Dennis Maruk Did Everything He Could In 1986... But The North Stars Fell Short

Dennis Maruk Shines In 1985-86 Playoffs But Can't Help North Stars Out Of 1st Round

Highlights

• Dennis Maruk became the first Washington Capitals player to score 50 and 60 goals in a season.

• Despite his offensive success, Maruk played only 34 NHL playoff games during his career.

• His best postseason performance came with the Minnesota North Stars in the 1985-86 playoffs.

• Minnesota faced the St. Louis Blues in a tightly contested best-of-five opening-round series.

• The Blues advanced in five games, but the North Stars actually outscored St. Louis 20-18 in the series.

• Maruk recorded 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) and contributed to 65% of Minnesota's goals.

• No other North Stars player recorded more than five points in the series.

• Maruk recorded at least one point in all five playoff games.

• His best performance came in Game 2, when he scored twice and added two assists in Minnesota's 6-2 victory.

• Game 5 marked the final Stanley Cup playoff appearance of Dennis Maruk's NHL career.   

Dennis Maruk is best known for becoming the first player in Washington Capitals history to score both 50 and 60 goals in a season. Despite his offensive brilliance, however, he experienced a career similar to Marcel Dionne's in one respect: limited playoff success. Maruk appeared in just 34 Stanley Cup playoff games during his NHL career.

Nearly half of those postseason games came with the Minnesota North Stars during the 1983-84 playoffs, but his greatest playoff performance arrived two years later in the spring of 1986.

A Closely Contested Norris Division Battle

The North Stars faced the St. Louis Blues in a best-of-five opening-round series after the two Norris Division rivals finished only two points apart in the regular-season standings. The series was every bit as competitive as expected.

Although the Blues won the series in five games, Minnesota actually outscored St. Louis 20-18. Maruk was the driving force behind the North Stars' offense, recording 13 points on four goals and nine assists. He factored into an incredible 65 percent of Minnesota's goals, while no other teammate recorded more than five points.

Maruk's Best Performance

Maruk registered at least one point in all five games, but his finest outing came in Game 2. Minnesota earned a convincing 6-2 victory on home ice to even the series at one game apiece.

He scored twice, added assists on goals by Tony McKegney and Brian Bellows, and finished the night with an outstanding +5 rating.

The Final Playoff Game

The deciding Game 5 ended in a 6-3 victory for the Blues, eliminating the North Stars despite Minnesota's strong offensive showing throughout the series.

Maruk contributed two more assists on goals by Brian Bellows and Ron Wilson in the loss. It would prove to be the final Stanley Cup playoff game of his NHL career, bringing the curtain down on one of the most productive yet often overlooked postseason performances of the 1980s.

Dennis Maruk: Hockey Biography

The story of Dennis Maruk — a prolific scorer whose 60-goal season remains one of the great NHL achievements.

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Richard Brothers Combine for 10 Points as Canadiens Rout Maple Leafs 9-3

The Montreal Canadiens wasted little time reminding the NHL why they were the league's powerhouse during the 1950s. On October 17, 1957, they welcomed the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Montreal Forum and handed their Original Six rivals a decisive 9-3 defeat. The night's biggest story belonged to brothers Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Henri "Pocket Rocket" Richard, who combined for an incredible 10 points while accounting for five of Montreal's nine goals.

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Highlights

• Maurice and Henri Richard combined for 10 points against Toronto.

• Henri Richard recorded a hat trick and three assists for a six-point game.

• Maurice Richard finished with two goals and two assists.

• The Richard brothers scored five of Montreal's nine goals.

• Dickie Moore and Doug Harvey each added three-point performances.

• Claude Provost scored the game-winning goal in the second period.

• Toronto fell to 0-3 before rebounding with a 7-0 win over Boston two nights later.

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Henri Richard led the offensive explosion with one of the finest games of his career. The Pocket Rocket scored a hat trick and added three assists for a remarkable six-point performance. Two of those assists came on goals by his older brother Maurice, while another set up Jean-Guy Talbot. Maurice answered with two goals and two assists, helping set up Henri's first goal and a tally by Dickie Moore to finish with four points. After just five games of the 1957-58 season, both Richard brothers had already scored six goals.

The Canadiens received plenty of support throughout the lineup. Dickie Moore and Hall of Fame defenseman Doug Harvey each chipped in three-point nights, while Claude Provost scored what proved to be the game-winning goal midway through the second period. Provost beat Toronto goaltender Ed Chadwick at 10:25 of the middle frame, with assists from Phil Goyette and Harvey, giving Montreal a 4-3 lead before the Canadiens pulled away with five unanswered goals.

