Rogie Vachon Records His 50th NHL Shutout Against the Surging Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers arrived at Boston Garden on November 16, 1980, riding a 13-game unbeaten streak. The Boston Bruins, meanwhile, had managed just four wins through their first 16 games. It hardly looked like the ideal matchup for a Boston breakthrough, but Rogie Vachon helped deliver one. Making his 10th appearance as a Bruin, the veteran goaltender stopped all 19 shots he faced to record his 50th career NHL shutout in a 1-0 victory.

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Highlights

• Vachon recorded his 50th NHL shutout on November 16, 1980.

• Boston defeated Philadelphia 1-0 at Boston Garden.

• The loss ended the Flyers’ 13-game unbeaten streak.

• Brad Park scored the only goal at 9:35 of the second period.

• Vachon made 19 saves; Phil Myre stopped 29 of 30 shots.

• Vachon’s first NHL shutout came with Montreal on March 5, 1967.

• He retired with 51 regular-season shutouts and entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016.

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More than 13 years had passed since Vachon’s first NHL shutout. On March 5, 1967, in just his eighth NHL appearance, he made 29 saves as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the New York Rangers 2-0. By the time he reached number 50, his career had taken him from Montreal to the Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings before bringing him to Boston.

Neither team scored through the opening period or the first half of the second. Finally, at 9:35 of the middle frame, Brad Park beat Philadelphia goaltender Phil Myre with a slapshot from the blue line. Stan Jonathan and Peter McNab earned the assists on what proved to be the game’s only goal.

Myre gave the Flyers every chance to extend their unbeaten streak, turning aside 29 of Boston’s 30 shots. At the other end, Vachon handled a lighter workload without allowing a breakthrough. Tom Gorence was Philadelphia’s busiest shooter, accounting for five of the Flyers’ 19 shots on net.

The milestone performance was Vachon’s only shutout in 53 appearances during the 1980-81 season. He added one more in 1981-82, his final NHL campaign, to finish with 51 regular-season shutouts, the same career total as Dave Kerr, Tomas Vokoun and Curtis Joseph. In 2016, Vachon’s long wait for another milestone ended when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

NHL Playoff Hat Tricks Of The 1960s

Relive the NHL playoff hat tricks of the 1960s with the stories, stars, and memorable performances behind some of the decade’s biggest postseason scoring nights.

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The Bruins Were Shut Out Just Once in 1970-71and It Took Two Goalies

The 1970-71 Boston Bruins are remembered for their remarkable offensive firepower, but even that powerhouse lineup had one scoreless night. On November 5, 1970, the St. Louis Blues visited Boston Garden and handed the Bruins their only shutout of the regular season. Boston fired 38 shots at the St. Louis net, but two goaltenders combined to turn them all away in a 2-0 Blues victory.

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Highlights

• Boston’s only shutout of the 1970-71 regular season came on November 5.

• St. Louis won 2-0 at Boston Garden.

• Glenn Hall stopped 25 shots through two periods.

• Ernie Wakely added 13 saves in the third.

• Frank St. Marseille scored the winner at 16:57 of the second period.

• Jim Roberts added an empty-net goal with two seconds remaining.

• Wakely recorded three shutouts over his next nine starts.

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Glenn Hall handled the first two periods, stopping all 25 shots he faced. The veteran was coming off a shutout in his previous appearance, a 17-save performance against the Los Angeles Kings on October 31. Ernie Wakely took over for the third period in Boston and finished the job with 13 saves.

With the Blues keeping Boston off the scoreboard, Frank St. Marseille supplied the only goal St. Louis would need. At 16:57 of the second period, he beat Bruins goaltender Ed Johnston with assists from Jim Roberts and Tim Ecclestone. That goal held up as the game winner despite Boston’s continued pressure.

Johnston kept the Bruins within striking distance, making 23 saves and allowing just one goal before heading to the bench for an extra attacker. Roberts finally sealed the result with an empty-net goal at 19:58 of the third period. Bob Wall and Christian Bordeleau assisted, leaving Boston just two seconds away from an unusually quiet finish at the Garden.

