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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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]

Grit and Goals: Stan Jonathan’s Big Night vs. Don Cherry

In the 1979-80 NHL season, Don Cherry made the jump from Boston to Colorado, taking over as head coach of the struggling Rockies. But when his new team met his old one, Cherry got a dose of “sour grapes” from one of his all-time favourites, Stan Jonathan.

On January 13, 1980, at Boston Garden, the Bruins hosted the Rockies for their third meeting of the season. Colorado got on the board first, with Lanny McDonald scoring at 5:31 of the opening period. But it didn’t take long for Boston’s grinders to respond.

Just 22 seconds later, John Wensink tied the game with help from Terry O’Reilly and Peter McNab. Then, Stan Jonathan took over. The rugged winger, known for his heart, grit, and fierce loyalty to Cherry during their Bruins days, scored twice before the first period was over, putting Boston ahead 3-1.

Jonathan completed his hat trick in the third period, netting his 12th of the season and sealing a 6-2 Bruins win. Despite racking up 208 penalty minutes that year, Jonathan managed to stay out of the box on this night, letting his stick do the talking instead.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a classic Bruins game without a few fights. Early in the second, Lanny McDonald and Terry O’Reilly dropped the gloves in a spirited battle that must have brought a nostalgic grin to Cherry’s face. Not long after, Al Secord and Rob Ramage tangled to keep the energy high.

About Stan Jonathan 

Stan Jonathan played 411 regular season and 63 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1975-76 and 1982-83 with the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins. His time in Pittsburgh was limited ot 19 games at the end of his career. Originally, he was a fifth round pick by the Bruins at the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft out of the Peterborough Petes.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Stan Jonathan

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

1. Which NHL team did Stan Jonathan play the majority of his career with?
   Colorado Rockies
   Boston Bruins
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Detroit Red Wings


2. What was Stan Jonathan best known for besides his offensive contributions?
   His toughness and fighting ability
   His speed and playmaking
   His defensive positioning
   His leadership as a captain


3. In the 1977 Stanley Cup Final against Montreal, Stan Jonathan famously fought which Canadiens player?
   Larry Robinson
   Mario Tremblay
   Pierre Bouchard
   Yvon Lambert


4. What was Stan Jonathan’s career-high goal total in a single NHL season?
   15
   18
   27
   31


5. After his NHL days, what sport did Stan Jonathan later participate in at the local level in Ontario?
   Curling
   Lacrosse
   Baseball
   Softball

Perreault’s Opening Night Hat Trick Launches Sabres’ 1974-75 Season

The 1974-75 NHL season began with a bang at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium as the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Boston Bruins. It was a matchup between two powerhouse clubs, but the night quickly turned into a showcase for Buffalo’s star center, Gilbert Perreault.

While rookie Danny Gare grabbed headlines by scoring just 18 seconds into his first NHL game, Perreault made sure his own performance wouldn’t be overlooked, racking up three goals and two assists in a vintage display of speed and skill.

Perreault had been limited to just 55 games the previous season and was eager to make an impact. After Boston took a 2–1 lead, he tied the game midway through the first period with a power-play goal, and fittingly, it came while Bobby Orr sat in the penalty box. Assists went to Jim Lorentz and Jerry Korab.

The second period was all Buffalo, as the Sabres exploded for four goals to take a commanding 6-2 lead. Perreault set up two of them, both scored by linemate Rick Martin of the famed French Connection line.

Just over two minutes into the third, Perreault scored again to make it 7-2, with Martin and René Robert collecting assists. He completed his hat trick late in the period with an unassisted power-play goal, sealing a 9-5 victory in front of a roaring home crowd.

The Sabres fired 40 shots at Bruins goalie Gilles Gilbert, while Buffalo’s own Gary Bromley made 13 saves on 18 shots. Despite some loose defense, it was the kind of offensive outburst that defined the high-flying Sabres of the 1970s. Buffalo went on to dominate the season series, winning five of seven meetings with Boston.

