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

John McKenzie Fires Up Boston Garden With Hat Trick And Fight (1970)

On December 20, 1970, the Boston Garden crowd was treated to a classic Johnny McKenzie performance. Known for his grit and scoring touch, McKenzie delivered a Gordie Howe Hat Trick Plus in a 7-2 Boston Bruins win over the Minnesota North Stars.

The night before in St. Louis, McKenzie had two goals and an assist in a 7-1 victory over the Blues. He carried that momentum home, scoring his 12th, 13th, and 14th goals of the 1970-71 season against Minnesota. He also set up a goal by Phil Esposito, capping a four-point night.

True to form, McKenzie also dropped the gloves, scrapping with ex-Bruin Barry Gibbs just 25 seconds into the second period. Gilles Gilbert, who later went on to play for Boston, faced 47 shots and stopped 40, including four off McKenzie’s stick. Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito led the barrage with eight shots each.

The 1970-71 campaign proved to be McKenzie’s best NHL season, as he finished with 31 goals and 77 points. The hat trick against Minnesota was the third of his career and the only one not scored against the Detroit Red Wings.

About John McKenzie

John McKenzie played 691 regular season and 69 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1958-59 and 1971-72 with the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins. He won two Stanley Cup championships with the Bruins.

In the WHA, McKenzie played an additional 477 regular season and 33 playoff games between 1972-73 and 1978-79 with the Philadelphia Blazers, Vancouver Blazers, Minnesota Fighting Saints, Cincinnati Stingers and New England Whalers.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Johnny McKenzie

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

1. In which NHL season did Johnny McKenzie score his career-high 31 goals?

• 1968-69
• 1969-70
• 1970-71
• 1971-72

2. Which team did Johnny McKenzie score his famous hat trick and fight performance against on December 20, 1970?

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

3. How many career NHL hat tricks did Johnny McKenzie record?

• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

4. Johnny McKenzie was part of the Boston Bruins’ Stanley Cup–winning team in which year?

• 1968
• 1970
• 1972
• Both 1970 and 1972

5. Before joining the Bruins, McKenzie played for which NHL team?

• New York Rangers
• Detroit Red Wings
• Chicago Blackhawks
• Philadelphia Flyers

Ken Dryden Shines in NHL Debut With 35 Saves Against Penguins

When Ken Dryden made his NHL debut on March 14, 1971, few could have predicted the legendary career that was about to unfold. Called up late in the season from the AHL’s Montreal Voyageurs, the 23-year-old goaltender wasted no time making an impact for the Montreal Canadiens.

His first start came on the road at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena against the Penguins. Despite Pittsburgh being one of the weaker teams in the league, they peppered Dryden with 36 shots. The rookie stood tall, turning aside 35 of them. Syl Apps, Jean Pronovost, and Bob Woytowich each fired five shots on goal, but it was John Stewart who scored the lone tally for Pittsburgh. Montreal’s offense ensured Dryden’s night ended comfortably, with goals from Pete Mahovlich, J.C. Tremblay, Henri Richard, Marc Tardif, and Frank Mahovlich in a 5-1 Canadiens victory.

At the other end, Pittsburgh netminder Al Smith also faced 36 shots, with Henri Richard leading the charge with seven attempts.

Dryden’s stint in the 1970-71 regular season was short but dominant. Sharing duties with Rogie Vachon and Phil Myre, he appeared in just six games, posting a dazzling 1.65 goals-against average and a remarkable .957 save percentage.

The real magic came in the playoffs. Dryden backstopped Montreal through all 20 postseason games, guiding the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup. His brilliance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Ken Dryden

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

1. In which year did Ken Dryden make his NHL debut for the Montreal Canadiens?
   1969
   1970
   1971
   1972
   
2. How many regular season games did Dryden play before backstopping the Canadiens to the 1971 Stanley Cup?
   82
   6
   20
   12
   
3. Which trophy did Ken Dryden win as the 1971 playoff MVP?
   Vezina Trophy
   Conn Smythe Trophy
   Hart Trophy
   Calder Trophy
   
4. How many Stanley Cups did Dryden win with the Canadiens during his career?
   4
   6
   3
   5
   
5. After retiring from hockey, which profession did Ken Dryden famously pursue?
   Actor
   Lawyer & Politician
   Sports Broadcaster
   Business Executive
   

Pete Laframboise’s Historic 4-Goal Night Lifts Golden Seals to 11-3 Rout

On January 3, 1973, Pete Laframboise etched his name into California Golden Seals history with a jaw-dropping four-goal performance, the first in franchise history. Incredibly, those four tallies made up 12% of his entire NHL career goals.

