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
   

Opening Night 1979: Ray Bourque Bursts Onto the Scene With Bruins

October 11, 1979 at Boston Garden
The 1979-80 NHL season kicked off with a statement from a future legend. Ray Bourque, selected eighth overall by the Boston Bruins in the landmark 1979 NHL Entry Draft, wasted no time proving the seven teams who passed on him may have made a colossal mistake.

Boston welcomed the Winnipeg Jets, fresh out of the WHA and still finding their NHL footing. Just 40 seconds into the game, Al Secord opened the scoring for the Bruins. The secondary assist went to none other than Ray Bourque, his first NHL point, with Jean Ratelle also registering a helper.

Midway through the second period, with Boston up 3-0, Bourque notched his first NHL goal, a powerplay marker with assists from Ratelle and Dick Redmond. Gilles Gilbert stood tall in net, earning a shutout on just 20 saves in a dominant 4-0 Bruins win.

Though Bourque had just five points in his first 12 games, he quickly adjusted to the pace of the NHL. He would go on to tally 17 goals and 48 assists for 65 points in his rookie campaign, good enough to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie and even finish fourth in Norris Trophy voting as best defenseman.

About Ray Bourque

Ray Bourque played 1,612 regular season and 214 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1979-80 and 2000-01 with the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche. The five-time Norris Trophy winner won a Stanley Cup championship with the Avalanche in his final year. Bourque was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.

Ray Bourque's NHL Debut - Trivia Quiz

There is much more NHL hockey trivia at our hockey trivia website!

1. What overall pick was Ray Bourque in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft?

3rd
5th
8th
10th

2. Who scored the first Bruins goal in Bourque’s debut game?

Ray Bourque
Al Secord
Jean Ratelle
Rick Middleton

3. Who were the Bruins playing on October 11, 1979?

Winnipeg Jets
Pittsburgh Penguins
Quebec Nordiques
Hartford Whalers

4. How many points did Bourque have in his rookie season?

59
72
65
48

5. What trophy did Bourque win at the end of his rookie year?

Norris Trophy
Calder Trophy
Hart Trophy
Art Ross Trophy

Ken Hodge’s 6 Assist Game Still a Boston Bruins Record

On February 9, 1971, Ken Hodge turned playmaker and carved his name into Boston Bruins history with a record-setting performance that still stands today. Known more for lighting the lamp than setting up goals, Hodge dished out six assists in a 6-3 win over the visiting New York Rangers.

That night, Hodge played provider on two goals by Bobby Orr, two by Wayne Cashman, one by Phil Esposito, and one by Johnny Bucyk. Though he fired four shots of his own at Rangers goalie Gilles Villemure, he couldn’t find the back of the net. But it was his incredible setup work that stole the spotlight.

Just weeks earlier, Bucyk had tied the club’s previous record with five assists in a single game. Hodge surpassed it with his six-helper night, becoming the sole record-holder, though not for long. On January 1, 1973, Bobby Orr matched the feat with six assists of his own against the Vancouver Canucks. As of today, Hodge and Orr remain co-holders of the Bruins' single-game assist record.

Interestingly, Hodge joined the list of Bruins players with five-assist nights just over a year later, doing it again on November 9, 1972, in a game versus Detroit.

The 1970-71 season would prove to be Hodge’s best. He tallied 62 assists and 43 goals for 105 points, ranking fourth in the NHL in all three categories. Still, he remained somewhat in the shadows with teammates Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr were busy shattering league records of their own.

About Ken Hodge

Ken Hodge played 880 regular season and 97 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1964-65 and 1977-78 with the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. Prior to his NHL start, he earned the Eddie Powers Trophy as the OHA Junior A (OHL) top scorer in 1964-65, putting up 63 goals and 123 points with the St. Catharines Black Hawks.

Involved in two major trades over his NHL career, Hodge was shipped from Chicago to Boston on May 15, 1967 with Phil Esposito and Fred Stanfield for Gilles Marotte, Pit Martin and Jack Norris. On May 26, 1976, he was traded from the Bruins to the Rangers for Rick Middleton. Middleton went on to a great career with Boston while Hodge soon fizzled out and played just one full season with the Blue Shirts.

NHL Hockey Card Greats: Ken Hodge [Video]

John Ferguson Fights, Scores, and Shines in First Canadiens Game

When the Montreal Canadiens brought in John Ferguson, the mission was clear, protect Jean Beliveau and keep opponents honest. But on October 8, 1963, in his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins, Ferguson proved he was more than just muscle. He was a scoring threat.

Just 12 seconds into his first NHL game, Ferguson tangled with Boston’s Ted Green, earning a roughing minor and an early trip to the penalty box. It seemed the Canadiens had gotten the enforcer they wanted but then came the scoring.