About Gilbert Perreault 

Gilbert Perreault played 1,191 regular season and 90 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1970-71 and 1986-87, all with the Buffalo Sabres. Perreault was the first overall selection at the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Gilbert Perreault

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

1. In what year did Gilbert Perreault become the first-ever draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres?
   1968
   1970
   1972
   1974
2. Perreault centered one of the most famous lines in NHL history. What was it called?
   The Sabre Sword Line
   The French Connection
   The Golden Trio
   The Buffalo Blitz
3. What major NHL milestone did Gilbert Perreault achieve during the 1981-82 season?
   500th goal
   1,000th career point
   1,500th game played
   First playoff hat trick
4. Perreault represented Canada in the 1972 Summit Series. How many goals did he score in that historic tournament?
   0
   1
   3
   5
5. How many total regular-season points did Gilbert Perreault record in his NHL career?
   1,078
   1,326
   1,210
   1,502

How Johnny Bower Stole Boston’s Christmas in 1966

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

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

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

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

About Johnny Bower

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

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Johnny Bower

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

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


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


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


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


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

Don Marcotte Lights Up Christmas Day 1970 With Two Shorties and the Game Winner

On December 25, 1970, the Pittsburgh Penguins visited the Boston Garden for a rare Christmas Day NHL matchup against the powerhouse Boston Bruins. It was a true holiday mismatch. The Penguins entered with just eight wins in 34 games, while the Bruins had dropped only five of their first 33.

Don Marcotte made the night unforgettable with a pair of shorthanded goals, two of his seven that season and the game-winner in an 8-4 Bruins victory.

The first came midway through the second period. With Derek Sanderson serving a tripping minor, Marcotte struck at 6:32, assisted by Ed Westfall and Ted Green, to make it 5-2 Boston. It was all the Bruins would need.

Marcotte wasn’t done. Late in the third, with Ace Bailey in the box for hooking, he fired home his second shorty of the game at 18:32, again set up by Ted Green. Amazingly, they were the only two shots Marcotte took that night.

Johnny Bucyk and Phil Esposito also had strong performances, each notching two goals and an assist, while Gerry Cheevers turned aside 28 of 32 shots to secure the win.

About Don Marcotte 

Between 1965-66 and 1981-82, Don Marcotte played 868 regular season and 132 playoff games in the National Hockey League, all with the Boston Bruins. He played his first game with the Bruins in 1965-66 while still a junior with the Niagara Falls Flyers. He would not play his first full season until 1970-71.

A winner no matter the level of play, Marcotte won a Memorial Cup with Niagara Falls, followed by a CPHL championship with the Oklahoma City Blazers. With the Hershey Bears in 1968-69, he was part of a Calder Cup winning team in the AHL. Of course, he also won the Stanley Cup twice with the Bruins.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Don Marcotte

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

1. Don Marcotte spent his entire NHL career with which team?

Montreal Canadiens
Boston Bruins
New York Rangers
Toronto Maple Leafs

2. Known as one of the NHL’s top defensive forwards of the 1970s, Marcotte was often part of a checking line with which teammate?

Terry O’Reilly
Ed Westfall
Wayne Cashman
Peter McNab

3. Marcotte scored a career-high how many goals in the 1974-75 NHL season?

21
27
31
36

4. How many Stanley Cups did Don Marcotte win with the Boston Bruins?

One
Two
Three
None

5. Marcotte was part of Team Canada during which famous international hockey series?

1987 Canada Cup
1979 Challenge Cup
1976 Canada Cup
1981 Canada Cup

The Last Goalie To Play Every Minute Of An NHL Season: Ed Johnston’s Historic 1963-64 Feat

On March 22, 1964, Boston Bruins netminder Ed Johnston etched his name into NHL history. That night, he played all 60 minutes of Boston’s 70th and final game of the 1963-64 season. When the final buzzer sounded, Johnston had become the last goaltender in league history to play every single minute of an entire season.

In this final game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Johnston faced 40 shots, the 17th time he had to turn aside more than 40 in a single outing that year. Boston’s porous defense allowed fewer than 30 shots in just 12 of their 70 games. Leading the Chicago attack were Ab McDonald and the legendary Bobby Hull, each firing seven shots.