For Toronto, the loss dropped the club to 0-3 to begin the 1957-58 campaign. Fortunately for the Maple Leafs, the rough start didn't last much longer. Just two nights later, they welcomed the unbeaten Boston Bruins to Maple Leaf Gardens and responded in emphatic fashion with a stunning 7-0 victory. Ed Chadwick earned the shutout, while Brian Cullen and Billy Harris each recorded hat tricks to give Toronto its first win of the season in memorable style.

The October 17 showdown remains one of the greatest family performances in Montreal Canadiens history. Few sibling duos have ever dominated an NHL game the way Maurice and Henri Richard did, combining skill, scoring touch and playmaking brilliance to overwhelm one of hockey's fiercest rivals.

Henri Richard: La légende aux 11 Coupes Stanley

L’histoire autorisée du légendaire numéro 16 du Canadien de Montréal, racontée par son fils Denis Richard, retraçant sa carrière, ses 11 Coupes Stanley et les moments marquants de la vie du « Pocket Rocket ». :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

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Brian Cullen And Billy Harris Deliver Twin Hat Tricks As Maple Leafs Crush Bruins 7-0

The Toronto Maple Leafs couldn't have asked for a better remedy after opening the 1957-58 NHL season with three consecutive losses. On October 19, 1957, a packed Maple Leaf Gardens crowd watched the Leafs completely dominate the Boston Bruins in a 7-0 victory that finally put Toronto in the win column. Goaltender Ed Chadwick was flawless, turning aside all 30 Boston shots, while Brian Cullen and Billy Harris each recorded memorable hat tricks.

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Highlights

• The Maple Leafs snapped an 0-3 start with a dominant 7-0 victory over the Bruins.

• Brian Cullen scored the first hat trick of the night, including the game-winning goal.

• Billy Harris matched Cullen with a hat trick of his own in the third period.

• Ed Chadwick earned a 30-save shutout against Boston.

• Ron Stewart added a shorthanded goal just 24 seconds into the second period.

• Barry Cullen assisted on two of his brother Brian's three goals.

• The game remains one of the rare occasions in NHL history where two teammates recorded hat tricks in the same game.

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Cullen opened the scoring late in the first period, converting a power-play opportunity at 18:06. George Armstrong and Bob Pulford set up the goal, which proved to be the eventual game winner. Although the Leafs would score six more times, Boston never seriously threatened Chadwick, who was in complete control from start to finish.

Toronto buried the Bruins in the second period. Ron Stewart struck just 24 seconds into the frame with a shorthanded goal before Brian Cullen added his second of the night at 17:19. His brother, Barry Cullen, and defenseman Bob Baun picked up the assists. Barry would also help set up Brian's third goal in the final period, giving the Cullen brothers a special family connection on an unforgettable evening.

Not to be overshadowed, Billy Harris took over in the third period. He scored twice within 30 seconds early in the frame before completing his own hat trick with only 22 seconds remaining in regulation. Remarkably, Toronto had two different players score three goals in the same game, accounting for six of the club's seven goals in one of the most lopsided wins of the season.

Despite their explosive performances that night, neither player went on to challenge the league's scoring leaders. Harris finished the season with 16 goals, while Cullen enjoyed the finest offensive campaign of his NHL career, scoring a personal-best 20. Even so, their unforgettable outburst against Boston remains one of the more unique offensive performances in Maple Leafs history, proving that sometimes one spectacular night can leave a lasting place in franchise lore.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

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Hats Off to Dickie Moore and Rocket Richard: The Night They Scored Every Canadiens Goal

The 1957-58 NHL season was only a few games old when the Montreal Canadiens delivered a statement performance against the Detroit Red Wings. On October 13, 1957, at Detroit Olympia, Montreal skated away with a convincing 6-0 victory thanks to an extraordinary offensive display from Dickie Moore and Maurice “Rocket” Richard.

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Highlights

• Maurice Richard and Dickie Moore combined to score all six Montreal goals.

• Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings 6-0 at Detroit Olympia.

• Dickie Moore scored the game-winning goal just 1:42 into the contest.

• Richard recorded the final regular-season hat trick of his NHL career.

• Moore completed the fourth hat trick of his NHL career.

• Both Richard and Moore finished with three goals and one assist.

• Jean Beliveau and Henri Richard each collected three assists.

• Charlie Hodge stopped all 27 shots he faced for the shutout.   

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The duo completely took over the scoresheet, combining for all six Canadiens goals against legendary Detroit goaltender Terry Sawchuk. Moore opened the scoring just 1:42 into the game on a power-play opportunity, finishing a play set up by Jean Beliveau and Henri Richard while Gordie Howe served a penalty. That early marker would stand up as the game-winning goal.