Midway through the first period, Ferguson netted his first NHL goal, set up perfectly by none other than Jean Beliveau, and beat Bruins goalie Eddie Johnston. In the second period, Ferguson struck again, this time assisted by Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion and Jacques Laperriere. Moments later, he returned the favor, assisting on a Geoffrion goal for a remarkable three-point debut.

Before joining the NHL, Ferguson had shown his scoring chops with the AHL’s Cleveland Barons in 1962-63, finishing third in goals (38) and second in penalty minutes (179). That same mix of grit and scoring followed him to Montreal.

By the end of his rookie season, Ferguson had 18 goals and 45 points over 59 games while also racking up 125 penalty minutes (seventh most in the NHL that year). He finished second in voting for the Calder Trophy, behind teammate Jacques Laperriere. Fellow Hab Terry Harper finished third.

About John Ferguson

Between 1963-64 and 1970-71, John Ferguson played 500 regular season and 85 playoff games in the National Hockey League, all with the Montreal Canadiens. Despite playing just eight seasons in the NHL, Ferguson was a member of five Stanley Cup championship teams with the Habs.

Known for his toughness, John could provide offense, as well. Twice, he reached the 20 goal plateau, putting up a career best 29 in 1968-69. That number tied him with Jacques Lemaire for fourth on the team. That year, he finished third in the NHL with a career high 185 penalty minutes, 34 PIM behind leader Forbes Kennedy.

Rick Middleton Nets Nifty Hat Trick in His Bruins Debut

Rick Middleton made an unforgettable first impression in Boston. Drafted 14th overall by the New York Rangers in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft, Middleton came up through the Oshawa Generals program and spent two solid seasons on Broadway before being traded to the Bruins in exchange for veteran Ken Hodge ahead of the 1976-77 campaign.

Determined to prove his worth in his new hockey home, Middleton made a dazzling debut. On October 7, 1976, in Boston’s season and home opener at the Boston Garden against the Minnesota North Stars, he recorded a hat trick, scoring three of Boston’s six goals in a commanding 6-2 win.

His first goal as a Bruin came at 15:21 of the second period, assisted by Jean Ratelle and Johnny Bucyk. It gave the Bruins a 2-0 lead and electrified the Garden crowd. Middleton struck again late in the third at 15:36, assisted by Gregg Sheppard and goaltender GerryCheevers. Less than three minutes later, he completed the hat trick on a feed from Don Marcotte. Amazingly, Middleton scored on all three of his credited shots.

It was his only hat trick of the season, but far from his last big moment in black and gold. Middleton went on to score 20 goals in 72 games that year and added five more in the playoffs, helping the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup Final, where they ultimately fell to the powerhouse Montreal Canadiens.

Middleton’s NHL career spanned from 1974-75 to 1987-88, totaling 1,005 regular-season games and 114 playoff appearances with the Rangers and Bruins. He scored 51 goals in 1981-82 and topped 100 points twice, carving out a legacy as one of the most skilled wingers of his era.

The Rick Middleton Trade

On May 26, 1976, Rick Middleton was traded from the New York Rangers to the Boston Bruins straight up for Ken Hodge. Middleton went on to score 402 regular season goals for the Bruins, adding 45 more in the playoffs.

Ken Hodge would play just one full season with the Rangers, 1976-77, while appearing in 18 games for the Blue Shirts in 1977-78, his final games in the NHL. The one-time 50 goal scorer with the Bruins scored 21 in 1976-77 and added two more in 1977-78. Clearly, Boston won this trade.

NHL Hockey Card Greats: Rick Middleton [Video]

Rick Middleton Shines with Four-Point Night in Fiery Win Over North Stars (Feb. 26, 1981)

Boston Garden was buzzing as the Bruins hosted the Minnesota North Stars, but no one made a bigger impact than Rick Middleton. In a 5-1 Bruins victory that was equal parts highlight reel and penalty box parade, Middleton delivered a vintage performance.

In the first period, Middleton helped open the scoring by assisting on a shorthanded goal by Mike O’Connell. Later in the frame, he teamed up with Ray Bourque to set up Jean Ratelle, who notched what would be the final goal of his illustrious NHL career, fittingly on the powerplay.

While chaos unfolded around him in a game that featured a staggering 404 penalty minutes, still one of the most penalized games in NHL history, Middleton managed to stay clear of the rough stuff until late in the second. At 17:13, he and former teammate Joe Zanussi dropped the gloves, each earning five-minute majors. Keith Crowder, however, led the penalty parade with 43 PIM, a mark that still ranks in the top 25 all-time for a single game.