Johnston did everything he could to keep his last-place Bruins competitive. He surrendered four goals, while Glenn Hall allowed three at the other end in a 4-3 Blackhawks win. Still, there were bright spots: Stan Mikita was held off the scoresheet, and Hull managed only one assist.

Despite Boston’s struggles, Johnston led the NHL in both shots against and saves. His remarkable endurance and determination didn’t go unnoticed, he even received Hart Trophy (MVP) consideration, finishing tied for 10th in voting with Toronto defenseman Tim Horton.

About Ed Johnston

Eddie Johnston played 592 regular season and 18 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1962-63 and 1977-78 with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks. The two-time Stanley Cup champion as a player with the Bruins recorded 32 regular season shutouts and added a single blank in the post season.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Ed Johnston

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

1. Which team did Ed Johnston play every single minute for during the 1963-64 NHL season?
   New York Rangers
   Boston Bruins
   Chicago Blackhawks
   Detroit Red Wings
   
2. Johnston was part of the Bruins’ goaltending tandem when they won two Stanley Cups in the early 1970s. Who was his partner in net?
   Bernie Parent
   Gerry Cheevers
   Rogie Vachon
   Tony Esposito
   
3. In addition to the Bruins, Johnston also played for which three other NHL teams?
   Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Blues
   Maple Leafs, Blues, Blackhawks
   North Stars, Penguins, Rangers
   Flyers, Sabres, Kings
   
4. Johnston later became a long-serving head coach and executive with which NHL team?
   Boston Bruins
   St. Louis Blues
   Pittsburgh Penguins
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   
5. Ed Johnston finished his NHL playing career with how many regular season wins?
   122
   182
   236
   282
   

Gilles Villemure Turns Away All 15 Phil Esposito Shots In 1972 Bruins-Rangers Clash

On December 14, 1972, the New York Rangers visited the Boston Garden in a showdown that featured two of the NHL’s biggest names: Phil Esposito and Gilles Villemure.

The 1972-73 season marked the third of four straight years that Esposito led the league in shots, and he showed no hesitation to fire the puck against Villemure. Boston launched 55 shots on goal, with 15 coming from Esposito alone.

Yet despite his relentless attack, Esposito was shut out individually. Villemure turned aside every single one of Espo’s shots. The Bruins still came out on top with a 4-2 victory, but not one of their goals came from their superstar sniper.

This performance set a rare mark in NHL history: most shots in a game without scoring a goal. To this day, only Alex Ovechkin has matched Esposito’s total, doing so in 2015. The overall single-game shots record belongs to Ray Bourque, who fired 19 on the Nordiques in 1991.

Esposito still found the scoresheet, recording two assists in the second period on goals by Wayne Cashman, both also assisted by Bobby Orr. Cashman and Orr each had seven shots, and when combined with Espo’s 15, the trio accounted for 29 of Boston’s 55 shots.

At the other end, Ed Johnston had a relatively calm night, stopping 22 of 24 shots. The Rangers’ goals came from Gene Carr and Jean Ratelle, while Fred O’Donnell scored the game-winner for Boston with help from Gregg Sheppard and Don Marcotte.

About Gilles Villemure

Between 1967-68 and 1976-77, Gilles Villemure played 205 regular season and 14 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers and Chicago Blackhawks. Along with his 1970-71 Vezina Trophy win (shared with Ed Giacomin), Villemure was WHL rookie of the year in 1962-63 before winning both the Hap Holmes Award and Les Cunningham Award in the AHL for 1968-69 and 1969-70.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Gilles Villemure

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

1. Gilles Villemure spent the majority of his NHL career with which team?

Chicago Black Hawks
New York Rangers
Toronto Maple Leafs
Vancouver Canucks

2. Villemure shared the Vezina Trophy in 1971 with which fellow Rangers goalie?

Gump Worsley
Ed Giacomin
Bernie Parent
Rogie Vachon

3. Which season was Villemure’s best statistically, earning him NHL All-Star recognition?

1967-68
1970-71
1973-74
1975-76

4. Before becoming an NHL regular, Villemure was a standout in which minor league?

WHA
AHL
WHL
IHL

5. Villemure finished his NHL career with which team in 1976-77?

New York Rangers
Buffalo Sabres
Chicago Black Hawks
Los Angeles Kings

Derek Sanderson’s 6-Point Explosion vs Toronto Previews 1969 Playoffs

On March 16, 1969, the Boston Bruins sent a loud and clear message to their upcoming playoff opponents, the Toronto Maple Leafs. After falling 7-4 in Toronto the night before, the Bruins turned the tables at Boston Garden, hammering the Leafs 11-3 in their final regular-season meeting.