Richard took over from there, scoring twice in the opening period to put Montreal firmly in control. The Rocket added another goal in the third period to complete the final regular-season hat trick of his illustrious NHL career. While he would record one more three-goal game in the playoffs, this was the last time he accomplished the feat during the regular season. Two of Richard’s three goals came with the man advantage.

Moore was not about to be overshadowed. After his early goal, he struck twice in the latter stages of the third period to secure the fourth hat trick of his NHL career. By the final horn, both Moore and Richard had produced four-point nights, each collecting three goals and one assist.

The supporting cast played its part as well. Henri Richard and Jean Beliveau each recorded three assists, helping orchestrate Montreal’s relentless attack. In goal, Charlie Hodge was flawless, stopping all 27 Detroit shots for the shutout. At the opposite end, Sawchuk faced 33 shots and was beaten six times as the Canadiens cruised to one of their most memorable victories of the season.

For hockey fans fortunate enough to witness it, the game served as a reminder of just how dominant Montreal’s stars could be. On this night, Dickie Moore and Rocket Richard didn't just lead the Canadiens, they accounted for every single goal in a six-goal shutout performance.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

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Barry Pederson’s Shorthanded Dagger Helped Bruins Cruise Past Blues In 1982

The 1982-83 Boston Bruins featured plenty of offensive firepower, and one of the biggest contributors was forward Barry Pederson. By the end of the season, Pederson had piled up ten game-winning goals, tied for second-most in the NHL alongside Glenn Anderson of the Edmonton Oilers. One of the most memorable came on November 14, 1982, when the Bruins hosted the St. Louis Blues at Boston Garden.

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Highlights

• Barry Pederson scored the game-winning goal shorthanded against St. Louis

• The Bruins defeated the Blues 7-3 at Boston Garden on November 14, 1982

• Ray Bourque recorded two goals and two assists for a four-point night

• Pederson finished the 1982-83 season with 107 points

• Boston scored three times during a seven-minute stretch in the second period

• Pederson tied for second in the NHL with ten game-winning goals in 1982-83

• Vaclav Nedomansky, Perry Turnbull and Wayne Babych scored for St. Louis

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After a quiet opening period that ended scoreless, the game exploded offensively in the second. Boston struck three times in a seven-minute stretch while the Blues managed just one response. Then, with only 43 seconds remaining in the frame, Pederson delivered the knockout punch. With Terry O’Reilly serving a charging penalty, Pederson scored shorthanded against Blues goaltender Mike Liut to give Boston a commanding 4-1 lead.

That goal proved to be the game winner as the Bruins rolled to a convincing 7-3 victory. Pederson also picked up an assist later in the game on Ray Bourque’s second goal of the night. Bourque was sensational, finishing with two goals and two assists for a four-point performance. Keith Crowder, Luc Dufour, Peter McNab and Brad Palmer also found the back of the net for Boston.

The Blues received goals from Vaclav Nedomansky, Perry Turnbull and Wayne Babych, but they simply could not contain Boston’s attack. The Bruins controlled much of the night offensively and showcased the balanced scoring depth that made them one of the league’s strongest clubs during the early 1980s.

Pederson’s overall season was outstanding. He led the Bruins in scoring with 107 points in 1982-83, the first of back-to-back 100-point campaigns. He followed it up with 116 points the next season, finishing sixth overall in NHL scoring. His postseason performance in 1983 may have been even more impressive, as he recorded 14 goals and 32 points in just 17 playoff games, trailing only Rick Middleton for the Boston team lead.

Boston Bruins: Greatest Moments and Players

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41-Year-Old Gump Worsley Turns Back 63 Bruins Shots In Stunning 1971 Performance

The 1970-71 Boston Bruins were one of the NHL’s most explosive offensive teams ever assembled. With stars like Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito leading the attack, Boston overwhelmed opponents night after night. But on February 7, 1971, the Bruins ran into a veteran goaltender who simply refused to crack.

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Highlights

• Gump Worsley stopped 63 of 67 shots against the Bruins in 1971

• The 41-year-old goalie earned Minnesota a dramatic 4-4 tie in Boston

• Bobby Orr fired 13 shots but recorded only one assist

• Phil Esposito was held scoreless despite 10 shots on goal

• Minnesota jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first period

• The two teams combined for an incredible 99 shots in the game

• Worsley’s 63-save effort was one of the first 60-save games in NHL history

• The legendary performance remains one of hockey’s greatest goaltending displays

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At 41 years old, Gump Worsley delivered one of the greatest performances of his long NHL career for the Minnesota North Stars. Facing an incredible 67 shots from the Bruins, Worsley stopped 63 of them to earn Minnesota a hard-fought 4-4 tie in Boston. At the time, no NHL goalie had ever recorded 60 or more saves in a game since the league began officially tracking shots on goal.

