Rick Martin and René Robert Combine for Six Third-Period Points Against Rangers

Rick Martin and René Robert needed just ten seconds between goals to turn a close game into a comfortable Buffalo lead. On January 10, 1974, the two French Connection wingers combined for eight points in a 7–2 victory over the New York Rangers at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. Six of those points came in the third period, including four in the opening 31 seconds. Gilbert Perreault, so often the driving force behind Buffalo’s offence, finished with a single assist.

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Highlights

• Buffalo defeated New York 7–2 on January 10, 1974.

• Martin and Robert each finished with four points.

• Six of their eight combined points came in the third period.

• Robert scored at 0:21 of the third; Martin followed at 0:31.

• Both assisted on Jim Lorentz’s first-period power-play goal.

• Martin finished the season with a franchise-first 52 goals.

• Buffalo missed the 1974 playoffs before reaching the 1975 Stanley Cup Final.

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Martin and Robert first appeared on the scoresheet late in the opening period, assisting on Jim Lorentz’s power-play goal against Ed Giacomin at 18:27. Lorentz scored again in the second, while Brad Park answered for New York. The Sabres carried a narrow 2–1 lead into the final frame, with little indication on the scoreboard of the outburst to come.

Robert started the third-period fireworks just 21 seconds after the faceoff, scoring his 13th goal of the season with assists from Martin and Perreault. Ten seconds later, Martin buried his 29th, helped by Robert and Jerry Korab. In barely half a minute, Buffalo’s one-goal advantage had grown to three, and Martin and Robert had already collected two points apiece in the period.

Don Luce and Korab also scored during Buffalo’s five-goal third period. Martin added his second of the night and 30th of the season at 14:54, with Robert earning the lone assist. Ted Irvine supplied New York’s other goal as the Sabres finished off the 7–2 win. Martin ended the evening with two goals and two assists, while Robert contributed a goal and three helpers.

Martin went on to become Buffalo’s first 50-goal scorer, finishing the 1973–74 season with 52 goals and 86 points. He matched that goal total the following year. Robert finished with 65 points, while Perreault recorded 51 in just 55 games. Buffalo missed the playoffs that spring, but the setback was temporary: the Sabres returned in 1974–75 and advanced all the way to the Stanley Cup Final.

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

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Lindy Ruff’s Four-Goal Night Against the Quebec Nordiques

Lindy Ruff was hardly a regular visitor to the scoresheet’s goal column, averaging roughly one goal every six or seven games over his NHL career. But on December 15, 1985, the Buffalo Sabres veteran enjoyed a night that any superstar would have treasured. Ruff scored four times against the Quebec Nordiques at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, powering the Sabres to a 6-2 victory.

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Highlights

• Ruff scored four goals against Quebec on December 15, 1985.

• Buffalo won 6-2 at Memorial Auditorium.

• Three of Ruff’s goals came in the second period.

• His second goal stood as the game winner.

• Two of his four goals came on the power play.

• It was his second and final NHL hat trick.

• Ruff later scored a penalty-shot winner against Quebec with the Rangers on November 26, 1989.

---

Nothing in the opening period hinted at the offensive outburst to come. The teams remained scoreless through 20 minutes before Mike Ramsey opened the scoring just 1:19 into the second. Ruff took over from there, beating Quebec goaltender Clint Malarchuk at 7:29 for his tenth goal of the season, assisted by Mike Foligno and Dave Andreychuk.

Just 1:58 later, Ruff struck again. With Buffalo on the power play, he scored at 9:27 with assists from John Tucker and Gilbert Perreault. That goal gave the Sabres a 3-0 lead and ultimately stood as the game winner. Quebec got on the board before Ruff completed his hat trick at 16:58, assisted by Foligno and Phil Housley, restoring Buffalo’s three-goal cushion.

Three goals would have made it a memorable evening, but Ruff had another finish waiting. At 13:33 of the third period, he scored his fourth of the game and 13th of the season, with Andreychuk and Ramsey collecting the assists. His second power-play goal of the night completed the scoring in Buffalo’s 6-2 win. It was the second and final hat trick of his NHL career.

The Nordiques would also provide the opposition for another unusual Ruff scoring milestone. On November 26, 1989, now wearing a New York Rangers uniform, he beat Mario Brunetta on a penalty shot at Madison Square Garden. The goal came at 11:20 of the second period, put New York ahead 2-0 and proved to be the winner in a 3-1 victory.