For Wakely, those 20 scoreless minutes marked the beginning of an impressive stretch. Over his next nine starts, he recorded three shutouts and held opponents to a single goal on three other occasions. His relief appearance against the Bruins was a fitting introduction to a run in which opposing shooters frequently struggled to beat him.

Wakely delivered another scoreless third period in relief of Hall on January 6, 1971, stopping all five shots he faced against the California Golden Seals. That appearance came under very different circumstances: Hall had surrendered six goals on 28 shots through two periods, and St. Louis lost 6-3. The November performance in Boston remained the standout, a shared shutout against a team that scored in every other regular-season game.

The Franchise: St. Louis Blues (A Curated History of the Blues)

A curated history celebrating the St. Louis Blues — their iconic players, historic moments, and lasting impact on hockey culture.

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February 6, 1986: Andreychuk Makes Buffalo Sabres History

The Boston Bruins scored six goals at Boston Garden on February 6, 1986 and still couldn’t keep pace with the Buffalo Sabres. Dave Andreychuk supplied five goals and an assist in Buffalo’s 8-6 victory, becoming the first player in franchise history to score five times in a single game.

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Highlights

• Buffalo defeated Boston 8-6 at Boston Garden on February 6, 1986.

• Dave Andreychuk became the first Sabre to score five goals in a game.

• All five goals came against Doug Keans in the first two periods.

• His fifth goal, at 17:15 of the second period, was the game winner.

• An assist on Normand Lacombe’s goal gave Andreychuk six points.

• Tom Barrasso made 38 saves as Boston outshot Buffalo 44-21.

• Tage Thompson matched Andreychuk’s five-goal record on December 7, 2022.

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Buffalo Strikes Early at Boston Garden

Mike Foligno opened the scoring just 37 seconds into the game. Andreychuk then added two consecutive goals, giving Buffalo a 3-0 lead by 14:30 of the first period. Boston answered with two quick goals before the intermission, trimming the Sabres’ advantage to 3-2 and setting the stage for another busy period.

Three More Goals in the Second Period

Andreychuk completed his hat trick at 4:40 of the second, but his night was far from finished. He scored three times in the period, beating Bruins goaltender Doug Keans for all five of his goals through 40 minutes. His fifth, scored at 17:15, was his 24th of the 1985-86 season. It gave Buffalo a 7-4 lead and ultimately stood as the game-winning goal.

Boston coach Butch Goring replaced Keans with Pat Riggin for the third period after Keans surrendered seven goals on 17 shots. Riggin faced only four shots in relief, allowing Buffalo’s final goal to Paul Cyr. Andreychuk also assisted on a Normand Lacombe goal, bringing his personal total to six points.

Barrasso Handles the Heavier Workload

While Andreychuk turned seven shots into five goals, Tom Barrasso faced a much busier night in Buffalo’s net. The Sabres goaltender stopped 38 of Boston’s 44 shots, helping Buffalo win despite being outshot 44-21. Ray Bourque led the Bruins with seven shots but was unable to beat Barrasso.

Andreychuk’s performance established a Sabres single-game record that stood alone for more than 36 years. On December 7, 2022, Tage Thompson matched it with five goals against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The record may now be shared, but Andreychuk remains the first Sabre to reach that remarkable mark.

"Then Perreault Said to Rico…": The Best Buffalo Sabres Stories Ever Told

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Brad Park’s Final Bruins Goals Sink Sabres in 1983 Game 7

Brad Park saved his final two goals with the Boston Bruins for a night when neither could have mattered more. On April 24, 1983, the veteran defenceman scored the tying goal and overtime winner at Boston Garden, giving the Bruins a 3–2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 7 of the Adams Division Final. In his last season with Boston, Park delivered a performance that kept the Bruins’ Stanley Cup hopes alive.

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Highlights

• Boston defeated Buffalo 3–2 in Game 7 on April 24, 1983.

• Ric Seiling scored twice to give the Sabres a 2–0 lead.

• Barry Pederson started Boston’s comeback in the second period.

• Brad Park tied the game at 9:21 of the second.

• Park scored the series-winning goal at 1:52 of overtime.

• He recorded eight points in the seven-game series.

