On October 22, 1964, at the legendary Boston Garden, Reggie Fleming delivered one of the most unusual performances of his career. In just his first season with the Boston Bruins, Fleming scored both Boston goals and remarkably, both came while the team was shorthanded in a 2-2 tie with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The 1964-65 season would prove to be Fleming’s most productive offensively. After scoring a combined 21 goals over four seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, he found a new gear in Boston, finishing the year with a career-best 18 goals. Known primarily for his rugged style, he recorded 136 penalty minutes in 67 games, Fleming showed that he could do more than just play the enforcer’s role.
His first goal came at 12:25 of the opening period, beating Toronto goaltender Johnny Bower while Boston was killing a high-sticking penalty to Leo Boivin. Forbes Kennedy earned the assist on the play. Fleming struck again at 9:38 of the second period, this time unassisted, while Tom Johnson sat in the penalty box for hooking. The two shorthanded goals gave Boston a 2-0 lead and accounted for all of their scoring on the night.
Toronto responded before the second period ended when Andy Bathgate solved Bruins netminder Eddie Johnston. In the third period, Bob Pulford tied the game at 9:07 to secure a 2-2 draw. The result gave Boston its first point of the young 1964-65 NHL season.
In a twist fitting the era’s rough-and-tumble reputation, it was actually a relatively disciplined game. Aside from the two Boston penalties that led to Fleming’s goals, the only other infraction was an interference call against Johnston late in the third. Fleming led the Bruins with five of their 24 shots on Bower, while Johnston faced 36 shots at the other end, including five from defenseman Tim Horton. It was a gritty, opportunistic effort that set the tone for Fleming’s best offensive season in Boston.
Boston Bruins: Greatest Moments and Players
A celebration of the iconic history of the Boston Bruins — from legendary players to unforgettable moments.
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