John Ogrodnick supplied the Rangers’ other two goals, including the opener just 15 seconds into the second period. Ruff’s only NHL penalty-shot goal was a fitting companion to his four-goal performance in Buffalo: two rare offensive highlights, two game-winning goals and the same unfortunate opponent.

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

A collection of the greatest Buffalo Sabres tales — from unforgettable moments to iconic personalities in franchise history.

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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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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

A celebration of the iconic history of the Boston Bruins — from legendary players to unforgettable moments.

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Bob MacMillan's Shorthanded Goal Sinks The Sabres In 1976

Bob MacMillan was beginning to establish himself as an NHL regular with the St. Louis Blues during the 1975-76 season. Originally a first-round pick of the New York Rangers in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft, the Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island native spent two seasons in the WHA before splitting 1974-75 between the Rangers and the AHL's Providence Reds. A move to St. Louis gave MacMillan a fresh start, and on January 13, 1976, he played a major role in a convincing victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

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Highlights

• January 13, 1976: St. Louis defeated Buffalo 7-3

• Bob MacMillan recorded 2 goals and 1 assist

• His first goal was unassisted and shorthanded

• The shorthanded goal ultimately stood as the game-winner

• MacMillan and Garry Unger each finished with three points

• MacMillan put seven shots on Buffalo goalie Gary Bromley

• Yves Belanger stopped 31 of 34 shots

• MacMillan later won the 1978-79 Lady Byng Trophy

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Buffalo opened the scoring when Brian Spencer scored the first of his two goals on the night. The Blues quickly answered, with MacMillan and Red Berenson setting up Garry Unger at 9:46 of the opening period. From there, St. Louis took control and Buffalo would not regain the lead.

MacMillan produced one of the game's biggest moments early in the second period. With Bert Wilson serving a penalty, MacMillan scored an unassisted shorthanded goal on Buffalo goaltender Gary Bromley at 1:46. The goal gave St. Louis a 4-1 advantage and ultimately stood as the game-winner in a 7-3 Blues victory.

MacMillan wasn't finished. At 11:54 of the second period, he scored his second goal of the game, this time with assists going to Jerry Butler and Unger. MacMillan finished the night with two goals, one assist and seven shots on goal. Unger also recorded two goals and an assist, while Blues goaltender Yves Belanger stopped 31 of Buffalo's 34 shots.

MacMillan went on to enjoy a lengthy NHL career from 1974-75 through 1984-85, appearing in 753 regular-season games and another 31 in the playoffs. He played for the Rangers, Blues, Atlanta and Calgary Flames, Colorado Rockies, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks. A six-time 20-goal scorer, MacMillan reached a career-high 38 goals in 1977-78 and won the Lady Byng Trophy the following season.

Bob Plager's Tales from the Blues Bench

Insights, stories, and unforgettable moments from Bob Plager’s time with the St. Louis Blues — a must-read for Blues fans.

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Rick Martin Reaches 50 Goals In Style With Historic Hat Trick For Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres closed out the 1973-74 NHL season with a memorable night at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, and Rick Martin made sure the home fans had something special to celebrate. Already one of the league's most dangerous scorers, Martin entered the final game of the season sitting on 49 goals and needing just one more to become the first player in franchise history to reach the coveted 50-goal mark.

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Highlights

• Rick Martin entered the final game of 1973-74 with 49 goals.

• Became the first 50-goal scorer in Buffalo Sabres history.

• Scored goal number 50 against Wayne Stephenson of the St. Louis Blues.

• Recorded a hat trick in Buffalo's season finale.

• Finished the season with 52 goals.

• Scored the game-winning goal in a 5-2 Sabres victory.

• Don Luce assisted on both Martin's 50th and 51st goals.

• Matched his 52-goal total again in 1974-75 despite missing 12 games.   

---

Facing the St. Louis Blues on April 7, 1974, Martin wasted little time making history. At 8:39 of the opening period, he beat Blues goaltender Wayne Stephenson for his 50th goal of the season. Paul Terbenche and Don Luce picked up the assists on the landmark tally, and the Buffalo crowd erupted as Martin etched his name into the Sabres record book.

The game remained firmly under Buffalo's control, and Martin added to his historic evening early in the third period. Just 2:47 into the final frame, he scored again, collecting his 51st goal of the year. Assisted by Luce and Mike Robitaille, the goal gave the Sabres a 3-0 lead and ultimately stood as the game-winning goal in Buffalo's 5-2 victory.