• These were his final two Bruins goals and final NHL playoff goals.

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Buffalo had threatened to spoil the occasion. Ric Seiling scored twice to give the Sabres a 2–0 lead before Barry Pederson brought Boston within one at 6:32 of the second period. Park completed the comeback at 9:21, scoring with assists from Rick Middleton and Mike O’Connell. The Bruins had erased their deficit, but there was still a series to win.

Neither team scored in the third period, sending the deciding game into overtime. Just 1:52 into the extra session, Park beat Buffalo goaltender Bob Sauvé, with Pederson earning the assist. His second goal of the night broke both the 2–2 tie on the scoreboard and the 3–3 tie in the series, sending Boston into the Wales Conference Final.

At 34, Park remained a productive playoff performer. He finished the seven-game Buffalo series with three goals and five assists for eight points. The overtime winner was his third and final goal of the 1983 postseason. And, as it turned out, the last playoff goal of his NHL career.

The Gerry Cheevers coached Bruins next faced the New York Islanders, who ended Boston’s run in six games. Park contributed three assists, but the Islanders outscored the Bruins 30–21 before sweeping the Edmonton Oilers to capture their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup championship.

Park joined the Detroit Red Wings for the 1983–84 season and spent his final two NHL campaigns there. Detroit reached the playoffs both years but exited in the opening round each time. His Boston chapter had closed without a Stanley Cup, but his final two Bruins goals left a lasting memory: one to save Game 7, and another to win it.

Boston Bruins: Greatest Moments and Players

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Jerry Toppazzini’s Shorthanded Magic Begins Against Terry Sawchuk

Jerry Toppazzini developed into one of the NHL’s most dangerous penalty killers during his years with the Boston Bruins. Of his 163 career NHL goals, 22 came while his team was shorthanded. His finest season in that department came in 1957-58, when Toppazzini led the NHL with eight shorthanded goals, a league record at the time. Add two shorthanded assists, and 10 of his 48 points that season came while Boston was killing a penalty.

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Highlights

• Jerry Toppazzini scored 22 shorthanded goals during his NHL career.

• He led the NHL with a then-record eight SHG in 1957-58.

• His first came against Terry Sawchuk and Detroit on November 10, 1957.

• Toppazzini scored just 15 seconds after Boston went shorthanded.

• He finished that 4-2 Bruins victory with one goal and two assists.

• Toppazzini struck shorthanded against Sawchuk again on Christmas Day.

• His eight SHG broke Cecil Dillon’s previous NHL record of six.

• The Bruins record lasted until Brian Rolston scored nine in 2001-02.

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The first of those eight goals came on November 10, 1957, when the Bruins hosted the Detroit Red Wings at Boston Garden. Early in the second period, Boston defenseman Fern Flaman was sent off for tripping at 1:45. Detroit’s power play lasted only 15 seconds before Toppazzini turned the tables, beating legendary Red Wings goaltender Terry Sawchuk for a shorthanded goal. Fleming Mackell picked up the assist.

Toppazzini wasn’t finished. He added two assists in the game, including a helper on Don McKenney’s game-winning goal as Boston defeated Detroit 4-2. It was an early glimpse of just how dangerous the Bruins could be with Toppazzini on the ice, even when they were supposed to be at a disadvantage.

Detroit and Sawchuk got another look at Toppazzini’s penalty-killing ability when the Red Wings returned to Boston Garden on Christmas Day. With the Bruins facing a five-on-three disadvantage, they survived the first penalty before Allan Stanley scored just three seconds after it expired, with Toppazzini earning an assist. Fleming Mackell was still in the penalty box, leaving Boston shorthanded, when Toppazzini struck again just 59 seconds later. This time he scored unassisted on Sawchuk, giving him two points during the same penalty-killing sequence. Boston went on to win 4-1.

Toppazzini finished 1957-58 with eight shorthanded goals, surpassing the previous NHL record of six set by Cecil Dillon of the New York Rangers in 1934-35. His eight also remained the Boston Bruins single-season record for more than four decades. It finally fell in 2001-02 when Brian Rolston scored nine shorthanded goals, although Rolston had the benefit of an 82-game schedule compared with Toppazzini’s 64-game NHL season.