At the center of the offensive onslaught was Derek Sanderson. The flashy forward piled up six points, including a natural hat trick in the second period. He also added three assists, two on goals by Garnet “Ace” Bailey and one on Wayne Cashman’s tally. All of Sanderson’s goals came against starter Bruce Gamble, who was pulled after 40 minutes in favor of Al Smith.

The Bruins dominated in every facet, firing 51 shots on goal. Sanderson and Bobby Orr led the team with eight shots each, though Orr was surprisingly kept off the scoresheet. Ace Bailey and Phil Esposito matched the production with five-point nights, while Ken Hodge and Cashman each added four. Gerry Cheevers faced 30 shots and gave up three goals, with Norm Ullman scoring twice for Toronto.

This rout foreshadowed the playoff beatdown to come. Boston outscored Toronto 17-0 in the first two games of their quarter-final series and swept the Leafs in four straight. Sanderson carried his hot hand into the postseason, scoring eight goals in just nine playoff games before the Bruins fell to the Montreal Canadiens in the semi-finals.

About Derek Sanderson

Derek Sanderson played 598 regular season and 56 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1965-66 and 1977-78 with the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins. The 1967-68 Calder Trophy winner won two Stanley Cup championships with Boston.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Derek Sanderson

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

1. Which NHL team did Derek Sanderson debut with in 1965-66?

New York Rangers
Boston Bruins
Philadelphia Flyers
Chicago Black Hawks

2. In which season did Sanderson win the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year?

1966-67
1967-68
1968-69
1969-70

3. Derek Sanderson is perhaps best known for his role centering which legendary Bruins line?

The French Connection
The Big Bad Bruins' "Orr-Esposito-Sanderson" unit
The Kraut Line
The Legion of Doom

4. Sanderson made headlines in 1972 when he signed with which WHA franchise for a record contract?

Winnipeg Jets
Philadelphia Blazers
Houston Aeros
Quebec Nordiques

5. How many Stanley Cups did Derek Sanderson win with the Boston Bruins?

One
Two
Three
Four

Jari Kurri’s Historic 5-Point Game in the 1990 Stanley Cup Final

On May 18, 1990, Jari Kurri of the Edmonton Oilers delivered one of the most dominant individual performances in Stanley Cup Final history. In Game 2 against the Boston Bruins at the old Boston Garden, Kurri recorded 5 points, becoming the last NHL player to hit that mark in a final series game.

Kurri’s night included a hat trick and two assists in Edmonton’s 7-2 win. He scored the Oilers’ second, third, and final goals while setting up Craig Simpson and Esa Tikkanen in the second period.

Edmonton made the most of their opportunities early, scoring three times on just four shots against Boston starter Andy Moog. Backup Rejean Lemelin fared little better, surrendering four more goals on 18 shots.

The Oilers went on to defeat the Bruins 4-1 in the series, securing their only Stanley Cup championship without Wayne Gretzky. That spring also marked Kurri’s final playoff run with Edmonton before reuniting with Gretzky in Los Angeles two years later.

During the 1989-90 postseason, Kurri tallied 25 points in 22 games, finishing just behind Mark Messier and Craig Simpson (31 points each). Goaltender Bill Ranford earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, backstopping all 22 games with a 2.53 GAA and one shutout.

About Jari Kurri

Jari Kurri Played 1,251 regular season and 200 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1980-81 and 1997-98 with the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Anaheim Might Ducks and Colorado Avalanche. Over the time, he scored 601 goals with a career high 71 in 1984-85. Kurri was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001.