Middleton wasn’t finished. In the third period, he returned to the scoresheet with style, netting two shorthanded goals just 62 seconds apart. One came unassisted, the other with help from Ratelle. Both came while Mike O’Connell was in the box, and both beat Minnesota goalie Gilles Meloche. Interestingly, both Meloche and Bruins netminder Rogie Vachon had earlier picked up minor penalties of their own during one of the game’s many melees.

By the end of the night, Middleton had posted two goals and two assists, all on special teams. He finished +3 and fired four of Boston’s 27 shots. It was a performance for the ages, not only for its offensive brilliance but for its poise amid the mayhem.

About Rick Middleton

Rick Middleton played 1,005 regular season and 114 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1974-75 and 1987-88 with the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins. Originally, he was a first round pick by the Rangers at the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft out of the Oshawa Generals.

In 1973-74, between his junior days and NHL career, Middleton was awarded the Dudley Red Garrett Award as the AHL's top rookie. Playing for the Providence Reds, Rick scored 36 and assisted on 48 for 84 points in 63 regular season games. In the post season, he added 15 points in 15 games with the Reds losing the Calder Cup final to the Hershey Bears.

Left out of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Middleton has been honoured by the Boston Bruins with jersey number 16 retired by the club in 2018. From the start of his NHL career with the Rangers in 1974-75, Rick scored 20 or more goals in eleven consecutive seasons. He had eight years with 30 or more goals and topped out with a career high 51 in 1981-82.

NHL Hockey Card Greats: Rick Middleton [Video]

Ray Bourque's Lone NHL Hat Trick Came in a Blowout Win Over the Nordiques

Ray Bourque’s legendary NHL career included 410 goals, five Norris Trophies, and over 1,600 regular season games. Yet, the Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman only recorded a single NHL hat trick, coming in dominant fashion.

On March 8, 1983, the Boston Bruins visited their rivals, the Quebec Nordiques, at Le Colisée. The Bruins overwhelmed Quebec goalie Dan Bouchard in an 11-5 rout. Bourque scored his 18th, 19th, and 20th goals of the 1982-83 season during a blistering ten-minute stretch in the second period. His second tally, Boston’s sixth of the night, stood as the game-winner. He also assisted on a first-period goal by Peter McNab, finishing the night with four points and seven shots on net.

Interestingly, Bourque would again make history against Quebec in 1991 by firing 19 shots in a single game, still the NHL record for most by one player. The blowout saw big contributions across the Bruins roster. McNab tallied five points (two goals, three assists), while Keith Crowder and Rick Middleton each had four-point performances. Bouchard played the full 60 minutes for the Nordiques, surrendering the 11 goals on 38 shots.

Bourque played from 1979-80 through 2000-01 with Boston and Colorado. After more than two decades of elite play, he finally won a Stanley Cup in his final NHL game with the Avalanche. In 2004, he was rightfully enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

About Ray Bourque

The eighth overall pick at the 1979 NHL Entry Draft, Ray Bourque played 1,612 regular season and 214 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1979-80 and 2000-01 with the Bruins and Avalanche. His regular season game total places him 13th all-time, three games behind Larry Murphy. 

Bourque won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 1979-80 then went on to win the Norris Trophy five times as the league's top defenseman. The longest serving team captain in the history of the Boston Bruins has his number 77 retired by both the Bruins and Avalanche. Ray was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.

Bobby Orr Dominates as Bruins Crush Capitals in First Ever Meeting At Boston Garden

On November 7, 1974, the Boston Bruins hosted the newly formed Washington Capitals at the legendary Boston Garden. The Bruins, hovering around the .500 mark early in the 1974-75 NHL season, found the perfect opportunity to gain momentum against the struggling expansion team.

The Capitals, sitting at a dismal 1-9-1, were no match for the Bruins and certainly not for Bobby Orr. The Hall of Fame defenseman wasted no time, opening the scoring just 3:51 into the first period. Orr then assisted on goals by Don Marcotte and Johnny Bucyk, wrapping up the period with three points.

Orr wasn’t done. He scored again just 55 seconds into the second period, then completed his hat trick later that frame. He capped off a six-point night with another assist on Phil Esposito’s 14th goal of the season.

The Bruins cruised to a 10-4 victory. Orr finished with three goals, three assists, eight shots, and an impressive +7 rating. Esposito added four points of his own with a goal and three helpers. The Capitals’ goaltending tandem had a rough night. Ron Low allowed six goals on 19 shots before being relieved by Michel Belhumeur, who gave up four more on 22 attempts.

Bobby Orr proved to be a nightmare for Washington all season long. In four games against the Capitals, he tallied 16 points. Boston dominated the season series, outscoring the Caps 41-10 over five games. However, the third meeting ended in a surprising 3-3 tie, a small but meaningful milestone for the NHL’s newest franchise.

