Guy Lapointe’s Lone NHL Hat Trick Comes in Wild 8–6 Loss to Buffalo

Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lapointe had plenty of monster nights during his Hall of Fame career, but none quite like November 13, 1974. That evening at the Montreal Forum, the smooth-skating defenseman piled up five points, recorded the only hat trick of his NHL career, and still watched his Canadiens fall 8-6 to the high-flying Buffalo Sabres.

Lapointe was in the middle of a career year in 1974-75, finishing with 28 goals and a third-place finish in the Norris Trophy race behind Bobby Orr and Denis Potvin. Against Buffalo, he did everything in his power to drag Montreal back into the game while still finishing with a +2 rating despite the loss.

The Sabres stormed out to a 3-0 lead in the first before Lapointe setup Yvon Lambert at 13:47 to put Montreal on the board. After Rene Robert restored Buffalo’s three-goal cushion, Lapointe ripped home his sixth of the season at 18:56, with assists from Guy Lafleur and Jacques Lemaire.

Buffalo opened the second period with another three-goal burst, stretching the lead to 6-1 and then 7-2. Lapointe responded at 14:52, scoring his second of the night to cut the deficit to 7-3. A few minutes later, with Glen Sather in the penalty box, Pete Mahovlich buried a shorthanded marker, set up beautifully by Lapointe and fellow blueliner Serge Savard.

Montreal kept pushing in the third, and Lapointe completed his hat trick at 10:25, trimming Buffalo’s lead to 7-5 and capping off his remarkable five-point showing. But the Sabres answered back as Robert completed his own hat trick, and Bob Gainey closed the scoring shortly after. Savard also had a standout game with three assists and a +5 rating.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Guy Lapointe

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

1. Which trio was Guy Lapointe part of during the Canadiens’ 1970s dynasty?

The Lucky Seven
The Big Three
The Flying Frenchmen
The Blue Line Battalion

2. In which NHL season did Lapointe score his career-high 28 goals?

1972–73
1974–75
1976–77
1978–79

3. Which NHL team did Guy Lapointe finish his career with?

St. Louis Blues
Boston Bruins
Minnesota North Stars
Quebec Nordiques

4. In 1979, Lapointe helped the Canadiens win their fourth straight Stanley Cup. How many Cups did he win in total?

Four
Five
Six
Seven

5. Before becoming director of player personnel in Minnesota, Lapointe worked in which role?

Assistant coach
Goaltending consultant
Salary arbitrator
Team broadcaster

Börje Salming: The Swedish Trailblazer Who Redefined NHL Defence

When Börje Salming arrived in Toronto in 1973, few in the NHL were prepared for what the Swedish defenceman would bring. At a time when European players were still viewed with skepticism, Salming’s combination of toughness, poise, and two-way excellence quickly shattered the old stereotypes and opened the door for generations of European stars who followed.

Signed from Brynäs IF, one of Sweden’s premier clubs, Salming made an immediate impact with the Maple Leafs. His smooth skating, elite vision, and willingness to battle in the gritty corners of the rink made him a fan favourite from the moment he stepped on the ice. Toronto had never seen a defenceman quite like him and soon, neither had the rest of the league.

Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Salming became one of the NHL’s premier blueliners. He set new standards for offensive production from the defence position, highlighted by a franchise-record season in 1976-77 when he posted 78 points, a Maple Leafs record for a defenceman that stood for decades. Yet Salming’s game was never just about numbers. His courage and resilience made him a symbol of pride in Toronto, especially during the rougher, more physical era of the league.

Despite facing intense abuse from opponents and fans early in his career, often rooted in anti-European bias, Salming earned universal respect for his durability. One of the more iconic moments came in 1986, when he received a horrific facial cut from a skate yet returned to play soon after, reinforcing a toughness that even his harshest critics could not deny.

When he left the Maple Leafs in 1989, he did so as one of the most beloved players in franchise history. His impact extended far beyond Toronto: Salming helped change the NHL’s perception of European talent, paving the way for modern superstars from Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and more.