For Toppazzini, the November 10 goal against Sawchuk was simply the beginning of a remarkable season. By year’s end, few players in hockey were more dangerous when their own team was a man short.

Mucking in the Corners: Unearthing the 1970s' Quirkiest Hockey Tales

Dig into the wonderfully strange side of 1970s hockey with a collection of quirky stories, forgotten characters, unusual moments, and offbeat tales from one of the game’s most colorful decades.

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Gary Edwards And The Kings Hand Defending Stanley Cup Champions An Opening-Night Loss

The defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins opened their 1972-73 NHL season at home on October 8, 1972, but the Los Angeles Kings spoiled the celebration. Behind an outstanding performance from goaltender Gary Edwards, the Kings walked out of Boston Garden with a 4-2 victory.

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Highlights

• October 8, 1972 at Boston Garden

• Los Angeles defeated Boston 4-2

• Gary Edwards stopped 36 of 38 shots

• Boston's Mike Walton recorded seven shots

• Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr were held pointless

• Serge Bernier scored the third-period game-winner

• Boston went on to finish with 51 wins and 107 points

• Edwards appeared in 286 NHL regular-season games during his career

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Los Angeles had opened its season with a loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, making this their second game of the campaign. Edwards got the start in goal and turned aside 36 of Boston's 38 shots. Mike Walton fired seven shots without scoring, while Bruins superstars Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr were both held off the scoresheet.

Boston actually struck first. Dallas Smith scored just 2:16 into the opening period with an assist from Fred Stanfield. The lead didn't last. Mike Corrigan and Butch Goring responded for Los Angeles before the end of the period, sending the Kings to the dressing room with a 2-1 advantage. Carol Vadnais tied the game late in the second period, with Stanfield picking up his second assist of the night.

The deciding goal came at 11:47 of the third period when Serge Bernier beat Boston goaltender Eddie Johnston to put Los Angeles ahead 3-2. Bill Lesuk sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 19:38. Edwards did the rest, completing his 36-save performance and helping the Kings hand Boston a loss in its season opener.

The victory wasn't a sign of things to come for Los Angeles. The Kings finished the 1972-73 regular season four points short of the final playoff position in the West Division. Boston quickly recovered from the opening-night setback, winning 51 games and finishing with 107 points, second overall in the NHL behind the Montreal Canadiens.

Edwards appeared in 27 games for Los Angeles that season. Although he had been the Kings' primary goaltender in 1971-72, Rogie Vachon soon took over the number-one role. Edwards went on to play 286 NHL regular-season games and 11 playoff games between 1968-69 and 1981-82, appearing with the St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, Cleveland Barons, Minnesota North Stars, Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Los Angeles Kings Trivia Book

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Phil Esposito Records 3 Points In His Final Game Against The Bruins

Phil Esposito had been gone from the Boston Bruins for more than five years by the time he entered his final NHL season in 1980-81. Still, Boston was where Esposito enjoyed the greatest years of his legendary career, winning two Stanley Cups, five Art Ross Trophies and two Hart Trophies with the Bruins. Even late in his career with the New York Rangers, a matchup with his former club undoubtedly carried a little extra meaning.

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Highlights

• Phil Esposito's final NHL game against Boston came November 26, 1980.

• The Rangers defeated the Bruins 6-4 at Madison Square Garden.

• Esposito recorded one goal and two assists.

• He assisted on both of Ron Greschner's first two goals.

• Esposito's goal was his fifth of 1980-81 and the third-last of his NHL career.

• Greschner and Steve Vickers each scored twice for New York.

• Esposito's final game at Boston Garden came October 9, 1980.

• He assisted on the Rangers' opening goal in that final Boston appearance.

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Esposito faced the Bruins for the final time on November 26, 1980 at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers entered the game struggling badly but came away with a 6-4 victory, just their fifth win through the first 23 games of the season. Esposito played a major role in the victory, recording a goal and two assists before the game was even half over.