Washington Capitals Inaugural Season

The Washington Capitals joined the NHL, along with the Kansas City Scouts, for the 1974-75 season. It did not go well. The eight wins the Capitals recorded remain as the least by any team in a single season with at least a 70 game schedule. The team finished with just 21 points over 80 games, 20 points behind their expansion cousins in Kansas City.

Placed in the Norris Division, the Caps were fifth out of the five teams, a massive 92 points behind the division leading Montreal Canadiens. Tommy Williams led the team with 22 goals and 58 points. Michel Belhumeur was the team's best goaltender with a 5.37 goals against average while Ron Low recorded a 5.45 GAA. John Adams played eight games between the pipes and had a 6.90 GAA and an 0-7 record.

Twice during that 1974-75 season, Washington lost games by the score of 12-1, once to the Boston Bruins and once to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the match with the Pens, Low faced 50 shots and Belhumeur took on 15 in relief for a total of 65. In seven games, that allowed 10 or more goals. The most they scored in a game was eight in an 8-4 win over Pittsburgh.

Ron Low did manage to record the franchise's first shutout, stopping all 32 shots in a 3-0 win over the Kansas City Scouts. It would get slightly better for the team in 1975-76, winning eleven games and totaling 32 points.

Don Marcotte Pulls Off Rare Feat: Scores Two Shorthanded Goals on the Same Penalty Kill

In a moment that’s etched in Boston Bruins history, Don Marcotte pulled off one of the rarest feats in NHL hockey: scoring two shorthanded goals during the same penalty kill. This incredible performance took place on opening night of the 1970-71 NHL season against the Detroit Red Wings at the historic Boston Garden. It was an unforgettable display of penalty-killing brilliance and offensive skill.

A Strong Start for the Bruins' 1970-71 Season

The Boston Bruins entered the third period with a 4-2 lead over the visiting Detroit Red Wings. Just over five minutes into the period, Bruins defenseman Bill Speer was sent to the penalty box for holding, his second penalty of the period. The Red Wings saw this as an opportunity to claw their way back into the game. However, Don Marcotte had other plans.

Don Marcotte's Shorthanded Masterclass

Just 25 seconds into the penalty, at 5:34 of the third period, Marcotte intercepted the puck and scored unassisted on Detroit goaltender Roy Edwards, giving the Bruins a commanding 5-2 lead.

But he wasn’t done.

Just over a minute later, still during the Speer minor, Marcotte found the net again, this time with assists from Ed Westfall and Rick Smith. That second short-handed goal, scored at 6:38, stretched Boston’s lead to 6-2 and effectively sealed the win.

Bruins Dominate in 7-3 Victory Over Red Wings

Although each team added a goal before the final horn, the Bruins' dominance was clear. The game ended with a 7-3 Boston win. Rick Smith and Ken Hodge both tallied three points, while Detroit’s PeteStemkowski notched a goal and an assist.

Despite facing 42 shots on goal, Detroit's goalie Roy Edwards could only stop 35, including just two from Marcotte, both of which found the back of the net.

Marcotte’s 1970-71 NHL Season: A Shorthanded Threat

Marcotte finished the 1970-71 season with 15 goals, seven of them shorthanded. This tied him for second-most shorthanded goals in the NHL that year, alongside teammate Ed Westfall and just one behind league leader DaveKeon.

Notably, Marcotte repeated his short-handed heroics later that season, scoring two more shorties in a December 25, 1970 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The first of those was the game-winning goal, adding another chapter to his incredible season.

Why Don Marcotte's Feat Still Matters

Scoring one shorthanded goal is tough. Scoring two during the same penalty kill is almost unheard of, even decades later. Marcotte’s performance on that October night remains a shining example of defensive discipline and offensive instinct and it's a big reason he's remembered as one of the Bruins' most dependable two-way forwards.

About Don Marcotte

Don Marcotte spent his entire career in the Boston Bruins organization, starting with the Victoriaville Bruins and Niagara Falls Flyers in junior, along with the Oklahoma City Blazers, Hershey Bears and Boston Braves in the minors. He played his first NHL game with the Bruins in 1965-66 while still a junior with Niagara Falls.

Between 1965-66 and 1981-82, Marcotte played 868 regular season and 132 playoff games in the National Hockey League. He was a two-time Stanley Cup champion with Boston, going with his Memorial Cup win with the N.F. Flyers, CHL title with Oklahoma City and Calder Cup win with Hershey.

Of his 230 regular season goals in the NHL, 21 were shorthanded. He also had 21 shorthanded assists. He also had three goals and two assists on the penalty kill in the post season. Don reached the 20 goal plateau in seven seasons and had a career high 31 goals in 1974-75 with Boston.