Minnesota stunned the crowd early by racing out to a 3-0 lead before the first period was even halfway finished. Goals by Jude Drouin, Charlie Burns and Bill Goldsworthy put the Bruins on their heels. Boston eventually clawed back, but Worsley’s steady play kept the North Stars alive through wave after wave of pressure.

Even the Bruins’ biggest stars were frustrated. Orr fired 13 shots on goal but managed only a single assist on a goal by Ken Hodge. Esposito unleashed 10 shots of his own yet failed to score. Boston goalie Gerry Cheevers was also busy, facing 32 shots as the two Hall of Fame netminders combined to see 99 shots in the game.

The performance became even more legendary as the years passed. Only a handful of NHL goalies have since recorded 60-save games. Ron Tugnutt later topped the list with a remarkable 70-save-plus performance for the Quebec Nordiques against Boston in 1991. But Worsley’s effort remains one of the most remarkable displays of endurance and poise ever seen from a goaltender, especially considering he was just months away from turning 42 years old.

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Bill Quackenbush Sets Up Every Bruins Goal In 1955 Shutout Of Toronto

When hockey fans think of high-scoring nights, they usually picture flashy forwards piling up goals. But on January 20, 1955, it was steady defensive defenseman Bill Quackenbush doing all the offensive setup work as the Boston Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-0 at the historic Boston Garden.

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Highlights:

• Bill Quackenbush assisted on all three Boston Bruins goals

• Boston defeated Toronto 3-0 on January 20, 1955

• Ed Sandford scored the game-winning goal in the first period

• Lorne Ferguson and Leo Labine added the other Boston goals

• Rookie goalie John Henderson recorded the shutout victory

• Harry Lumley took the loss for the Maple Leafs

• Quackenbush finished the 1954-55 season with 20 assists

• Terry Sawchuk’s arrival in Boston soon ended Henderson’s NHL career

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Known as one of the coolest names in hockey history, Quackenbush was never considered a prolific scorer. The smooth blue liner built his reputation on dependable defensive play, but on this particular night he quietly became the offensive catalyst for Boston, assisting on every Bruins goal.

The scoring opened just 6:53 into the first period when Ed Sandford beat Toronto goaltender Harry Lumley for what would stand as the game-winning goal. Quackenbush and Hal Laycoe picked up the assists. Nearly an exact period later, at 6:50 of the second, Lorne Ferguson scored Boston’s second goal with helpers from Quackenbush and Cal Gardner.

Quackenbush completed his three-assist performance late in the third period when Leo Labine scored at 16:35. Don McKenney also assisted on the insurance marker. For Quackenbush, the outing was impressive but not entirely out of character. During the 1954-55 season, he finished with two goals and 20 assists for 22 points in 68 games, numbers that closely reflected the steady production he delivered throughout his NHL career.

Earning the shutout for Boston was rookie goaltender John Henderson, recording the fifth and final shutout of his NHL career. Henderson appeared in 45 regular season games and two playoff contests for the Bruins that season and posted respectable numbers. However, in the era when teams relied heavily on one starting goalie, Boston brought in Terry Sawchuk for the following season. Henderson played just one more NHL game in 1955-56 before his major league career came to an end.

Boston Bruins: Greatest Moments and Players

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Paul Henderson Explodes for 5 Points in Red Wings Comeback Win

On October 27, 1966, the Detroit Red Wings hosted the New York Rangers at Detroit Olympia, still searching for their first win of the young 1966-67 season. After dropping their first four games, frustration was building, until Paul Henderson delivered a performance for the ages.

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Game Highlights

• Paul Henderson records 4 goals and 5 points

• First of four career NHL hat tricks for Henderson

• Red Wings earn first win after 0-4 start

• Detroit rallies from 2-0 deficit

• Henderson scores natural hat trick in second period

• Henderson & Norm Ullman combine for 9 points

• Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio held pointless

• High-scoring battle ends in 5-4 Detroit victory

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The game didn’t start in Detroit’s favour. The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Bernie Geoffrion and Don Marshall, putting the Red Wings on the brink of a fifth straight loss. But momentum began to shift midway through the second period when Norm Ullman got Detroit on the board, finishing a play set up by Henderson.