In 1996, Salming became the first Swedish player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, cementing his place as both a Maple Leafs legend and a global hockey pioneer.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Börje Salming

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

1. Börje Salming was a pioneering NHL star from which country?

Sweden
Finland
Norway
Denmark

2. Salming is best known for his long NHL career with which team?

Toronto Maple Leafs
Detroit Red Wings
Vancouver Canucks
Los Angeles Kings

3. Which major honour did Börje Salming achieve in 1996?

Induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame
Winning the Norris Trophy
Winning the Stanley Cup
Coaching the Swedish National Team

4. Börje Salming set a Maple Leafs record for most points in a season by a defenceman in which decade?

1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s

5. Before joining the Maple Leafs, Salming starred for which Swedish club?

HV71
Brynäs IF
Färjestad BK
Djurgårdens IF

The French Connection’s Incredible Run of Multi-Point Explosions in 1975-76

Few lines in NHL history ever blended skill, creativity, and firepower like the Buffalo Sabres’ legendary French Connection: Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert. During the 1975-76 season, this trio didn’t just lead the Sabres’ offense, they drove it, combining for nine or more points in six separate games.

Buffalo finished tied for second in league scoring with Pittsburgh, trailing only the powerhouse Philadelphia Flyers. Nearly 40% of all Sabres goals came from their top unit, and on some nights, they took over completely.

A 13-Point Night Against the Blackhawks

One of their most impressive explosions came on March 4, 1976, at the Aud in Buffalo. In a 6-3 win over Chicago:

• Rene Robert: 1 goal, 4 assists

• Rick Martin: Hat trick + 1 assist (4 points), 8 shots on Tony Esposito

• Gilbert Perreault: 4 assists

Together, the trio piled up 13 total points, more than enough to overwhelm Chicago.

A Strange Twist in a 14-2 Blowout

Surprisingly, in one of Buffalo’s most lopsided wins ever, a 14-2 demolition of the Washington Capitals on December 21, 1975, the French Connection only combined for nine points.

The reason?
Rene Robert didn’t dress for the game.

Even without him:

• Rick Martin: 4 goals, 1 assist

• Gilbert Perreault: 2 goals, 2 assists

The Sabres didn’t exactly struggle for offense that night.

Ten Points vs. Toronto in a Tight Game

Their next-best outing came in a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, where the French Connection accounted for every single Buffalo goal:

• Rick Martin: Hat trick (3 goals) + 1 assist

• Gilbert Perreault: 1 goal + 3 assists

• Rene Robert: 2 assists

Only Jocelyn Guevremont and Jim Schoenfeld joined them on the scoresheet, each picking up a lone assist.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: The French Connection Line

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

1. Which three players formed the Buffalo Sabres’ iconic French Connection line?

Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, Rene Robert
Gilbert Perreault, Don Luce, Danny Gare
Rick Martin, Rene Robert, Craig Ramsay
Gilbert Perreault, Rick Dudley, Jim Lorentz

2. In which NHL season did the French Connection produce six games with nine or more combined points?

1975-76
1973-74
1977-78
1979-80

3. Which member of the French Connection was drafted first overall in 1970?

Gilbert Perreault
Rick Martin
Rene Robert
None of them

4. Which player was known for his booming shot and became one of the NHL’s elite pure goal scorers of the 1970s?

Rick Martin
Gilbert Perreault
Rene Robert
Danny Gare

5. The French Connection’s chemistry helped lead the Sabres to which major achievement in 1975?

Their first Stanley Cup Final appearance
Their first Presidents’ Trophy
Their first division title
Their first 50-win season

Dale Hawerchuk’s Four-Point Night Not Enough Against the Mighty Oilers

On January 4, 1985, the Winnipeg Jets rolled into Edmonton’s Northlands Coliseum for what turned into one of the most memorable regular season games of the year, at least for Dale Hawerchuk.

By the early minutes of the third period, Hawerchuk had almost single-handedly lifted Winnipeg to a 4-3 lead, scoring three of the team’s goals and setting up another by Perry Turnbull. Unfortunately for the Jets, this was 1985 Edmonton, the era of Gretzky, Kurri, Coffey, and constant comebacks. The Oilers roared back with four unanswered goals to win 7-4.

Hawerchuk was unstoppable early, scoring his 22nd and 23rd of the 1984-85 season in the opening frame, both assisted by Paul MacLean. After two periods, it was literally Hawerchuk 3, Oilers 3. When he netted his 24th goal early in the third, Winnipeg briefly believed they could steal one from the defending Stanley Cup champs.

The Oilers’ offense, however, had other plans. Wayne Gretzky posted three quiet assists, while Jari Kurri and Jaroslav Pouzar each scored twice. Edmonton outshot Winnipeg 42-25, keeping goaltender Andy Moog largely untested while bombarding Brian Hayward at the other end.

For Dale Hawerchuk, that 1984-85 campaign would become his finest. He hit the 50-goal mark for the only time in his career and racked up 130 points, finishing third in NHL scoring, behind only Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky’s unreal 208-point season.