With the outcome already decided, Martin still had one more highlight left. With only 47 seconds remaining in regulation, he completed the hat trick by scoring his 52nd goal of the season. Norm Gratton and Gilbert Perreault earned the assists as Martin put an exclamation point on one of the greatest individual scoring performances in early Sabres history.

The hat trick not only made Martin the first 50-goal scorer in franchise history, but it also established 52 goals as the highest single-season total by a Sabres player at the time. Remarkably, he matched that total the following season, scoring another 52 goals in 1974-75 despite missing 12 games. For Buffalo fans, Martin's unforgettable finale to the 1973-74 season remains one of the defining moments of the franchise's early years.

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

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Future Flyers Legend Bill Barber Explodes For 4 Points In Just His 3rd NHL Game

Philadelphia fans didn’t have to wait long to see that rookie Bill Barber was something special. Selected seventh overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft, Barber spent part of his first professional season with the Richmond Robins of the AHL before getting his opportunity in the NHL. By the time the Flyers hosted the Buffalo Sabres on November 4, 1972 at the Spectrum, Barber was appearing in only the third NHL game of his career.

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Highlights:

• Bill Barber recorded 4 points in just his 3rd NHL game

• The game took place November 4, 1972 at the Spectrum

• Barber scored the first NHL goal of his career against Roger Crozier

• He added 3 assists in a 5-3 Flyers victory over Buffalo

• Rick MacLeish scored twice in the third period

• Barber finished his rookie season with 64 points in 69 games

• He later scored 420 NHL regular season goals

• Barber entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990

---

It didn’t take long for the young winger to make an impact. Just 4:31 into the opening period, Barber beat goaltender Roger Crozier for the first regular season goal of his NHL career. Assisted by Joe Watson and Rick MacLeish, the goal opened the scoring in what would become a memorable night for the rookie. It was also the first of 420 regular season goals Barber would score during an outstanding NHL career.

Barber wasn’t finished there. He picked up an assist on a second-period goal by Tom Bladon before helping set up two more goals by MacLeish in the third period. By the end of the night, Barber had piled up a goal and three assists for a four-point performance as Philadelphia defeated Buffalo 5-3.

The big night was an early sign of the consistency Barber would bring to the Flyers throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. During his rookie season in 1972-73, Barber scored 30 goals and added 34 assists for 64 points in 69 games. He finished second in Calder Trophy voting behind Steve Vickers of the New York Rangers.

From 1972-73 through 1983-84, Barber played 903 regular season games and another 129 playoff contests, all with Philadelphia. He became one of the most respected forwards in franchise history, helping the team to a pair of Stanley Cup championships, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990. His number 7 jersey was eventually retired not only by the Flyers, but also by the Kitchener Rangers, the junior club where his rise to hockey stardom began.

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

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

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7-7 Chaos: Sabres and Canadiens Combine for 10 First-Period Goals

On October 26, 1982, fans at the Montreal Forum were treated to one of the wildest first periods in NHL history. The Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres combined for 10 goals in the opening 20 minutes and remarkably, all 10 came from different players.

Buffalo exploded out of the gate, building a 3-0 lead by the 5:25 mark, including two goals just 25 seconds apart. Montreal answered with three of their own midway through the frame, and by the time the period ended, both clubs had added two more goals each. Canadiens starter Rick Wamsley was lifted after allowing five goals on eight shots, replaced by Richard Sevigny.

The second period belonged to newly acquired forward Ryan Walter. Picked up in a September 1982 trade from the Washington Capitals, Walter scored twice, both assisted by Guy Lafleur, to give Montreal a 7-5 lead. He added an earlier assist to finish with the game’s only three-point performance.

But the Sabres weren’t finished. Third-period goals by Ric Seiling and Gilles Hamel evened the score at 7-7, where it would stay. In a night overflowing with offense, Walter stood alone with three points, while a long list of players on both sides recorded multi-point efforts in one of the most chaotic ties of the early 1980s.

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

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Guy Lapointe’s Lone NHL Hat Trick Comes in Wild 8–6 Loss to Buffalo

Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lapointe had plenty of monster nights during his Hall of Fame career, but none quite like November 13, 1974. That evening at the Montreal Forum, the smooth-skating defenseman piled up five points, recorded the only hat trick of his NHL career, and still watched his Canadiens fall 8-6 to the high-flying Buffalo Sabres.

Lapointe was in the middle of a career year in 1974-75, finishing with 28 goals and a third-place finish in the Norris Trophy race behind Bobby Orr and Denis Potvin. Against Buffalo, he did everything in his power to drag Montreal back into the game while still finishing with a +2 rating despite the loss.