Just 31 seconds later, Henderson struck for his first goal of the night, assisted by Ullman and Gary Bergman, igniting the home crowd and completely flipping the script. From there, Henderson took over.

He completed a natural hat trick with more than five minutes remaining in the second period, turning a 2-0 deficit into a Red Wings lead in stunning fashion. Although Marshall added another for New York just before the period ended to keep things tight, Henderson wasn’t finished.

At 12:55 of the third period, Henderson scored his fourth goal of the game, his fifth point overall, to seal the victory for Detroit. It was a dominant individual effort that powered the Red Wings to a much-needed 5-4 win.

Henderson and Ullman were unstoppable together, combining for five goals and four assists while accounting for 13 of Detroit’s 49 shots on Ed Giacomin. Remarkably, legends Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio were held off the scoresheet entirely.

Despite the loss, the Rangers saw strong production from their own stars. The trio of Geoffrion, Marshall, and Phil Goyette, all former Montreal Canadiens, combined for eight points in a game that showcased offensive firepower on both sides.

1972: The Series That Changed Hockey Forever

A compelling look at the iconic 1972 Summit Series — how it reshaped international hockey and captivated fans around the world.

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He Needed Just 19 Seconds: Ted Irvine’s Record-Breaking OT Winner

The 1968-69 opening-round playoff series between the Los Angeles Kings and the Oakland Seals was as tight as they come, stretching the full seven games. Despite advancing, the Kings were actually outscored 25-23 over the series. Oddly enough, only one game required overtime and it happened right at the very beginning.

Quick Facts

• 📅 Date: April 2, 1969
• 🏒 Game: Kings vs. Seals (Game 1, Quarterfinal)
• ⚡ Overtime Winner: Ted Irvine (0:19)
• 🏆 Record: Fastest OT goal in NHL history (at the time)
• 🔁 Previous Record: Syd Howe (0:25, 1940)
• 🔥 Current Record: Brian Skrudland (0:09, 1986)

Game 1, played on April 2, 1969 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena, set the tone early. The Seals carried a 2-1 lead after the first period and held a slim 3–2 edge heading into the third. But the Kings clawed back, with Eddie Joyal scoring twice to flip the game in Los Angeles’ favor at 4-3.

Oakland refused to go quietly. Late in regulation, Gene Ubriaco found the back of the net at 17:22 of the third period, knotting the score at 4-4 and sending the game into sudden-death overtime.

It didn’t take long to settle things. Just 19 seconds into the extra frame, Ted Irvine beat goaltender Gary Smith, with help from Jimmy Peters. The lightning-fast goal set a new NHL record for the quickest overtime tally in league history at the time.

The previous mark had stood for nearly three decades. On March 19, 1940, Syd Howe scored just 25 seconds into overtime for the Detroit Red Wings in a win over the New York Americans.

While Irvine’s record didn’t last forever, it remains a remarkable moment in playoff history. It was eventually surpassed by Brian Skrudland, who scored only nine seconds into overtime for the Montreal Canadiens against the Calgary Flames on May 18, 1986, setting the current benchmark for fastest OT goal.

Los Angeles Kings Trivia Book

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Mikita & Maki Strike Shorthanded on the Same PK as Blackhawks Demolish Flyers 12-0 (1969)

On January 30, 1969, at the Spectrum, the Philadelphia Flyers endured one of the most lopsided defeats in NHL history. The visiting Chicago Blackhawks unleashed an offensive explosion, piling up 12 goals on 49 shots in a game that spiraled out of control almost immediately.

• Date: January 30, 1969
• Game: Chicago Blackhawks vs Philadelphia Flyers
• Final Score: Blackhawks 12, Flyers 0
• Key Moment: Stan Mikita and Chico Maki score shorthanded goals on the same penalty kill
• Standout Performers: Dennis Hull (5 points), Pit Martin (5 points), Jim Pappin (hat trick)
• Goaltending: Denis DeJordy (37-save shutout)
• Notable Stat: Flyers goalies combine to allow 12 goals on 49 shots

Ironically, the rout began while Chicago was shorthanded. Just 1:56 into the first period, Dennis Hull was sent to the penalty box for holding. Instead of giving the Flyers momentum, the Blackhawks flipped the script. Only ten seconds into the penalty kill, Stan Mikita scored his 18th goal of the 1968-69 season, beating Doug Favell unassisted.

Before Hull’s penalty expired, Chicago struck again. Chico Maki added another unassisted shorthanded goal at 3:07, stunning the home crowd and setting the tone for what would become a historic blowout.

