On February 14, 1978, the New York Islanders hosted the Los Angeles Kings for a Valentine’s Day showdown and there was no love shown by Bryan Trottier.
The Kings struck first. Dave Taylor opened the scoring early in the first period, beating goaltender Glenn Resch with assists from Gary Sargent and Randy Manery. The Islanders didn’t wait long to answer.
Less than two minutes later, Bryan Trottier tied the game with his 36th goal of the 1977-78 NHL season. He beat Rogie Vachon with helpers credited to Jude Drouin and Clark Gillies, setting the tone for what would become a memorable night for the Islanders’ star center.
The second period saw L.A. regain the lead thanks to Butch Goring, sending the Kings into the intermission up 2-1. But the third period belonged to the Islanders. Just 1:18 into the final frame, Denis Potvin fired home his 20th of the season to even the score at 2-2. Trottier picked up the primary assist, with Bill Harris drawing the secondary helper.
Midway through the period, with Kings forward Mike Murphy serving a tripping penalty, Trottier delivered the dagger. At 10:50, he scored his second of the night, his 37th of the season, on the power play. Potvin and Stefan Persson assisted on what stood as the game-winner in a 3-2 Islanders victory.
Trottier’s Monster Season
The Valentine’s Day heroics were just part of a remarkable campaign. Trottier finished 1977-78 with:
46 goals
77 assists
123 points
6 game-winning goals
He finished runner-up to Guy Lafleur for the Hart Trophy that season, an award Trottier would capture the following year.
All Roads Home: A Life On and Off the Ice
The autobiography of Bryan Trottier — his journey through hockey greatness and life beyond the rink.
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