Gilbert Perreault and Dale Tallon.

He helped the Flyers to a Stanley Cup championship in 1974-75 and was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner the following year, despite the Flyers losing to the Montreal Canadiens in the final. That year, he scored 19 goals in 16 playoff games, four more than he scored over his first 96 regular season games in the NHL.

NHL Hockey Card Greats: Reggie Leach [Video]