From there, things only worsened for Philadelphia. By the time Dennis Hull netted his second goal of the night late in the first period, the score had ballooned to 6-0. Favell, having allowed six goals on just 15 shots, was replaced by Bernie Parent. Parent fared no better statistically, surrendering six goals of his own on 34 shots over the remaining two-plus periods.

Despite the one-sided scoreline, Chicago goaltender Denis DeJordy was kept busy, turning aside 37 shots to secure the shutout.

The offensive outburst was a full-team effort. Dennis Hull and Pit Martin each recorded five-point nights, while Bobby Hull, Chico Maki, Eric Nesterenko, and Jim Pappin all contributed three points apiece. Pappin stood out with the game’s only hat trick, capping off a night the Flyers would rather forget.

The Big 50: Chicago Blackhawks (The Men and Moments that Made the Chicago Blackhawks)

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The Night Butch Goring Dominated His Future Stanley Cup Team

Long before becoming a key piece of the New York Islanders dynasty, Butch Goring gave them a firsthand look at his brilliance.

Game Highlights

• Butch Goring recorded a 4-point night (2 goals, 2 assists), factoring in all four Kings goals
• Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Islanders 4-1 on March 28, 1974
• Goring assisted on Mike Corrigan’s opening goal in the first period
• Denis Potvin tied the game shortly after to make it 1-1
• Goring scored the game-winning goal late in the second period (25th of the season)
• Added a second goal early in the third period (26th of the season)
• Picked up another assist on a goal by Bob Nevin
• Corrigan recorded a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist, fight)
• Goring took a minor penalty: his only penalty of the entire 1973-74 season
• Performance came years before Goring joined the Islanders and helped win four straight Stanley Cups

On March 28, 1974, at the The Forum in Los Angeles, Goring dominated the Islanders in a 4-1 victory for the Los Angeles Kings, factoring in every single goal.

At the time, this was still pre-Marcel Dionne in Los Angeles, and Goring was the offensive engine of the Kings. He proved it early in this one. Midway through the opening period, he picked up an assist on Mike Corrigan’s 16th goal of the season, with Bob Nevin also drawing a helper.

The Islanders answered quickly, as Denis Potvin tied the game less than two minutes later, sending the teams into the intermission deadlocked at one.

From there, it became the Goring show.

Late in the second period, Goring scored his 25th goal of the season, set up by Tom Williams and Sheldon Kannegiesser, a goal that would stand as the game-winner. He struck again early in the third for his second of the night, then added an assist on another Nevin goal to complete a dominant four-point performance.

While Goring controlled the scoresheet, Corrigan added a different kind of flair. His goal and assist were complemented by a third-period fight with Garry Howatt, giving him the rare Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

Goring’s night, however, had its own unique footnote. He took a minor penalty for hooking in the first period, remarkably, the only penalty he recorded during the entire 1973–74 season.

Years later, Goring would join the Islanders and help deliver four straight Stanley Cups. But on this night in 1974, he was the one doing the damage against them and perhaps planting the first seeds of what was to come.

Tales from the Los Angeles Kings Locker Room

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John Bucyk Scores Four, But Bruins Stunned by Expansion Islanders

On January 18, 1973, what looked like a mismatch on paper turned into one of the most surprising high-scoring games of the season. The powerhouse Boston Bruins, dominant throughout 1972-73, hosted the struggling expansion New York Islanders at Boston Garden and few could have predicted what followed.

The Islanders entered the game with just four wins in their first 45 games in the NHL. Boston, meanwhile, had lost only eleven times in 43 games. But the visitors flipped expectations on their head early, racing out to a stunning 5-0 lead and silencing the home crowd.

John Bucyk finally got the Bruins on the board late in the first period, scoring his 21st of the season against Billy Smith, with assists from Bobby Orr and Wayne Cashman. Bucyk stayed hot, adding two more goals in the second period to pull Boston back within striking distance.

He completed his four-goal performance at 12:37 of the third period, bringing the Bruins within one at 8-7. However, Billy Harris responded with his second of the night just minutes later, sealing a wild 9-7 victory for the Islanders.

The scoring depth for New York was remarkable. Former Bruin Ed Westfall, Don Blackburn, and Harris each scored twice, and nearly every Islanders skater recorded a point. Even in defeat, Boston’s stars produced: Wayne Cashman had a four-point night (two goals, two assists), while Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr each chipped in three assists.

Boston’s struggles didn’t end there. Two nights later, they were shut out 3-0 by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, with Jim Rutherford earning the win and former Bruin Eddie Shack assisting on the game-winner.

As for the Islanders, they couldn’t sustain the momentum immediately, dropping their next game to the St. Louis Blues. However, they quickly bounced back in emphatic fashion, routing the California Golden Seals 8-1 in their following outing.

