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)

Relive the greatest players, personalities, and turning points in Blackhawks history in this countdown of the 50 most influential figures and moments that shaped the franchise.

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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.

Boston Bruins: Greatest Moments and Players

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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)

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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

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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)

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Bobby Clarke Powers Flyers With Rare Special-Teams Hat Trick

On March 28, 1974, at the Omni in Atlanta, Bobby Clarke delivered one of the most unusual hat tricks of his NHL career. The Philadelphia Flyers captain scored all three goals in a 3-3 tie against the Atlanta Flames but what made the performance truly memorable was that none of the goals came at even strength. For Clarke, it was all special teams: two shorthanded goals and one power-play tally.

The game began with immediate adversity for the Flyers. Just 12 seconds after puck drop, Rick MacLeish was sent to the penalty box for hooking. Instead of Atlanta taking advantage, Clarke flipped the script. At 1:06 of the opening period, he scored shorthanded, his 31st goal of the season, with assists from Barry Ashbee and Bill Barber.

By the time the third period arrived, Atlanta held a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Jacques Richard and Bryan Hextall. Hextall made his presence felt in more ways than one, engaging in first- and second-period fights with Bob Kelly and Andre Dupont. He nearly added a third scrap in the final period when both he and Jimmy Watson received double-minor penalties.

Clarke struck again at 5:40 of the third period. With Butch Deadmarsh serving a hooking penalty, Clarke capitalized on the power play to tie the game, assisted by Barber and Tom Bladon. The tie didn’t last long. Just 17 seconds later, Keith McCreary restored Atlanta’s lead. But Clarke wasn’t finished.

At exactly nine minutes of the third period, he completed the hat trick, again while shorthanded. Ed Van Impe had been in the penalty box for only nine seconds when Clarke found the back of the net, securing the 3-3 draw and sealing one of the most unique three-goal performances of his career.

Clarke finished the 1973-74 NHL season tied with Ralph Stewart of the New York Islanders for the league lead in shorthanded goals with five. Over the course of his Hall of Fame career, Clarke recorded 32 shorthanded goals, tying him for 17th all-time alongside Peter Bondra, Dave Keon, and Joe Sakic. Of course, that total still sits well behind the NHL record of 73 shorthanded goals, held by Wayne Gretzky.

So You Think You're a Philadelphia Flyers Fan?: Stars, Stats, Records, and Memories for True Diehards

A deep dive into Flyers history filled with stars, records, stats, and unforgettable memories from the ice — perfect for true diehards and history buffs.

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Detroit’s Only Hat Trick Of 1962-63 Belonged To Norm Ullman

The 1962-63 Detroit Red Wings were a powerhouse. They reached the Stanley Cup Final, featured three top-ten goal scorers, and were led offensively by the NHL’s top sniper, Gordie Howe. Yet remarkably, across 70 regular season games and 11 playoff contests, Detroit recorded just one hat trick all year. That lone three-goal performance belonged to Norm Ullman.

On March 14, 1963, at historic Detroit Olympia, the Red Wings hosted the New York Rangers in what would become a wide-open offensive showcase. Ullman opened his account at 12:23 of the first period, beating goaltender Gump Worsley to give Detroit a 2-0 lead. The goal was set up by Bill Gadsby and Floyd Smith.

The second period exploded for six combined goals, and by the time the horn sounded, Detroit held a 5-3 advantage.

Ullman wasted no time adding to his total. Just 28 seconds into the third period, he buried his 22nd goal of the season, assisted by Vic Stasiuk and Floyd Smith. After Andre Pronovost stretched the lead to 7-3, Ullman completed his hat trick at 11:59 of the frame, finishing off a setup from Stasiuk and Pete Goegan.

The teams traded goals down the stretch, but the final score settled at 9-4 for the Red Wings and Detroit’s only hat trick of the entire 1962-63 campaign was in the books.

Ullman finished the regular season with 26 goals and 30 assists for 56 points, good for 10th in NHL goal scoring, just one behind Johnny Bucyk and 12 back of Howe. When the playoffs arrived, Ullman elevated his game further. Though Detroit ultimately fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup Final, Ullman and Howe shared the postseason scoring lead with 16 points apiece over 11 games.

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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.

The King (Borje Salming)

A compelling look at the life and legacy of Borje Salming — one of hockey’s most respected trailblazers and legendary defensemen.

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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