About Dale Hawerchuk 

Dale Hawerchuk played 1,188 regular season and 97 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1981-82 and 1996-97 with the Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers. He was the first overall pick by the Jets at the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. In 2001, Hawerchuk was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Dale Hawerchuk

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

1. In what year did Dale Hawerchuk win the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year?

1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84

2. Which team selected Dale Hawerchuk first overall in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft?

Winnipeg Jets
Quebec Nordiques
Buffalo Sabres
Toronto Maple Leafs

3. Hawerchuk reached the 100-point plateau several times in his career. How many seasons did he record at least 100 points?

3
6
4
5

4. Dale Hawerchuk was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in a blockbuster deal at the 1990 NHL Draft. Which future Hall of Famer was part of the trade going to Winnipeg?

Phil Housley
Dave Andreychuk
Pat LaFontaine
Mike Ramsey

5. Before joining the NHL, Hawerchuk starred in junior hockey with which OHL team?

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Cornwall Royals
Peterborough Petes
Kitchener Rangers

The Rookie Who Stopped Everything: Roger Crozier’s Incredible 1964-65 Season

Sometimes the simplest formula for hockey success is also the hardest to execute: don’t let the puck go in the net. That’s exactly what Roger Crozier did during one of the most remarkable rookie campaigns in NHL history.

Entering the 1964-65 season, Crozier had just 15 games of NHL experience but was trusted to take over as the Detroit Red Wings’ number one goaltender. What followed was a breakout performance that set the tone for his career and made him one of the league’s brightest young stars.

It all began on October 18, 1964, when Detroit edged Chicago 3-2 at home. Crozier gave up a second-period goal to the Blackhawks, but then embarked on a defensive streak that seemed almost supernatural. Between that goal and one scored by Toronto’s Red Kelly five games later, Crozier allowed just a single goal, earning three shutouts in the process.

That lone goal came from Montreal’s John Ferguson in a 1-1 tie on October 24. In between, Crozier blanked the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, turning away 19 shots in a 1-0 win. Across from him, Marcel Paille faced 36 shots, surrendering only a third-period goal by Norm Ullman.

Crozier’s magic didn’t stop there. After the Montreal draw, he went on to record back-to-back shutouts against the Boston Bruins, first a 4-0 win at the Boston Garden, where he made 26 saves, then a 2-0 victory back home at Detroit Olympia with 32 saves. Norm Ullman and Bruce MacGregor provided the goal support, but Crozier was the real story.

That early-season dominance powered Detroit to a ten-game unbeaten streak after dropping their first two contests. Crozier went on to play all 70 games that season, posting a 2.42 goals-against average, six shutouts, and leading the Red Wings to first place overall in the standings. Though Detroit fell to Chicago in a tight seven-game series, Crozier’s impact was undeniable, he captured the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year and even drew Hart Trophy consideration as league MVP.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Roger Crozier

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

1. Roger Crozier won the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in which season?
   1963-64
   1964-65
   1965-66
   1966-67
2. Which team did Roger Crozier lead to the Stanley Cup Final in 1966?
   Montreal Canadiens
   Detroit Red Wings
   Buffalo Sabres
   Toronto Maple Leafs
3. In 1970, Crozier joined which NHL expansion team and became their first starting goaltender?
   Vancouver Canucks
   Buffalo Sabres
   New York Islanders
   Atlanta Flames
4. Despite losing the 1966 Stanley Cup Final, Crozier was awarded which prestigious individual honor?
   Conn Smythe Trophy
   Vezina Trophy
   Hart Trophy
   Masterton Trophy
5. Roger Crozier’s final NHL shutout came during his time with which team?
   Detroit Red Wings
   Buffalo Sabres
   Washington Capitals
   St. Louis Blues

How Johnny Bower Stole Boston’s Christmas in 1966

On December 24, 1966, Maple Leaf Gardens played host to a special kind of Christmas story, one written by the legendary Johnny Bower between the pipes. Just ten days earlier, Bower had stymied the Boston Bruins with a 30-save performance in a 2-1 Toronto win. But on Christmas Eve, he was downright Scrooge-like, turning aside all 29 shots in a 3-0 shutout victory.

While Gerry Cheevers was nearly as sharp for Boston, stopping 27 of 30, the Leafs finally broke through midway through the second period when George Armstrong scored with help from Larry Hillman. Pete Stemkowski and John Brenneman added insurance tallies to seal the win for Toronto.