Ron Greschner opened the scoring at 10:05 of the first period, beating Boston goaltender Rogie Vachon with assists going to Esposito and Don Maloney. Just 40 seconds into the second period, Greschner struck again, this time with helpers from Esposito and Dave Silk. At 7:54, Esposito got a goal of his own, scoring his fifth of the season with Greschner picking up the assist.

That goal turned out to be the third-last of Esposito's NHL career. Greschner and Steve Vickers each scored twice in the 6-4 Rangers victory, while Esposito finished his final appearance against his former team with three points.

Esposito's final game at Boston Garden had come earlier that season, on October 9, 1980 in the 1980-81 season opener. The Bruins won that game decisively, 7-2, but Esposito still made his presence felt. He assisted on Mike Allison's goal just 2:44 into the first period, giving the Rangers an early lead. It was the final appearance in Boston for a player whose years with the Bruins had established him as one of the greatest goal scorers of his generation.

Thunder and Lightning: A No-B.S. Hockey Memoir

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Doug Keans Recorded Back-to-Back Shutouts in His First NHL Season with the Bruins

For most goaltenders, recording a first career NHL shutout is a milestone they'll never forget. For Boston Bruins netminder Doug Keans, the memory became even sweeter when he followed it up with another shutout in his very next start during the 1983-84 season.

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Highlights

• Doug Keans recorded the first two shutouts of his NHL career in consecutive starts.

• Blanked the New York Islanders 2-0 on January 16, 1984.

• Followed with a 32-save shutout over the Hartford Whalers on January 21.

• Both victories came by identical 2-0 scores.

• The wins were part of Keans' eight-game personal winning streak.

• 1983-84 was Keans' first season with the Boston Bruins.

• Keans finished his NHL career with four shutouts, half of them coming in these back-to-back starts.

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Keans earned his first career NHL shutout on January 16, 1984, turning aside all 27 shots he faced in a 2-0 victory over the New York Islanders at Boston Garden. Defenseman Gord Kluzak scored the game-winning goal on the power play early in the opening period, beating Billy Smith at 6:10 with Rick Middleton picking up the assist.

Although Bruins starter Pete Peeters handled the next two games, Keans returned to the crease on January 21 and picked up right where he left off. Facing the Hartford Whalers at the Hartford Civic Center, he was even busier, stopping all 32 shots in another 2-0 Boston victory. Mike O'Connell opened the scoring in the first period before Rick Middleton added an insurance goal later in the game.

The consecutive shutouts also marked Keans' sixth and seventh victories during an impressive eight-game personal winning streak. It was a remarkable run for a goaltender who had seen limited NHL action with the Los Angeles Kings over the previous four seasons before arriving in Boston.

The 1983-84 campaign was Keans' first with the Bruins, and he would spend five seasons with the club as a dependable backup. During that span, he provided valuable depth behind a succession of Boston starters, including Pete Peeters, Pat Riggin, Bill Ranford and Reggie Lemelin, while producing four career NHL shutouts, two of which came in memorable back-to-back starts.

Boston Bruins: Greatest Moments and Players

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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.

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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.

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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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Steve Payne Brings the Pain: North Stars Shock Bruins in 1981

The Minnesota North Stars and Boston Bruins were evenly matched on paper during the 1980-81 NHL season, each finishing with 87 points. But when the playoffs began, that balance quickly disappeared. In their best-of-five opening round series, one player made all the difference: Steve Payne.

Game 1 at Boston Garden on April 8 set the tone. Payne erupted for a hat trick, scoring three of Minnesota’s five goals. His biggest moment came just 3:34 into overtime, when he beat Rogie Vachon to seal the win. Payne had already opened the scoring and tied the game early in the third, delivering a complete performance right out of the gate.

Less than 24 hours later, Payne struck again. In Game 2, he piled up four points with two goals and two assists in a wild 9-6 victory. Once again, he solved Vachon twice before the Bruins turned to Marco Baron in relief. Dino Ciccarelli matched Payne with four points of his own, but it was Payne’s relentless pressure that kept Boston on its heels throughout.

Game 3 back in Minnesota brought even more chaos. The North Stars jumped out to a 4-0 lead, with Payne contributing two goals and an assist in the 6-3 win. The game featured four shorthanded goals, three by Boston and one by Minnesota, but the outcome was never truly in doubt. Payne’s late first-period goal stood as the game-winner, putting the finishing touch on a dominant series.