Bobby Hull vs Bronco Horvath: 1960 Art Ross Trophy Showdown in Season Finale

In a thrilling conclusion to the 1959-60 NHL regular season, Chicago Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull narrowly captured the Art Ross Trophy, edging out Boston Bruins forward Bronco Horvath by a single point. The two scoring leaders went head-to-head on March 20, 1960, at the historic Boston Garden in what became a memorable offensive showdown.

Heading into the final game, Horvath led the league with 80 points and topped the NHL goal-scoring list with 39. Hull trailed closely behind with 79 points and 38 goals. With the Art Ross Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top point scorer, hanging in the balance, all eyes were on these two stars.

Midway through the second period, Hull tied Horvath in both points and goals, scoring his 39th goal of the season on a powerplay against Bruins goaltender Don Simmons. The goal was assisted by Pierre Pilote and Elmer Vasko. Then, with just under seven minutes remaining in the third period, Hull notched a critical assist on an Eric Nesterenko goal, bringing his point total to 81.

Despite the Bruins scoring five goals in the 5-5 tie, Horvath was held off the scoresheet. He registered three shots on Blackhawks netminder Glenn Hall but failed to tally a point. Teammates DougMohns and Don McKenney led the way for Boston with three points each.

Hull’s late-game heroics earned him his first career Art Ross Trophy, the first of three he would go on to win. While Horvath shared the league lead in goals, he fell just short in the overall points race. The 1959-60 season marked the pinnacle of Horvath’s NHL career, which declined shortly thereafter. In a twist of fate, he later joined Hull on the Blackhawks roster during the 1961-62 season.

About Bobby Hull

For Bobby Hull, his narrow Art Ross Trophy win in 1959-60 was the first of three over his NHL career, all with the Chicago Blackhawks. He would also win the Hart Trophy twice to go with his one Stanley Cup championship with the Hawks in 1960-61.

Between 1957-58 and 1979-80, Hull played 1,063 regular season and 119 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Chicago Blackhawks, Winnipeg Jets and Hartford Whalers. He alos appeared in 411 regular season and 60 playoff games in the WHA between 1972-73 and 1978-79, all with the Winnipeg Jets.

The Golden Jet was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. That same year, the Blackhawks retired his jersey number 9. It was the second number to be retired by the club following Stan Mikita in 1980.

About Bronco Horvath

Bronco Horvath played 434 regular season and 36 playoff games in the NHL between 1955-56 and 1967-68 with the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Minnesota North Stars. He spent six years in the minors before making his NHL debut with the Rangers.

His 39 goal and 80 points season in 1959-60 was the pinnacle of Horvath's NHL career. His 30 goals in 1957-58 was the only other time he surpassed the 20 goal plateau. In the minors, he won a scoring title in the WHL with the Edmonton Flyers in 1954-55. He won a championship with the Flyers that year and was part of three Calder Cup championship teams with the Rochester Americans of the AHL.

After 3 Years In The Minors, Gregg Sheppard Bursts Onto Scene With The Bruins In 1972-73

It looked like it would be four years in the minors for Gregg Sheppard. He started the 1972-73 season in the AHL with the Boston Braves. However, after posting ten points in eight games, the NHL Bruins finally gave Sheppard a shot at the big show.

Gregg's first game was Boston's tenth of the 1972-73 NHL season and his performance was pretty lackluster in a 3-2 Bruins win against Toronto at Maple Leaf Gardens. In game two, however, Sheppard got the ball (puck) rolling.

Hat Trick In Second Game

Against the expansion New York Islanders at Boston Garden, Sheppard recorded his first of six NHL career hat tricks, putting three goals on six shots past New York goalie Billy Smith. The Bruins came out on top in a 9-1 blowout.

Was it a lucky game against a team that had played just a handful of games in their young NHL existence? Sheppard was about to have a month of November that would prove he deserved to stay with the Bruins. 

More on that game in our Facebook Article: Gregg Sheppard 2nd Game Hat Trick

Hot November

Sheppard played 13 games for the Bruins in November, 1972. The rookie scored eight goals over that time while adding nine assists for 17 points. He had three more three point games to go with his second game hat trick. 

Against the California Golden Seals on November 3, Gregg had two goals and an assist in a 6-6 tie. He scored the first and last goals of a six goal second period. Both were scored on Gilles Meloche and both were assisted by Don Marcotte. In that second frame, he also assisted on a Garnet Bailey goal. The only player to outscore him in the game was Joey Johnston of the Golden Seals who scored a hat trick and added an assist.

On November 19, 1972, the Bruins hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs and won 6-5. Sheppard scored a pair on Ron Low, including the game winning goal at 8:21 of the third. Again, both his goals were assisted by Marcotte. Gregg added an assist on a Mike Walton goal for the three point game.

