Long before becoming a fan favourite in Toronto, Doug Gilmour gave Maple Leafs fans a reason to groan on November 12, 1986. The St. Louis Blues forward scored twice and added an assist in a 4-2 victory over Toronto at the St. Louis Arena. His three-point performance contributed to a productive November in which he collected 21 points in 14 games, helping fuel his first 100-point NHL season.
Highlights
St. Louis defeated Toronto 4-2 on November 12, 1986, at the St. Louis Arena.
Doug Gilmour scored twice and added an assist.
Gilmour’s third-period power-play goal stood as the game winner.
Jim Pavese matched Gilmour with three points, all assists.
Mark Hunter recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick.
Rick Wamsley stopped 36 of Toronto’s 38 shots.
Gilmour collected 21 points in 14 November games during his first 100-point NHL season.
Norris Division Rivals Meet in St. Louis
The matchup brought together two teams that would each finish the 1986-87 season with 32 wins. St. Louis eventually claimed the Norris Division title with 79 points, while Toronto finished fourth with 70. On this November evening, Gilmour made the difference, contributing to three of the Blues’ four goals against the team he would later captain.
After a scoreless first period, Steve Thomas gave Toronto the lead at 4:52 of the second, beating Rick Wamsley with assists from Rick Vaive and Al Iafrate. Gilmour answered exactly five minutes later, scoring his fifth goal of the season with help from Brian Sutter and Jim Pavese. Before the intermission, Gilmour assisted on Mark Hunter’s go-ahead goal, sending St. Louis into the third period with a 2-1 advantage.
Gilmour Delivers the Game Winner
At 6:57 of the third, Gilmour struck again on the power play. His sixth goal of the season, assisted by Hunter and Tim Bothwell, proved to be the game winner. Gilmour, Hunter and Sutter each registered five shots, combining for 15 of the Blues’ 36 shots on Toronto goaltender Ken Wregget. At the other end, Wamsley stopped 36 of 38 shots to earn the victory, with Thomas leading all players with eight shots on net.
Gilmour was not the only Blue to enjoy a memorable night. Pavese recorded three assists, matching Gilmour’s point total. Hunter contributed a Gordie Howe hat trick, combining his goal and assist with a first-period fight against Toronto’s Mike Allison.
A Breakthrough Season for Doug Gilmour
Gilmour finished the 1986-87 campaign with 105 points, reaching the century mark for the first time in his NHL career. It was also his only season with more than 40 goals. His three-point effort against Toronto was one more example of the offensive ability he was establishing in St. Louis, years before Maple Leafs fans would be cheering those performances themselves.
The Franchise: St. Louis Blues (A Curated History of the Blues)
A curated history celebrating the St. Louis Blues — their iconic players, historic moments, and lasting impact on hockey culture.
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