In just three games, Payne racked up seven goals and three assists for ten points, including two game-winning goals. He stayed hot into the next round, scoring twice in Game 1 against Buffalo. Minnesota rode that momentum all the way to the Stanley Cup Final before falling to the New York Islanders in five games. By the end of the playoffs, Payne had compiled an incredible 29 points in 19 games, cementing his place as one of the most impactful performers of the 1981 postseason.

Mirage of Destiny: The Story of the 1990-91 Minnesota North Stars

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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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Normand Léveillé Breaks Out With Two Goals In His 4th NHL Game

The Boston Bruins selected Normand Léveillé 19th overall in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft after a dominant junior career with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens of the QMJHL. In his final season of junior hockey, Léveillé scored an impressive 55 goals, raising expectations that he could bring similar offensive production to the NHL.

His professional start, however, was quiet. Through his first three NHL games of the 1981-82 season, the rookie winger was held off the scoresheet. That changed dramatically in his fourth game when the Bruins traveled to Chicago Stadium on October 14, 1981 to face the Chicago Blackhawks.

Léveillé wasted no time making an impact. Just 36 seconds into the game, he scored his first NHL goal by beating Blackhawks goaltender Murray Bannerman. The historic tally was assisted by Bruins captain Terry O'Reilly and forward Tom Fergus.

The rookie struck again late in the second period. At 18:45, Léveillé scored his second goal of the night, this time assisted by veteran defenseman Brad Park. The goal gave Boston a 6-5 lead and ultimately stood as the game-winner in an entertaining 8-5 Bruins victory. Léveillé finished the game with five shots on Bannerman.

Léveillé completed his rookie season with 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points in 66 games. He appeared poised for an even bigger role the following year, starting the 1982-83 season at nearly a point-per-game pace. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he suffered a career-ending brain aneurysm during a game at Pacific Coliseum against the Vancouver Canucks in just the ninth game of the season.

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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Garry Howatt Leads the Charge in Record-Setting Playoff Brawl Between Islanders and Bruins

When the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins met in the 1979-80 Stanley Cup quarter-finals, few could have predicted that their series would etch itself into the NHL record books, not for goals or saves, but for sheer chaos.

Game 1 at Nassau Coliseum was mild enough, a clean 2-1 win for the Islanders featuring just eight minor penalties. But Game 2 was an entirely different story. The opening period exploded into mayhem, capped by a full-scale brawl that produced 248 total penalty minutes, the most ever recorded in a single Stanley Cup playoff period.

Leading the charge was none other than Garry Howatt, the Islanders’ rugged forward known for his tenacity and fearlessness. Howatt racked up a game-high 32 penalty minutes, starting with a spirited scrap against Boston’s Wayne Cashman, plus a boarding minor, before joining the melee that erupted at the period’s final whistle.

By the time officials restored order, eight players had been tagged with fighting majors, misconducts, and game misconducts. From New York: Howatt, Duane Sutter, Bob Lorimer, and Gord Lane. From Boston: Cashman, Al Secord, Mike Milbury, and Stan Jonathan.

Despite the fireworks, the game itself delivered drama of a different kind. The teams settled down after the first intermission, combining for just three minor penalties the rest of the way. Bob Bourne sealed a 5-4 overtime win for the Islanders, who went on to sweep the Bruins and move on to face the Buffalo Sabres in the semi-final.

As for Howatt, he escaped suspension and was right back in the thick of it in Game 3, squaring off against Terry O’Reilly in yet another third-period fight. O’Reilly, ever the warrior, had already fought Clark Gillies twice earlier in the game, a testament to how fierce and physical this rivalry truly was.