NHL Hockey Trivia Jari Kurri

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

1. Jari Kurri was the first Finnish player to reach which major NHL milestone?

500 career goals 1,000 career points 1,500 career points 700 career goals

2. Which NHL team drafted Jari Kurri in 1980?

Los Angeles Kings Edmonton Oilers Colorado Rockies Winnipeg Jets

3. In the 1984–85 season, Kurri scored a career-high how many goals?

68 71 73 78

4. After leaving the Oilers, Kurri later reunited with Wayne Gretzky on which team?

New York Rangers Los Angeles Kings Colorado Avalanche Anaheim Mighty Ducks

5. In what year was Jari Kurri inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?

1999 2000 2001 2003

John McKenzie Fires Up Boston Garden With Hat Trick And Fight (1970)

On December 20, 1970, the Boston Garden crowd was treated to a classic Johnny McKenzie performance. Known for his grit and scoring touch, McKenzie delivered a Gordie Howe Hat Trick Plus in a 7-2 Boston Bruins win over the Minnesota North Stars.

The night before in St. Louis, McKenzie had two goals and an assist in a 7-1 victory over the Blues. He carried that momentum home, scoring his 12th, 13th, and 14th goals of the 1970-71 season against Minnesota. He also set up a goal by Phil Esposito, capping a four-point night.

True to form, McKenzie also dropped the gloves, scrapping with ex-Bruin Barry Gibbs just 25 seconds into the second period. Gilles Gilbert, who later went on to play for Boston, faced 47 shots and stopped 40, including four off McKenzie’s stick. Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito led the barrage with eight shots each.

The 1970-71 campaign proved to be McKenzie’s best NHL season, as he finished with 31 goals and 77 points. The hat trick against Minnesota was the third of his career and the only one not scored against the Detroit Red Wings.

About John McKenzie

John McKenzie played 691 regular season and 69 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1958-59 and 1971-72 with the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins. He won two Stanley Cup championships with the Bruins.

In the WHA, McKenzie played an additional 477 regular season and 33 playoff games between 1972-73 and 1978-79 with the Philadelphia Blazers, Vancouver Blazers, Minnesota Fighting Saints, Cincinnati Stingers and New England Whalers.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Johnny McKenzie

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

1. In which NHL season did Johnny McKenzie score his career-high 31 goals?

• 1968-69
• 1969-70
• 1970-71
• 1971-72

2. Which team did Johnny McKenzie score his famous hat trick and fight performance against on December 20, 1970?

• St. Louis Blues
• Detroit Red Wings
• Minnesota North Stars
• Chicago Blackhawks

3. How many career NHL hat tricks did Johnny McKenzie record?

• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

4. Johnny McKenzie was part of the Boston Bruins’ Stanley Cup–winning team in which year?

• 1968
• 1970
• 1972
• Both 1970 and 1972

5. Before joining the Bruins, McKenzie played for which NHL team?

• New York Rangers
• Detroit Red Wings
• Chicago Blackhawks
• Philadelphia Flyers

Rangers Rookie Bill Fairbairn Steals The Show In 1969 Win Over Bruins

When fans think of the New York Rangers beating the Boston Bruins in 1969, it’s usually the famed GAG Line of Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle, and Vic Hadfield that comes to mind. But on November 15, 1969, at the Boston Garden, it wasn’t the stars, it was the rookies and role players who carried the night.

Bill Fairbairn, just breaking into the league, had the game of his life. The rookie scored twice and added two assists for four points, including the dramatic game-winning goal with only eleven seconds left. His linemates, Dave Balon and Walt Tkaczuk, each chipped in three points, combining with Fairbairn for an incredible ten points in New York’s nail-biting 6-5 win.

What made the effort even more impressive was their efficiency, the trio netted five goals on only nine shots against Boston goalie Ed Johnston.

Fairbairn’s hot streak didn’t stop there. After starting the 1969-70 season with no points in his first five games, he went on a tear with 19 points in his next 14 contests. By season’s end, he had 23 goals and 33 assists for 56 points, playing in all 76 Rangers games. His rookie season earned him second place in Calder Trophy voting behind Chicago’s Tony Esposito.