The NHL schedule showed little holiday spirit that year, the teams met again the very next day at Boston Garden. And once again, the “China Wall” was unbreakable. Bower stopped 35 of 37 shots in a 4-2 win, completing a remarkable back-to-back holiday sweep.

Jim Pappin scored twice for the Leafs, including the game winner, while Red Kelly chipped in a goal and two assists. The Bruins’ lone bright spots came from John McKenzie and J.P. Parise, who managed to sneak a pair past Bower. But for the most part, Christmas belonged to the old master in blue and white, Johnny Bower.

About Johnny Bower

Between 1953-54 and 1969-70, Johnny Bower played 552 regular season and 74 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. The four-time Stanley Cup champion won the Vezina Trophy twice and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Johnny Bower

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

1. Before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs, Johnny Bower played parts of 11 NHL seasons with which team?
   A) Chicago Blackhawks
   B) New York Rangers
   C) Detroit Red Wings
   D) Montreal Canadiens
   


2. Johnny Bower won his first Vezina Trophy in which NHL season?
   A) 1957–58
   B) 1960–61
   C) 1964–65
   D) 1966–67
   


3. Bower shared goaltending duties with which other Leafs legend during Toronto’s 1967 Stanley Cup win?
   A) Bruce Gamble
   B) Terry Sawchuk
   C) Ed Chadwick
   D) Cesare Maniago
   


4. Known as “The China Wall,” Johnny Bower was famous for his fearless style and for perfecting which now-rare goaltending move?
   A) Butterfly save
   B) Poke check
   C) Stack the pads
   D) Two-pad slide
   


5. In what year was Johnny Bower inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
   A) 1973
   B) 1976
   C) 1979
   D) 1982
   

Wendel Clark Erupts For 4 Goals In Early-Season Shootout vs Buffalo

For Toronto Maple Leafs power forward Wendel Clark, the 1986-87 NHL season began with fireworks. After scoring once in the season opener against Montreal, Clark exploded for four goals in Game 2, all against Buffalo Sabres goalie Darren Puppa, marking the first four-goal game of his career.

Unfortunately, his hot streak didn’t last. Following this dominant night, Clark managed just one goal over his next seven games. But for one October evening, the Leafs’ young leader was unstoppable.

The game opened with Mike Foligno putting Buffalo ahead early on Ken Wregget, but Clark answered with two quick goals. Foligno tied it again with his second, only for Wendel to complete the hat trick before the end of the first period. Gilbert Perreault’s late goal made it 3-3 after a wild opening frame.

The scoring show continued through the second and third. Despite Clark’s heroics, the Leafs trailed 5-4 after two periods, with Wilf Paiement (a former Leaf himself) scoring twice for Buffalo and Steve Thomas cutting the gap for Toronto. Clark’s fourth goal at 9:44 of the third tied things up 5-5 and that’s how it stayed, as overtime solved nothing.

It was a night for offense, not defense:

• Gary Leeman assisted on all four Clark goals for a four-point performance.

• Paiement and Perreault both finished with three points for the Sabres.

• Goaltending struggled on both ends: Puppa allowed five on 25 shots, Wregget five on 23.

About Wendel Clark

Wendel Clark played 793 regular season and 95 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1985-86 and 1999-00 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. The often injured Clark had a career year in 1993-94, scoring 46 goals in just 64 games.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Wendel Clark

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

1. What year was Wendel Clark selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL Draft?

1983
1984
1985
1986

2. Which position did Clark originally play before converting to forward in junior hockey?

Defense
Center
Left Wing
Goaltender

3. In what season did Clark first serve as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs?

1988-89
1991-92
1993-94
1995-96

4. Which team did Wendel Clark join after being traded in the blockbuster deal that brought Mats Sundin to Toronto?

Detroit Red Wings
Quebec Nordiques
New York Islanders
Chicago Blackhawks

5. Wendel Clark retired with 330 career NHL goals. How many of those came in a Leafs uniform?

260
195
275
305

Wayne Connelly’s Hat Trick Leads North Stars to First-Ever Win Over Canadiens

On March 4, 1968, the Minnesota North Stars hosted the Montreal Canadiens at the Metropolitan Sports Center for their final meeting of the season. The expansion North Stars had yet to defeat the storied Habs until a former Montreal prospect made sure that changed.

Wayne Connelly, who began his NHL journey in the Canadiens’ system, scored all three Minnesota goals in a thrilling 3-2 victory. In the opening period, Connelly struck twice on the power play, first while John Ferguson sat off for cross-checking, then again with Ted Harris serving a five-minute major.