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Dave “The Hammer” Schultz: First NHL Goal or First Fight - Which Came First?

When you think of Dave Schultz, one thing immediately comes to mind: fists flying. But in a surprising twist, “The Hammer” didn’t start his NHL career with a fight, he started it with offense.

During the 1972-73 season with the Philadelphia Flyers, Schultz quickly established himself as one of hockey’s most feared enforcers. By season’s end, he had piled up an eye-popping 259 penalty minutes in 76 games, along with nine goals. But his first real impact in the NHL didn’t come in the penalty box.

After a quiet debut, Schultz made his presence felt in just his second NHL game, a dominant 7-3 Flyers win over the Vancouver Canucks. At 9:38 of the second period, Schultz scored his first career NHL goal, beating goaltender Dunc Wilson off a setup from Bobby Clarke. He wasn’t done there, in the third period he added his first assist, helping set up a goal by Don Saleski. Notably, Schultz stayed out of the penalty box entirely that night, something that would soon become a rarity.

Just two games later, everything changed. Facing the Detroit Red Wings at the historic Detroit Olympia, Schultz finally introduced the league to his other skillset. In a heated third period of a 5-0 loss, Schultz dropped the gloves with Thommie Bergman at 16:44, earning his first NHL fighting major.

The penalties piled up quickly. Along with the fight, Schultz received a double minor, an elbowing minor, and a ten-minute misconduct, totaling 21 penalty minutes in a single game. It was a sign of things to come.

That season, the Flyers cemented their reputation as the infamous “Broad Street Bullies,” leading the NHL with 1,756 penalty minutes, nearly 500 more than the St. Louis Blues. Schultz led the league in penalty minutes, edging teammate Bob Kelly by 21 minutes, while teammates like Saleski, Andre Dupont, and Gary Dornhoefer also ranked among the league’s most penalized.

Dave Schultz: The Hammer

The story of Dave Schultz — the iconic Broad Street Bully whose toughness defined an era of Flyers hockey.

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Jacques Plante’s Smashing Debut With the Boston Bruins

When Jacques Plante joined the Boston Bruins late in the 1972-73 season, few could have predicted just how memorable his short stint would become. At 44 years old and nearing the end of a legendary career, Plante had only a handful of games left in the National Hockey League but he made every one count.

Plante was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to Boston on March 3, 1973, in a deal that included draft picks and a future consideration, goaltender Ed Johnston. Just one day later, he was already in net for his Bruins debut at the iconic Boston Garden.

His opponent? The formidable Chicago Blackhawks, who were still a dangerous club despite missing superstar Bobby Hull during the 1972-73 campaign. But on that night, they had no answer for Plante.

Turning back all 27 shots he faced, Plante recorded the 81st shutout of his career in a flawless 4-0 victory. He would add one more shutout before retiring, finishing with 82, an extraordinary total that underscored his place among hockey’s all-time greats.

Offensively, Phil Esposito wasted no time setting the tone, scoring just 59 seconds into the game and adding another before the first period ended. Goals from Fred O'Donnell and Ken Hodge in the second period sealed the win. Chicago’s Gary Smith faced a heavy workload, stopping 38 shots, including eight from Esposito alone.

Before the trade, Plante’s final appearance with Toronto came in relief against the St. Louis Blues. Replacing Ron Low late in the game, he stopped all five shots he faced to help preserve a 4-2 victory. It was a fittingly steady final moment before embarking on one last memorable chapter in Boston.

In just eight regular-season games and two playoff appearances with the Bruins, Jacques Plante proved that greatness doesn’t fade easily. Even at 44, he could still dominate the crease and deliver history when it mattered most.

On Goaltending: Fundamentals of Hockey Netminding by the Master of the Game (Jacques Plante)

Legendary goaltender Jacques Plante shares his expert insights on the art of netminding, offering timeless techniques, strategies, and fundamentals for goalies at every level.

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Marcel Bonin’s Forgotten 5-Assist Night Powers Canadiens Rout in 1959

When fans reflect on the legendary late-1950s dynasty of the Montreal Canadiens, a handful of iconic names immediately come to mind: Jean Béliveau, Maurice Richard, Bernie Geoffrion, Jacques Plante, and Doug Harvey. But buried beneath that star-studded legacy is a lesser-known contributor who delivered a truly unforgettable performance: Marcel Bonin.

Bonin’s NHL career was brief, but impactful. While he only played a role in the final three championships of Montreal’s five straight Stanley Cups, he proved that even secondary names on a dynasty roster could shine brightly when given the moment.