The Sabres stormed out to a 3-0 lead in the first before Lapointe setup Yvon Lambert at 13:47 to put Montreal on the board. After Rene Robert restored Buffalo’s three-goal cushion, Lapointe ripped home his sixth of the season at 18:56, with assists from Guy Lafleur and Jacques Lemaire.

Buffalo opened the second period with another three-goal burst, stretching the lead to 6-1 and then 7-2. Lapointe responded at 14:52, scoring his second of the night to cut the deficit to 7-3. A few minutes later, with Glen Sather in the penalty box, Pete Mahovlich buried a shorthanded marker, set up beautifully by Lapointe and fellow blueliner Serge Savard.

Montreal kept pushing in the third, and Lapointe completed his hat trick at 10:25, trimming Buffalo’s lead to 7-5 and capping off his remarkable five-point showing. But the Sabres answered back as Robert completed his own hat trick, and Bob Gainey closed the scoring shortly after. Savard also had a standout game with three assists and a +5 rating.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Guy Lapointe

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

1. Which trio was Guy Lapointe part of during the Canadiens’ 1970s dynasty?

The Lucky Seven
The Big Three
The Flying Frenchmen
The Blue Line Battalion

2. In which NHL season did Lapointe score his career-high 28 goals?

1972–73
1974–75
1976–77
1978–79

3. Which NHL team did Guy Lapointe finish his career with?

St. Louis Blues
Boston Bruins
Minnesota North Stars
Quebec Nordiques

4. In 1979, Lapointe helped the Canadiens win their fourth straight Stanley Cup. How many Cups did he win in total?

Four
Five
Six
Seven

5. Before becoming director of player personnel in Minnesota, Lapointe worked in which role?

Assistant coach
Goaltending consultant
Salary arbitrator
Team broadcaster

The French Connection’s Incredible Run of Multi-Point Explosions in 1975-76

Few lines in NHL history ever blended skill, creativity, and firepower like the Buffalo Sabres’ legendary French Connection: Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert. During the 1975-76 season, this trio didn’t just lead the Sabres’ offense, they drove it, combining for nine or more points in six separate games.

Buffalo finished tied for second in league scoring with Pittsburgh, trailing only the powerhouse Philadelphia Flyers. Nearly 40% of all Sabres goals came from their top unit, and on some nights, they took over completely.

A 13-Point Night Against the Blackhawks

One of their most impressive explosions came on March 4, 1976, at the Aud in Buffalo. In a 6-3 win over Chicago:

• Rene Robert: 1 goal, 4 assists

• Rick Martin: Hat trick + 1 assist (4 points), 8 shots on Tony Esposito

• Gilbert Perreault: 4 assists

Together, the trio piled up 13 total points, more than enough to overwhelm Chicago.

A Strange Twist in a 14-2 Blowout

Surprisingly, in one of Buffalo’s most lopsided wins ever, a 14-2 demolition of the Washington Capitals on December 21, 1975, the French Connection only combined for nine points.

The reason?
Rene Robert didn’t dress for the game.

Even without him:

• Rick Martin: 4 goals, 1 assist

• Gilbert Perreault: 2 goals, 2 assists

The Sabres didn’t exactly struggle for offense that night.

Ten Points vs. Toronto in a Tight Game

Their next-best outing came in a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, where the French Connection accounted for every single Buffalo goal:

• Rick Martin: Hat trick (3 goals) + 1 assist

• Gilbert Perreault: 1 goal + 3 assists

• Rene Robert: 2 assists

Only Jocelyn Guevremont and Jim Schoenfeld joined them on the scoresheet, each picking up a lone assist.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: The French Connection Line

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

1. Which three players formed the Buffalo Sabres’ iconic French Connection line?

Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, Rene Robert
Gilbert Perreault, Don Luce, Danny Gare
Rick Martin, Rene Robert, Craig Ramsay
Gilbert Perreault, Rick Dudley, Jim Lorentz

2. In which NHL season did the French Connection produce six games with nine or more combined points?

1975-76
1973-74
1977-78
1979-80

3. Which member of the French Connection was drafted first overall in 1970?

Gilbert Perreault
Rick Martin
Rene Robert
None of them

4. Which player was known for his booming shot and became one of the NHL’s elite pure goal scorers of the 1970s?

Rick Martin
Gilbert Perreault
Rene Robert
Danny Gare

5. The French Connection’s chemistry helped lead the Sabres to which major achievement in 1975?

Their first Stanley Cup Final appearance
Their first Presidents’ Trophy
Their first division title
Their first 50-win season

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

Wendel Clark Erupts For 4 Goals In Early-Season Shootout vs Buffalo

For Toronto Maple Leafs power forward Wendel Clark, the 1986-87 NHL season began with fireworks. After scoring once in the season opener against Montreal, Clark exploded for four goals in Game 2, all against Buffalo Sabres goalie Darren Puppa, marking the first four-goal game of his career.