The game, played at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena against the Vancouver Canucks, was tight after two periods with the Seals holding a 5-3 lead. Then came the third period eruption, six unanswered California goals, sealing an 11-3 rout.

Laframboise opened the scoring at 8:21 of the first period, burying his seventh of the season past Bruce Bullock, assisted by Walt McKechnie and Hilliard Graves. His second came on the power play at 14:36 of the second, with helpers from Graves and Stan Weir.

The real fireworks came in the third. Laframboise struck twice in quick succession, both set up by Graves and Weir, pushing the score to 9-3. Only three players in Seals history would ever match the feat of four goals in a game: Ivan Boldirev, Gary Sabourin, and Dennis Maruk. Boldirev also had a huge night in this game with two goals (including the game-winner) and two assists.

Goaltending was a story of contrasts. Bullock stayed between the pipes for Vancouver the entire night, surrendering 11 goals on 44 shots. Gilles Meloche, meanwhile, earned the win for California with 26 saves, picking up an assist on the final goal and even taking a delay of game penalty late in the second period.

About Pete Laframboise

Pete Laframboise’s NHL career spanned 227 regular season games and nine playoff appearances between 1971-72 and 1974-75, skating for the Golden Seals, Washington Capitals, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He also played 17 games for the Edmonton Oilers in the WHA during the 1976-77 season. Drafted in the second round by California in 1970, Laframboise made the leap to the pros after a standout junior career with the Ottawa 67’s.

NHL Hockey Trivia: California Golden Seals

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

1. What year did the Oakland Seals join the NHL?
   1965
   1967
   1970
2. Before becoming the California Golden Seals, the team was briefly known as:
   Bay Area Seals
   San Jose Seals
   Pacific Seals
3. Which future Conn Smythe Trophy winner played for the Seals before becoming a star with another team?
   Wayne Gretzky
   Reggie Leach
   Guy Lafleur
4. In 1976, the Golden Seals franchise relocated to which city?
   Denver, Colorado
   Cleveland, Ohio
   Minneapolis, Minnesota
5. What were the Golden Seals’ team colors during most of the 1970s?
   Black and Gold
   Red and White
   Green and Gold

Steve Durbano’s 10 Points in 5 Games as a Rookie D-Man? Not Orr, But Still Impressive

When someone mentions a defenseman putting up 10 points in five NHL games during the 1972-73 season, your first thought might be Bobby Orr. Fair enough. Orr was in peak form that year. But the blueliner who did it in this stretch was rookie Steve Durbano of the St. Louis Blues.

In February 1973, Durbano scored a goal and assisted on nine others over a five-game tear. What's more surprising? He only took two minor penalties during that span, despite a career built on physicality and time in the box.

February 3, 1973: A Career Night

Durbano’s standout game came in a dominant 6-1 win over the California Golden Seals. He registered four assists, setting up two goals by Floyd Thomson, one from Phil Roberto, and the game-winner by Fran Huck. Durbano led all skaters with six shots on Gilles Meloche, as the Blues peppered the Seals with 51 total shots, compared to just 15 faced by Bob Johnson in the St. Louis net.

Durbano finished the night a +3 and didn’t take a single penalty, a rare stat line for the rugged blueliner.

From First-Round Pick to Journeyman 

Originally a first-round selection by the New York Rangers in 1971, Durbano never played a game for them. After some seasoning in the minors with the Omaha Knights, he broke into the NHL with the Blues in the 1972-73 season.

Over the course of his NHL career (1972-73 to 1978-79), Durbano played 220 regular season games and five playoff contests, suiting up for the Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Kansas City Scouts, and Colorado Rockies. True to his reputation, he compiled a staggering 1,127 penalty minutes in those 220 games, averaging over 5 minutes per game.

Steve Durbano Trivia Quiz

For much more NHL hockey trivia, visit our Hockey Trivia Site!

1. How many points did Steve Durbano score in his 5-game streak in 1973?

5
7
10
12

2. Which team did Durbano record 4 assists against on February 3, 1973?

New York Rangers
California Golden Seals
Boston Bruins
Pittsburgh Penguins

3. What unusual stat did Durbano achieve in that February 3 game?

He had a fight and a goal
He had no penalties
He scored a hat trick
He was ejected

4. How many total NHL regular season games did Durbano play?

150
198
220
275

5. Which team originally drafted Steve Durbano?

New York Rangers
St. Louis Blues
Kansas City Scouts
Colorado Rockies

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. 