About Garry Howatt

Garry Howatt played 720 regular season and 87 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1972-73 and 1983-84 with the New York Islanders, Hartford Whalers and New Jersey Devils. Over that time, the two-time Stanley Cup champion amassed 1,836 regular season penalty minutes. Originally, he was a lowly tenth round pick by the Islanders at the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft out of the Flin Flon Bombers.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Garry Howatt

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

1. Which NHL team did Garry Howatt spend the majority of his career with?
   New York Islanders
   Hartford Whalers
   Quebec Nordiques
   Vancouver Canucks
   
2. What nickname was Garry Howatt known by during his playing days?
   The Toy Tiger
   The Little General
   The Pocket Rocket
   The Bulldog
   
3. How many Stanley Cups did Howatt win with the New York Islanders?
   One
   Two
   Three
   Four
   
4. Garry Howatt was part of one of the most penalty-filled playoff games in history. How many total penalty minutes were called in the first period of that game?
   198
   220
   248
   260
   
5. After leaving the Islanders, which team did Howatt join as part of a trade in 1981?
   Hartford Whalers
   New Jersey Devils
   California Golden Seals
   Winnipeg Jets
   

Jean Ratelle: 5 Key Points from a Gentleman’s Hall of Fame Career

Few players embodied grace and skill on the ice like Jean Ratelle. Over an incredible 21-season career split between the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins, Ratelle quietly built a Hall of Fame résumé defined by consistency, sportsmanship, and class. Here are five key moments that highlight his remarkable journey.

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1. First NHL Goal (March 4, 1961)

Ratelle’s NHL debut came while he was still a junior with the Guelph Royals. In just his third game with the Rangers, he netted his first NHL goal on March 4, 1961, against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Maple Leaf Gardens.

His goal came at 9:32 of the third period on Cesare Maniago, assisted by Ted Hampson and Bill Gadsby. Though the Rangers fell 5-4, Ratelle also added an assist on Hampson’s first-period tally, a strong two-point night for the young forward.

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2. Last NHL Goal (February 26, 1981)

Twenty years later, Ratelle found the net one last time in his final NHL season with the Boston Bruins. On February 26, 1981, he scored a power-play goal against the Minnesota North Stars’ Gilles Meloche, assisted by Ray Bourque and Rick Middleton.

The goal turned out to be the game-winner in a 5-1 Boston victory, a fitting way to close a brilliant scoring career that totaled 491 regular-season goals.

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3. First NHL Hat Trick (January 7, 1968)

After a slow start to the 1967-68 season, Ratelle broke out with his first career hat trick against the Maple Leafs on January 7, 1968, at Madison Square Garden.

He recorded a natural hat trick, scoring three straight goals in just 4 minutes and 45 seconds, all in the second period. Teammate Rod Gilbert assisted on two of them, and Ratelle’s explosion powered the Rangers to a 6-2 win.

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4. Two-Time Lady Byng Winner

Known as one of hockey’s true gentlemen, Ratelle was twice awarded the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and performance, in 1971-72 and 1975-76.

Across 1,281 games, he logged only 276 penalty minutes, averaging barely a minor per season. His 1971-72 campaign was especially impressive: just two minors in 63 games while finishing fourth in Hart Trophy voting.

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5. Two 100-Point Seasons

Ratelle surpassed the 100-point mark twice, in 1971-72 (109 points in 63 games) and 1975-76 (105 points). Both seasons coincided with his Lady Byng wins, showcasing a rare balance of dominance and discipline.

In 1975-76, Ratelle’s midseason trade from the Rangers to the Bruins didn’t slow him down. He racked up 90 points in 67 games with Boston, finishing tied for sixth in NHL scoring.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Jean Ratelle

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

1. Jean Ratelle began his NHL career with which team?

Boston Bruins
New York Rangers
Montreal Canadiens
Quebec Nordiques

2. In which season did Ratelle record an incredible 109 points in just 63 games?

1970–71
1971–72
1972–73
1975–76

3. Jean Ratelle was part of a blockbuster 1975 trade that sent him to Boston along with which other key player?

Ken Hodge
Brad Park
Wayne Cashman
Rick Middleton

4. How many times did Jean Ratelle win the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and skill?

Once
Twice
Three times
Never

5. Jean Ratelle was part of one of the Rangers’ most famous lines during the late 1960s and early 1970s. What was it called?

The GAG Line (Goal-A-Game)
The French Connection
The Kraut Line
The Production Line

NHL Hockey Card Legends: Jean Ratelle [Video]