On November 26, the Bruins took out the Philadelphia Flyers 6-4 at the Boston Garden. Gregg scored Boston's sixth goal of the game at 4:20 of the second period on Doug Favell, unassisted. That made the score 6-1 and resulted in Favell being replaced by Michel Belhumeur. The goal went with assists on markers by Bobby Orr and Don Marcotte for his last three point game of the month.

The Rest Of The 1972-73 NHL Season

That would it for the three point games in 1972-73 for Sheppard. However, he finished up the campaign with 24 goals and 26 assists for 50 points over 64 games. This got him some consideration for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year, finishing tied for sixth in voting with Phil Russell of the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Taking the Calder that year was Steve Vickers of the New York Rangers. It was a fairly tight race with runner-up Bill Barber of the Philadelphia Flyers not far behind. Also in the running were Billy Harris, Jim Schoenfeld and Dan Bouchard.

Eddie Westfall Scores A Pair Of Shorthanded Game Winners For The Boston Bruins In 1968-69

Ed Westfall is known for his penalty killing abilities. With 26 of his 231 regular season goals in the NHL scored while shorthanded, he was a predecessor to what they now call the "Power Kill". In 1968-69 with the Boston Bruins, he had four shorthanded markers and four game winning goals. On two occasions, his shorties were the game winners.

On February 2, 1969, the Bruins hosted the Detroit Red Wings at Boston Garden. At 9:59 of the second period, Westfall scored on Roy Edwards, assisted by Don Awrey while teammate Derek Sanderson was in the box serving a minor penalty for high sticking. The goal made the score 3-0 for the home team. The goal would hold as the game winner in the 4-2 Boston win.

Later that month, on February 27, 1969, the Bruins were on the road for a game against the Oakland Seals at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena. 2:25 into the game, Westfall scored shorthanded on Chris Worthy, assisted by Boston goalie Ed Johnston. The goal was shorthanded with Ron Murphy in the box for hooking. 

That goal was also all the Bruins needed and Westfall's shorthanded marker was the game winning goal in a 9-0 shutout. In the match, Ed also assisted on a pair of goals by Eddie Shack for a three point game. Phil Esposito and Ken Hodge also had three point games in the lopsided win.

Over that 1968-69 NHL season, Westfall also had shorthanded goals against the Minnesota North Stars and New York Rangers. His other two game winning goals were scored on the Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues. He continued his power kill in the playoffs with one shorty each against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. He had just three total goals in the playoffs.

  

Vintage Hockey Card Video Series

As I write this, I'm fighting with some sort of glitch that is freezing up the upload for the final of six videos featuring vintage hockey cards from the NHL's Original 6 teams. This is just a shout out to anyone reading 'Hockey History Hub' that these videos are nearly 100% online at YouTube. If you're reading something here and enjoying this site, then chances are you'll want to kill some time looking at some of the greatest in the game's history on some classic cardboard.

Each of the Original 6 team videos has at least 100 different vintage hockey cards and each video lasts between three and five minutes. Each is produced with what I think is some pretty great background music. So, if you're at work, yes - there is audio so turn it down...

Mostly, the cards are from the 1951-52 to 1979-80 range and come from sets produced by Parkhurst, Topps and O-Pee-Chee. There are cards from before and after the range in some of the videos but not a whole lot. Because it just didn't look right to have 'landscape' card fronts mixed with the usual 'portrait' fronts, some years have been left out. These would be your 1963-64 Topps, 1968-69 O-Pee-Chee and sets like that. Also, we didn't put in any of the 1964-65 Topps tallboys because they just wouldn't fit the format (yep, I'm a little anal about that stuff...).

All the cards are included in the Virtual Hockey Card Collection at Vintage Hockey Cards Report. This is what is becoming a fairly complete online collection of hockey cards (front and back). This is a project that I hope will expand beyond the NHL and the range of years given above. I plan to move into minor league, junior and even European sets in the relatively near future. It's pretty time consuming, though. The images have to be collected, straightened, cropped then added to a template and uploaded. I'm not the most technical so my method is pretty labour intensive (aka slow).

I've embedded one of the videos below to give you a taste. Hopefully you'll head over to the YouTube channel to check out the others. Links to each video are found in the index of the Virtual Collection. I've also grouped them into a clean and tidy YouTube playlist so they can be watched consecutively without having to keep hitting play...

The video below features the Chicago Blackhawks. Of course, there's a fair share of Bobby Hull, Glenn Hall and Stan Mikita cards but there's a lot more there, as well. Be sure to hit the Thumb's Up if you like it!