He completed the hat trick late in the third period, notching his 30th of the season and what would stand as the game-winner. Montreal’s Dick Duff scored both Canadiens goals, the last coming with less than two minutes to play, but Cesare Maniago held strong in net for Minnesota with 33 saves on 35 shots.

Connelly fired nine of the North Stars’ 23 shots himself, an outstanding solo effort that powered the team to its first-ever win over Montreal. The three-goal night was his second career hat trick, and he went on to lead the club with 35 goals that season, the highest total among players from the NHL’s six new expansion teams. His 35 goals also tied him with Phil Esposito and Norm Ullman for fourth overall in the league.

About Wayne Connelly

Between 1960-61 and 1971-72, Wayne Connelly played 543 regular season and 24 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks. He surpassed the 20 goal plateau twice and had a career best 59 points with the Red Wings in 1969-70.

In the WHA, Connelly played an additional 366 regular season and 37 playoff games between 1972-73 and 1976-77 with the Minnesota Fighting Saints, Cleveland Crusaders, Calgary Cowboys and Edmonton Oilers. He had two 40+ goal seasons, topping out with 42 in 1973-74 with the Fighting Saints.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Wayne Connelly

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

1. Wayne Connelly led all players from the NHL’s six expansion teams in goals during the 1967-68 season. How many goals did he score that year?

28
32
35
38

2. Before joining the Minnesota North Stars, Connelly played for which NHL franchise?

Boston Bruins
Chicago Black Hawks
Detroit Red Wings
Montreal Canadiens

3. Connelly’s most famous game came on March 4, 1968, when he scored all three goals in Minnesota’s first-ever win over which team?

Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal Canadiens
Boston Bruins
New York Rangers

4. In addition to the NHL, Connelly also spent several seasons in which major North American professional hockey league during the 1970s?

AHL
WHL
WHA
IHL

5. Over his professional career, Wayne Connelly played for all of the following teams except which one?

Minnesota North Stars
Vancouver Canucks
Cleveland Crusaders
Indianapolis Racers

The Night Rick Martin Mixed Goals and Grit Against Toronto

Rick Martin was closing in on his second straight 50-goal season for the Buffalo Sabres when they faced the Toronto Maple Leafs at Maple Leaf Gardens on March 16, 1975. Known for his world-class shot and smooth skating, Martin put on a show, scoring his 45th, 46th, and 47th goals of the 1974-75 campaign. He also added an assist on a Fred Stanfield goal for a four-point night.

But Martin didn’t stop at scoring. In the third period, he dropped the gloves with Lanny McDonald, completing a rare Gordie Howe Hat Trick, goal, assist, and fight. McDonald, frustrated after Toronto’s long night, had already tangled with Jim Schoenfeld earlier in the game.

The Sabres dominated from start to finish, jumping out to a 5-2 lead in the first and cruising to an 11-3 victory. Toronto’s Gord McRae was pulled early in the second after allowing six goals on 15 shots, replaced by Doug Favell, who faced another 31 shots and gave up five more.

While Martin’s performance was stellar, linemate Gilbert Perreault stole some of the spotlight with a six-point night, three goals and three assists on eight shots. Stanfield also shone with a goal and four helpers, while Rick Dudley and Peter McNab each chipped in four points.

For Toronto, Dave Keon, Jim McKenny, and Blaine Stoughton managed to score, but Buffalo’s Gerry Desjardins stood tall, stopping 29 of 32 shots for the win.

About Rick Martin

A fifth overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres at the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, Rick Martin played 685 regular season and 63 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1971-72 and 1981-82 with the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings. He was the first in Buffalo franchise history to record a 50 goal season.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Rick Martin

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

1. Rick Martin was part of one of the NHL’s most famous lines with the Buffalo Sabres. What was the trio called?

• The French Connection
• The Production Line
• The Triple Crown Line
• The Legion of Doom

2. How many times did Rick Martin score 50 or more goals in a single NHL season?

• Once
• Twice
• Three times
• Four times

3. Martin was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft. What overall pick was he?

• 3rd overall
• 4th overall
• 5th overall
• 6th overall

4. In which season did Rick Martin post career highs of 52 goals and 95 points?

• 1973-74
• 1974-75
• 1975-76
• 1976-77

5. Rick Martin’s NHL career was cut short due to injury while playing with which team?

• Buffalo Sabres
• Los Angeles Kings
• Montreal Canadiens
• Toronto Maple Leafs

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