When discussing Swedish pioneers in Toronto Maple Leafs history, Borje Salming is usually the first name that comes to mind. But during the same era, another Swede quietly carved out a strong NHL career: Inge Hammarstrom.
- Inge Hammarstrom records a career-best 5-point night (1 goal, 4 assists)
- Game played February 12, 1977 at Maple Leaf Gardens
- Toronto defeats the Washington Capitals in a dominant 10-0 rout
- Hammarstrom scores his 18th goal of the 1976-77 season
- Goal assisted by Darryl Sittler and Borje Salming
- Adds assists on goals by Sittler (2), Kurt Walker, and Lanny McDonald
- Bernie Wolfe allows 5 goals on 11 shots before being pulled
- Ron Low gives up 5 more goals on 26 shots in relief
- Mike Palmateer earns shutout with 30 saves
- Sittler and McDonald each post 4-point games (2 goals, 2 assists)
- Ian Turnbull contributes 4 assists
- Only Bob Neely and Palmateer held without a point
- Tiger Williams records a goal and a fight, just missing a Gordie Howe hat trick
Joining the Leafs in the 1973-74 season, Hammarstrom never enjoyed the same spotlight as Salming. Criticized at times for a perceived lack of physicality, he still produced consistently, including a 20-goal rookie season and three additional 20+ goal campaigns over his six-year NHL tenure.
On February 12, 1977, at Maple Leaf Gardens, Hammarstrom delivered the best performance of his career in a lopsided matchup against the Washington Capitals.
The game was effectively decided early. Capitals goaltender Bernie Wolfe surrendered five goals on just eleven shots in the first period before being replaced by Ron Low, who allowed five more over the remaining two periods.
Hammarstrom led the offensive charge with a goal and four assists for a five-point night. His lone goal, his 18th of the 1976-77 season, came late in the first period, assisted by Darryl Sittler and Salming. He went on to add helpers on two Sittler goals, as well as tallies by Kurt Walker and Lanny McDonald.
In goal, Mike Palmateer was flawless, stopping all 30 shots he faced to secure the shutout in the 10-0 victory.
Toronto’s offensive dominance didn’t stop with Hammarstrom. Sittler and McDonald each recorded four-point games with two goals and two assists, while Ian Turnbull contributed four assists. Only Bob Neely and Palmateer were held off the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, Tiger Williams nearly completed a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, registering a goal and a fight with Bill Riley, but falling just short of adding an assist.
The King (Borje Salming)
A compelling look at the life and legacy of Borje Salming — one of hockey’s most respected trailblazers and legendary defensemen.
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