That moment came on March 7, 1959, at the Montreal Forum, when the Canadiens hosted the Detroit Red Wings. On paper, it looked like a classic showdown. Detroit featured Hall of Fame talent including Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio up front, with elite netminder Terry Sawchuk between the pipes. Instead, the game turned into a one-sided explosion.

Montreal dominated from start to finish, steamrolling Detroit in a stunning 10-2 victory. While Bonin didn’t find the back of the net himself, he played a pivotal role in the offensive onslaught, assisting on five of the Canadiens’ ten goals.

Three of those helpers set up Béliveau, while the other two went to Dickie Moore. Bonin’s linemates were unstoppable. Béliveau recorded a hat trick and added four assists for a jaw-dropping seven-point night, while Moore chipped in with four assists of his own for six points.

It remains one of the most lopsided and offensively dominant games of the era and a night where Marcel Bonin, often overlooked in hockey history, quietly etched his name into the Canadiens’ dynasty lore.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

Dive into unforgettable tales from NHL history — the biggest moments, legendary players, and classic rivalries.

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Terry O'Reilly’s Wild Night: Three Fights in One Playoff Game vs the Islanders

On April 19, 1980, Terry O'Reilly delivered one of the grittiest performances of his career, dropping the gloves three times in a single playoff game against the New York Islanders. It was a night that perfectly captured the raw intensity of playoff hockey in that era.

The Boston Bruins entered their quarter-final series as the favorite, finishing the regular season with 14 more points than the Islanders. But expectations quickly unraveled. Heading into Game 3, Boston already trailed the series 2-0, and things were only about to get tougher at Nassau Coliseum.

O’Reilly wasted no time making an impact. He assisted on the game’s opening goal, scored by Don Marcotte against Billy Smith, but it was his physical presence that defined the night. Midway through the first period, he squared off with the powerful Clark Gillies. Not once, but twice. The two heavyweights clashed again just minutes later in a rare back-to-back showdown.

By the third period, with the Islanders leading 4-2, O’Reilly found himself in yet another battle, this time against the feisty Garry Howatt. The altercation resulted in additional penalties and ultimately a game misconduct for “Taz,” bringing his night to an early end. Given the punishment he’d already absorbed, the early exit may have been a welcome relief.

When the dust settled, O’Reilly had racked up 31 penalty minutes in one game, an almost unthinkable number by today’s standards. In the modern NHL, multiple fights in a single game would likely result in suspensions. But in 1980, it was simply part of the battle.

Despite Boston’s 5-3 loss and a daunting 3-0 series deficit, O’Reilly wasn’t done. In Game 4, he returned with a more measured performance, just two minor penalties, but made a huge impact offensively, scoring the game-winning goal and adding two assists in a 4-3 victory to keep the Bruins alive. Still, the Islanders would close out the series in Game 5 and continue their march toward what would become a dynasty.

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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A One-Man Offense: Eddie Joyal’s Hat Trick Heroics with the 1968-69 Los Angeles Kings

During the 1968-69 NHL season, Eddie Joyal delivered the finest offensive campaign of his career, leading the Los Angeles Kings with 33 goals. Among those tallies were the only two hat tricks of his NHL career, both remarkable performances in which Joyal accounted for every bit of offense his team produced.

The first came on December 4, 1968, when the Kings hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at the Forum. Philadelphia opened the scoring early in the first period, but Joyal responded with a game-tying goal, his seventh of the season, beating Bernie Parent with assists from Bill White and Real Lemieux. The game remained deadlocked until the third period, when Joyal took over completely.

He broke the tie midway through the final frame with an unassisted marker, then sealed the victory with another goal late in the period to complete the hat trick and secure a 3-1 win for Los Angeles. Joyal led all players with seven shots on goal in the contest, while Kings goaltender Gerry Desjardins turned aside all but one of the 14 shots he faced.

Joyal’s second hat trick came on February 19, 1969, in a road game against the Minnesota North Stars. Once again, he was the driving force offensively, scoring three goals, his 25th, 26th, and 27th of the season, and adding an assist on a Bill Flett goal. Despite his efforts, the Kings fell 7-4 in a high-scoring affair. Joyal fired eight shots on goal, matching Minnesota’s Bill Goldsworthy, who also had a big night for the home side.

Over the course of his NHL career, Joyal appeared in 465 games between 1962-63 and 1971-72, skating with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers. He later extended his professional career in the WHA, playing 239 regular-season games and adding six playoff appearances with the Edmonton Oilers.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

Dive into unforgettable tales from NHL history — the biggest moments, legendary players, and classic rivalries.

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