Over the course of his NHL career (1968-69 to 1978-79), Fairbairn suited up in 658 regular season and 54 playoff games with the Rangers, Minnesota North Stars, and St. Louis Blues. He was a reliable scorer, hitting the 20-goal mark four times and peaking at 30 goals in 1972-73 with New York.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Bill Fairbairn

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

1. Which NHL team did Bill Fairbairn debut with in the 1968-69 season?

Minnesota North Stars
New York Rangers
St. Louis Blues
Chicago Blackhawks

2. In his rookie season (1969-70), Fairbairn finished second in Calder Trophy voting behind which player?

Ken Dryden
Tony Esposito
Bobby Clarke
Darryl Sittler

3. What was Bill Fairbairn’s career-high in goals for a single NHL season?

20
25
30
35

4. How many regular season NHL games did Fairbairn play in his career?

412
527
658
701

5. Which of the following teams did Bill Fairbairn not play for in the NHL?

New York Rangers
St. Louis Blues
Minnesota North Stars
Philadelphia Flyers

Bonus Trivia!

NHL Hockey Trivia: The 1969-70 New York Rangers Season

1. Which future Hall of Famer led the Rangers in scoring during the 1969-70 season?

Vic Hadfield
Rod Gilbert
Jean Ratelle
Brad Park

2. Rookie Bill Fairbairn finished second in Calder Trophy voting in 1969-70. Who won the award?

Bobby Clarke
Darryl Sittler
Tony Esposito
Ken Dryden

3. Where did the Rangers finish in the East Division standings in 1969-70?

1st place
2nd place
3rd place
4th place

4. Who was the Rangers’ head coach during the 1969-70 season?

Emile Francis
Red Sullivan
Fred Shero
Al Arbour

5. The Rangers were eliminated in the 1970 playoffs by which team?

Montreal Canadiens
Boston Bruins
Chicago Blackhawks
Detroit Red Wings

Esposito, Hull, Howe: The Race to the NHL’s First 100-Point Season

Before 1968-69, no NHL player had ever scored 100 points in a single season. The closest came in the mid-60s: Bobby Hull with 97 points in 1965-66, and Stan Mikita matching the feat the next year. Mikita even won the 1967-68 Art Ross Trophy with just 87 points. But the next season would change NHL history forever.

In 1968-69, not one, but three hockey legends shattered the 100-point barrier for the first time: Phil Esposito, Bobby Hull, and Gordie Howe.

Phil Esposito: The First to 100

On March 2, 1969, Boston Bruins centre Phil Esposito reached the milestone in style. Facing the Pittsburgh Penguins at Boston Garden, Esposito scored his 39th goal of the season just 17 seconds into the third period, assisted by Ken Hodge and Ted Green. That goal marked point number 100.

He wasn’t done, adding a shorthanded goal later in the period, assisted by Hodge and Bobby Orr, on the way to a 4-0 win. Esposito ended the year with 126 points, earning his first of five Art Ross Trophies.

Bobby Hull: The Golden Jet Follows

On March 20, 1969, in the same Boston Garden, Bobby Hull of the Chicago Blackhawks became the second man to hit 100 points. Needing two points going into the game, Hull scored his 54th goal with less than three minutes left, then struck again just 13 seconds later for the magic number.

Hull closed the season with 107 points, finishing second to Esposito in the scoring race.

Gordie Howe: Mr. Hockey Joins the Club

Finally, on March 30, 1969, Gordie Howe entered the Detroit Red Wings last game of the season with 99 points. Against Hull’s Blackhawks, Howe scored his 43rd goal just 33 seconds into the second period for point number 100.

He added another goal and two assists for a four-point night, finishing the season with 103 points, good for third in the Art Ross race.

Quiz: NHL’s First Triple 100-Point Season (1968-69)

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our Hockey Trivia website!

1. Who was the first player in NHL history to reach 100 points in a single season?
   Bobby Hull
   Phil Esposito
   Gordie Howe
   
2. In which month of 1969 did Phil Esposito hit the 100-point milestone?
   January
   March
   February
   
3. How many points did Bobby Hull finish with in the 1968-69 season?
   100
   107
   126
   
4. Gordie Howe reached his 100th point against which team?
   Boston Bruins
   Chicago Blackhawks
   New York Rangers
   
5. How many points did Phil Esposito total in 1968-69?
   107
   103
   126