On November 19, 1983, the Edmonton Oilers delivered one of the wildest offensive eruptions in franchise history and sparked Wayne Gretzky’s legendary “Mickey Mouse organization” quip toward the New Jersey Devils. The Devils entered Northlands Coliseum with a brutal 2-17 record, and although they opened each period with a goal, this was never going to be their miracle turnaround night.
Edmonton rolled to a 13-4 win, and for only the second time in the modern NHL, three players from one team recorded hat tricks in the same game. One of them even went beyond that.
Gretzky, Kurri & Lindstrom Run Wild
Wayne Gretzky put on an eight-point show, three goals and five assists, marking the first of his two career eight-point outings. Only 14 such performances exist in NHL history.
Jari Kurri delivered the night’s biggest explosion with five goals and one assist for six points. Willy Lindstrom completed the rare trifecta with three goals and one assist, including a helper on Kurri’s opening goal.
A Rough Night in the Devils’ Crease
The Devils’ goaltending tandem took a pounding:
Ron Low: 8 goals allowed on 22 shots
Chico Resch: 5 goals allowed on 15 shots
Even Edmonton’s Grant Fuhr had a shaky evening, giving up four goals on just 22 shots, though he certainly had more offensive support than he needed.
The Aftermath: Devils Push Back
Gretzky’s sharp postgame criticism didn’t go unnoticed. In their two remaining 1983-84 meetings, New Jersey came out far stronger:
Jan 15, 1984 – Oilers barely win 5-4
Jan 27, 1984 – Devils rally from 3-0 down to earn a 3-3 tie
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