Top 5 NHL Goal Scorers In 1968-69

In 1968-69, Bobby Hull of the Chicago Black Hawks set a National Hockey League record that would last for just two seasons. Hull scored 58 goals, a record that would remain a NHL best until Phil Esposito shattered the mark with 76 goals two years later in 1970-71. Of course, there was no award for this feat back in 1968-69. The Rocket Richard Trophy honouring the NHL’s top goal scorer was not introduced until 1998-99.

Bobby Hull – Chicago Blackhawks

Bobby Hull led the league with what was his fourth of five times during his National Hockey League career that he scored 50 or more goals in a single season. Despite his offensive efforts, the Black Hawks finished sixth and last in the East Division and did not qualify for the post season. Chicago had 77 points in 76 games, a point total that would have placed them second in the West Division.

Phil Esposito – Boston Bruins

Phil Esposito finished tied for second with 49 goals. Esposito shattered the NHL record for points in a season with 126, earning the Art Ross Trophy. Phil helped his team to a 100 point finish during the regular season, behind only the Montreal Canadiens. The Bruins lost in the semi-finals but would be redeemed the following season by winning the Stanley Cup.

Frank Mahovlich – Detroit Red Wings

Frank Mahovlich of the Detroit Red Wings also finished with 49 goals. Despite Mahovlich and Gordie Howe finishing among the top five goal scorers, Detroit finished fifth in the East and did not qualify for the post season. The 49 goals was a high for Frank in a career that spanned from 1956-57 to 1973-74 and saw him score a total of 533 goals while playing for the Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Ken Hodge – Boston Bruins

Ken Hodge of the Bruins nearly doubled his goal production from the previous season, finishing fourth in the NHL with 45 goals. Hodge would achieve the 50 goal plateau for the only time in his career five years later with exactly 50 in 1973-74.

Gordie Howe – Detroit Red Wings

At 41 years old, Gordie Howe finished fifth with 44 goals. His career high of 49 goals came back in 1952-53. Despite his 801 career regular season NHL goals, Gordie never topped the 50 goal plateau in a single season. After never having a player top the 100 point plateau before 1968-69, Howe was one of three to top 100 points, along with Esposito and Hull, with 103.

In the end, the two teams that met in the Stanley Cup final did not have a representative in the top five goal scorers. The Montreal Canadiens faced off against the St. Louis Blues and came out with a sweep. It was the second consecutive year that the two came together in the final series with St. Louis not winning a single game.

Gordie Howe 1968-69 O-Pee-Chee Hockey Card [YouTube Shorts]

Top NHL Teams In Each Decade

It is an on-going argument which NHL teams are the best of all-time. It is hard to compare the 1930 Boston Bruins with the 1977 Montreal Canadiens when the rules, conditions, equipment, training and number of teams have changed drastically through the years.

 We go Vulcan with this article, showing the best NHL team from each decade since the 1920’s based entirely on single season winning percentage. The number of games played in a season has gone from 24 to 82 in just a short 80 years and winning percentage is the only true measure of a team’s success during the regular season. Just to be clear, this is based on the top single season performance by a team during the decade and not the collective winning percentage over the ten years.

1919-20 Ottawa Senators

The 1919-20 Ottawa Senators played in a young NHL with only 3 other teams and with only a 24 game schedule. The team won 19 of the 24 games and had no ties for a winning percentage of .792. The Senators won the Stanley Cup that season which is, from what we will find out, somewhat of a rarity among teams who excel to extreme levels of success during the regular season.

Ottawa was led offensively by Frank Nighbor and in net by Clint Benedict. Nighbor, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame since 1947, played for Ottawa from 1915-16 to 1929-30. Benedict is also enshrined in the HHOF but entered in 1965. He played with the Senators from 1912-13 to 1923-24 before finishing his career with the Montreal Maroons.

1929-30 Boston Bruins

The 1929-30 Boston Bruins had the highest single season winning percentage of all-time. In the 44 games schedule, the Bruins had 38 wins and 1 tie to go along with their 5 losses for a winning percentage of .875. This was the era before the ‘Original 6’ and the NHL consisted of two divisions of 5 teams. The Bruins were easily the top team in the American Division. However, the Montreal Canadiens from the Canadian Division would be the eventual winners of the Stanley Cup that season.

Art Ross coached the Bruins, and was Boston’s first ever head coach. He would lead the team to a Stanley Cup championship at the end of the decade in 1938-39. In 1929-30, Cooney Weiland of the Bruins led the NHL in goals and points. Other greats playing with Boston that year were Dit Clapper, Eddie Shore and goaltender Tiny Thompson.

