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 SauvĂ©. 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
1. In which year did Lanny McDonald score his career-high 66 goals, setting the Calgary Flames single-season record?
2. Before joining the Calgary Flames, which NHL team did Lanny McDonald spend most of his early career with?
3. Which milestone did Lanny McDonald achieve during his final NHL season in 1988-89?
4. Lanny McDonald retired as a Stanley Cup champion. Which year did he win the Cup with Calgary?
5. Known for his iconic moustache, Lanny McDonald was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in which year?