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]

Bobby Clarke and the Flyers Unleash Offensive Fury Against Detroit

On February 2, 1974, the Philadelphia Flyers reminded the NHL they weren’t just fists and fury, they had firepower, too. In a dominant 12-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at the Spectrum, the Broad Street Bullies showcased the killer offense that would help propel them to a Stanley Cup championship just months later.

Captain Clarke Leads the Charge

Flyers captain Bobby Clarke wasted no time, opening the scoring just 2:38 into the first period. By the end of the night, Clarke had recorded a hat trick and three assists for a six-point performance, scoring a goal in every period and tallying both the first and last goals of the game.

Franchise History Made

The 12-goal outburst set a new franchise record at the time. Although the record would later be broken twice in 1984, this win stood out not just for the sheer number of goals, but for the balanced attack. Ross Lonsberry also netted a hat trick, completely separate from Clarke’s scoring line, while Simon Nolet recorded a goal and four assists for a five-point night, with three of his helpers coming on Lonsberry’s goals.

Wings Goalies Left Reeling

Detroit goaltender Jim Rutherford faced a barrage in the first two periods, stopping 29 of 36 shots before being replaced by Bill McKenzie, who fared no better, allowing five more goals on 19 shots in the third. The Flyers fired 55 total shots, with Clarke leading the way with nine and Bill Barber adding two goals on eight shots.

Redmond’s Lone Bright Spot for Detroit

In a game that offered little joy for Red Wings fans, Mickey Redmond managed to break through twice, notching his 29th and 30th goals of the season. He’d go on to score 51 that year, his second consecutive 50-goal campaign.

A Glimpse of Greatness to Come

While the Flyers were known for their grit and physical dominance during the Broad Street Bullies era, this game showed they had more than just muscle, they had elite offensive talent. Clarke’s performance was a statement, and it echoed loudly all the way to the 1974 Stanley Cup.

About Bobby Clarke

A lowly second round pick by the Philadelphia Flyers at the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft, Bobby Clarke went on to play 1,144 regular season and 136 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1969-70 and 1983-84, all with the Flyers. Clarke topped the 100 point plateau three times, putting up a personal best 119 in 1975-76. He would take home his third and final Hart Trophy that same year.

Along with leading the Flyers to consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 1973-74 and 1974-75, Bobby was the NHL's assists leader in 1974-75 and 1975-76, contributing 89 helpers in each campaign. Clarke was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987.

NHL Hockey Card Greats: Bobby Clarke [Video]

Stan Mikita Nets 4 in Chicago’s First-Ever Home Game vs. Penguins

On December 6, 1967, Stan Mikita recorded the first four-goal game of his Hall of Fame career as the Chicago Blackhawks hosted the expansion Pittsburgh Penguins for the very first time at Chicago Stadium.

Despite Pittsburgh being in its inaugural NHL season, both teams entered the contest with nine wins apiece. Mikita wasted no time setting the tone, scoring just 3:58 into the game on Les Binkley with help from Pierre Pilote and Ken Wharram. Though the Penguins answered quickly, Mikita struck again unassisted at 7:36. By the end of the first, it was tied 2-2 but that would be the last time Pittsburgh would find the back of the net.

Mikita completed his hat trick at 11:32 of the second, once again with help from Pilote and Wharram. This marker ultimately stood as the game-winner. In the third period, he added a fourth goal at 8:49, capping off a dominant performance. By then, Pittsburgh had swapped goaltenders, with Hank Bassen replacing Binkley following a Pierre Pilote goal late in the second.

Mikita wasn’t done, he also assisted on Bobby Hull’s second goal of the night, giving him a five-point evening. Hull had a two-goal, one-assist effort while racking up ten shots. Pilote finished with a goal and three helpers in a 7-2 Chicago victory.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks in 1967-68

The Pittsburgh Penguins played the Chicago Blackhawks four times in their inaugural 1967-68 NHL season, two at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena and two at Chicago Stadium. In just their sixth game as a team, the Penguins knocked off the Hawks 4-2 at home on October 21, 1967. After Eric Nesterenko opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal for Chicago, Pittsburgh, powered by a Ken Schinkel hat trick, won their second game of the year and left the Blackhawks with an 0-5 record.

After the above mentioned 7-2 loss, the two teams battled to a 1-1 draw at the Civic Arena in mid-December. Ken Wharram scored for the visitors and Art Stratton scored for the Pens. Their final head-to-head on March 13, 1968 in Chicago was a close one. Chicago went up 3-0 by the midway point of the game but the Penguins made it close with the score ending 4-3 for the Blackhawks.