1943-44 Montreal Canadiens

The 1943-44 Montreal Canadiens would achieve a winning percentage of .830 with 38 wins, 5 losses and 7 ties over a 50 game season. The league consisted of 6 teams and the Canadiens were crowned Stanley Cup Champions. The Dick Irvin coached team had a healthy 25 point lead over the second place Detroit Red Wings.

Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard was just in his first full season in the NHL after appearing in just 16 games with the Canadiens the year before. His 32 goals led the Canadiens and tied him for 6^th in the league with Bill Mosienko of the Chicago Blackhawks and Syd Howe of the Red Wings. Playing all 50 games in net for the Habs was Bill Durnan.

1950-51 Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings had a winning percentage of .721 in 1950-51 on 44 wins, 13 losses and 13 ties over 70 games. The league still consisted of the original 6 teams. Despite Detroit’s success, the Toronto Maple Leafs would steal the Stanley Cup away. The Red Wings fell to the Montreal Canadiens in the opening round, four games to two. Montreal finished the regular season in third place, 36 points behind the Red Wings. It was a close battle with the Habs outscoring Detroit over the series by just one goal and two of the six games going into overtime.

Detroit’s Gordie Howe led the NHL in both goals and assists. He won the Art Ross Trophy with a commanding 20 point lead over Rocket Richard. Only one man stood between the pipes for Detroit during the 1950-51 NHL season, Terry Sawchuk.

1961-62 Montreal Canadiens

The 1961-62 Montreal Canadiens had a winning percentage of .700 on 42 wins, 14 losses and 14 ties over 70 games. The league was in its final decade of just 6 teams with expansion arriving in 1967-68. Once again, the Toronto Maple Leafs snatched the Stanley Cup away from the regular season league leader.

The Toe Blake coached Canadiens were led offensively by Ralph Backstrom and Claude Provost. Jacques Plante played every single game in goal for the team. Montreal was knocked out in the first round by the third place Chicago Blackhawks.

1976-77 Montreal Canadiens

The team that is considered by many to be the best of all-time put in a winning percentage of .825 in 1976-77. The Montreal Canadiens lost just 8 games while winning 60 and tying 12 over 80 games in the 18 team league. The Canadiens would breeze to a Stanley Cup win that season, losing just two playoff games. Montreal dropped two to the New York Islanders in the semi-finals while sweeping the St. Louis Blues in the opening round and the Boston Bruins in the finals.

Offensively, Steve Shutt led the league with 60 goals while Guy Lafleur led the NHL with 80 assists and 136 points. Of course, the Scotty Bowman coached Habs were led in goal by Ken Dryden with Michel Larocque doing an admirable job as backup.

1983-84 Edmonton Oilers

Wayne Gretzky and his Edmonton Oilers controlled the 1983-84 season with a winning percentage of .744 on 57 wins, 18 losses and 5 ties over 80 games. Not only would the Oilers top the 21-team league over the regular season but would take the Stanley Cup, as well. The Oilers took out the defending champion New York Islanders in five games in the finals. New York had won the Stanley Cup for the past four seasons. Edmonton’s toughest challenge came in the quarter-finals when the Calgary Flames took them to the seven game limit.

Gretzky led the league with 87 goals, 118 assists and 205 points. He was a whopping 79 points ahead of second place Paul Coffey, also of the Oilers. Gretzky, Coffey, Jari Kurri and Mark Messier all topped the 100 point plateau. Andy Moog and Grant Fuhr shared the goaltending duties with what would have been lacklustre numbers on any other team.

1995-96 Detroit Red Wings

In 1995-96, the Detroit Red Wings set the record for most wins in a single season with 62, a record that stands today. The Wings posted a winning percentage of .799 over the 82 game schedule, losing 13 and tying 7. The league had expanded to 26 teams at this point. Despite the record number of wins, Detroit would fall to the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup semi-finals. Colorado then swept the Florida Panthers to win the championship.

The Scotty Bowman coached Red Wings were led offensively by Sergei Fedorov and Steve Yzerman. Sharing the goaltending duties were Chris Osgood and Mike Vernon.

2005-06 Detroit Red Wings

Ten years after their record performance, the Detroit Red Wings posted the best record of the decade with a .756 winning percentage in 2005-06. The feat was accomplished on a record of 58 wins, 16 losses and 8 ties. At this point, the league was up to 30 teams and remains at that number today. Once again, the Wings would not take home the Stanley Cup as the Carolina Hurricanes would win their first. In fact, Detroit was upset in the opening round by the Edmonton Oilers in six games.

It was Mike Babcock’s first year as head coach of the Red Wings and just two years later, he would have his first Stanley Cup championship. 2005-06 marked the start of the Pavel Datsyuk era and the end of the incredible career of Steve Yzerman. Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg led the team offensively while Manny Legace played the bulk of games in net.