Unfortunately, his hot streak didn’t last. Following this dominant night, Clark managed just one goal over his next seven games. But for one October evening, the Leafs’ young leader was unstoppable.

The game opened with Mike Foligno putting Buffalo ahead early on Ken Wregget, but Clark answered with two quick goals. Foligno tied it again with his second, only for Wendel to complete the hat trick before the end of the first period. Gilbert Perreault’s late goal made it 3-3 after a wild opening frame.

The scoring show continued through the second and third. Despite Clark’s heroics, the Leafs trailed 5-4 after two periods, with Wilf Paiement (a former Leaf himself) scoring twice for Buffalo and Steve Thomas cutting the gap for Toronto. Clark’s fourth goal at 9:44 of the third tied things up 5-5 and that’s how it stayed, as overtime solved nothing.

It was a night for offense, not defense:

• Gary Leeman assisted on all four Clark goals for a four-point performance.

• Paiement and Perreault both finished with three points for the Sabres.

• Goaltending struggled on both ends: Puppa allowed five on 25 shots, Wregget five on 23.

About Wendel Clark

Wendel Clark played 793 regular season and 95 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1985-86 and 1999-00 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. The often injured Clark had a career year in 1993-94, scoring 46 goals in just 64 games.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Wendel Clark

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

1. What year was Wendel Clark selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL Draft?

1983
1984
1985
1986

2. Which position did Clark originally play before converting to forward in junior hockey?

Defense
Center
Left Wing
Goaltender

3. In what season did Clark first serve as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs?

1988-89
1991-92
1993-94
1995-96

4. Which team did Wendel Clark join after being traded in the blockbuster deal that brought Mats Sundin to Toronto?

Detroit Red Wings
Quebec Nordiques
New York Islanders
Chicago Blackhawks

5. Wendel Clark retired with 330 career NHL goals. How many of those came in a Leafs uniform?

260
195
275
305

Gilbert Perreault Becomes the 12th Player in NHL History to Reach the 500 Goal Plateau

On March 9, 1986, the Buffalo Sabres faithful at the Aud witnessed history. Their franchise cornerstone, Gilbert Perreault, became just the 12th player in NHL history to reach the 500-goal milestone.

Perreault had notched goal number 499 two nights earlier in a loss to the Hartford Whalers. Against the New Jersey Devils, he struck again, scoring his milestone marker at 10:44 of the second period on Alain Chevrier, with Mike Foligno and Bill Hajt picking up the assists.

Although it was Perreault’s only point of the night, the Sabres pulled off a 4-3 victory. Foligno added a goal and an assist, and Doug Smith netted the game-winner late in the third period. Tom Barrasso was solid between the pipes, turning aside 31 of 34 shots for the win.

For Perreault, the milestone came near the twilight of his brilliant career. His 500th was his 18th goal of the 1985-86 season, and he would finish that year with 21, good for fourth on the team despite his age and reduced ice time. The Sabres missed the playoffs, and Perreault would play only 20 more games the following season before retiring with 512 career goals.

A true one-franchise legend, Gilbert Perreault played 1,191 regular-season games and 90 playoff games, all with Buffalo. He remains the only player ever to wear No. 11 for the Sabres, and his 1990 induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame cemented his place among the game’s greatest. As of today, he still ranks 43rd on the NHL’s all-time goals list, just behind Jeremy Roenick, a testament to the skill, grace, and longevity that defined his career.

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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 make his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres?

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

2. Which award did Perreault win during his rookie season in the NHL?

Lady Byng Trophy
Calder Memorial Trophy
Hart Trophy
Bill Masterton Trophy

3. Gilbert Perreault was the centerpiece of what famous Buffalo Sabres forward line?

The French Connection
The Production Line
The Triple Crown Line
The Legion of Doom

4. How many career goals did Perreault finish with before retiring in 1987?

486
500
512
519

5. In what year was Gilbert Perreault inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?

1988
1989
1990
1991

The Night Rick Martin Mixed Goals and Grit Against Toronto

Rick Martin was closing in on his second straight 50-goal season for the Buffalo Sabres when they faced the Toronto Maple Leafs at Maple Leaf Gardens on March 16, 1975. Known for his world-class shot and smooth skating, Martin put on a show, scoring his 45th, 46th, and 47th goals of the 1974-75 campaign. He also added an assist on a Fred Stanfield goal for a four-point night.

But Martin didn’t stop at scoring. In the third period, he dropped the gloves with Lanny McDonald, completing a rare Gordie Howe Hat Trick, goal, assist, and fight. McDonald, frustrated after Toronto’s long night, had already tangled with Jim Schoenfeld earlier in the game.

The Sabres dominated from start to finish, jumping out to a 5-2 lead in the first and cruising to an 11-3 victory. Toronto’s Gord McRae was pulled early in the second after allowing six goals on 15 shots, replaced by Doug Favell, who faced another 31 shots and gave up five more.

While Martin’s performance was stellar, linemate Gilbert Perreault stole some of the spotlight with a six-point night, three goals and three assists on eight shots. Stanfield also shone with a goal and four helpers, while Rick Dudley and Peter McNab each chipped in four points.

For Toronto, Dave Keon, Jim McKenny, and Blaine Stoughton managed to score, but Buffalo’s Gerry Desjardins stood tall, stopping 29 of 32 shots for the win.

About Rick Martin

A fifth overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres at the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, Rick Martin played 685 regular season and 63 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1971-72 and 1981-82 with the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings. He was the first in Buffalo franchise history to record a 50 goal season.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Rick Martin

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

1. Rick Martin was part of one of the NHL’s most famous lines with the Buffalo Sabres. What was the trio called?

• The French Connection
• The Production Line
• The Triple Crown Line
• The Legion of Doom

2. How many times did Rick Martin score 50 or more goals in a single NHL season?

• Once
• Twice
• Three times
• Four times

3. Martin was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft. What overall pick was he?

• 3rd overall
• 4th overall
• 5th overall
• 6th overall

4. In which season did Rick Martin post career highs of 52 goals and 95 points?

• 1973-74
• 1974-75
• 1975-76
• 1976-77

5. Rick Martin’s NHL career was cut short due to injury while playing with which team?

• Buffalo Sabres
• Los Angeles Kings
• Montreal Canadiens
• Toronto Maple Leafs

How Lanny McDonald Joined Hockey’s Elite 60-Goal Club

On March 16, 1983, the Calgary Flames had little to celebrate in Buffalo, dropping a 5-3 decision to the Sabres. But one goal that night would make history.

With just two minutes left in the second period, Lanny McDonald scored his 60th of the season against Bob Sauvé. It was a milestone that put him in rare company with legends like Phil Esposito, Mike Bossy, Wayne Gretzky, Guy Lafleur, and more. Despite Calgary’s loss, McDonald etched his name into the franchise record book.

That 60th goal was just the start of his historic finish. Over the Flames’ final eight games of 1982-83, McDonald added six more goals to close the season with 66, a single-season team record that still stands today.

Even with that total, McDonald trailed behind Wayne Gretzky’s remarkable 71-goal campaign, while Mike Bossy also joined the 60-goal club with an even 60.

McDonald carried his scoring touch into the playoffs, notching three goals and seven points in seven games. Paul Reinhart led the Flames in playoff scoring with six goals, as Calgary swept Vancouver before bowing out to the powerhouse Oilers in round two.

About Lanny McDonald

Lanny McDonald played 1,111 regular season and 117 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1973-74 and 1988-89 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Rockies and Calgary Flames. The 500 goal scorer was a Stanley Cup champion with the Flames in 1988-89. McDonald was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.

Quiz: The Career of Lanny McDonald

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

1. In which year did Lanny McDonald score his career-high 66 goals, setting the Calgary Flames single-season record?

1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84

2. Before joining the Calgary Flames, which NHL team did Lanny McDonald spend most of his early career with?

Toronto Maple Leafs
Colorado Rockies
Montreal Canadiens
New York Rangers

3. Which milestone did Lanny McDonald achieve during his final NHL season in 1988-89?

500th career assist
1,000th career point
1,500th game played
500th career goal

4. Lanny McDonald retired as a Stanley Cup champion. Which year did he win the Cup with Calgary?

1986
1987
1989
1990

5. Known for his iconic moustache, Lanny McDonald was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in which year?

1990
1992
1995
1997