Gregg Sheppard Scores a Hat Trick in Just His Second NHL Game

Gregg Sheppard waited more than three years in the minor leagues for his chance to crack an NHL lineup. When that opportunity finally arrived with the Boston Bruins in October 1972, he wasted no time proving he belonged.

Sheppard made his NHL debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs, a quiet outing that didn’t show up on the scoresheet in a 3-2 Boston victory. One night later, however, everything changed. On October 29, 1972, facing the expansion New York Islanders at the Boston Garden, Sheppard delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career.

The Islanders, still in just their eighth game as an NHL franchise, struck first on an early goal by Brian Spencer. But at 16:01 of the opening period, Sheppard answered with his first NHL goal, tying the game and setting the tone for what would become a runaway Bruins victory.

By the time Sheppard scored his second goal at 5:53 of the third period, Boston had already built a commanding 6-1 lead. He completed his hat trick at 14:22 of the third, beating Islanders goaltender Billy Smith to make it 8-1. Johnny Bucyk added another just 38 seconds later, sealing a dominant 9-1 Bruins win.

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Boston’s goaltending tandem of Ross Brooks and Ed Johnston faced only 16 shots on the night, while Smith endured a long evening, stopping 30 of 39 shots at the other end.

Sheppard’s breakout performance wasn’t a fluke. Throughout November 1972, he recorded three additional three-point games against the California Golden Seals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Philadelphia Flyers, further cementing his place in the Bruins’ lineup.

By season’s end, Sheppard had tallied 24 goals and 50 points in 64 games during his rookie campaign. His impressive debut season earned him Calder Trophy consideration, finishing sixth in voting for NHL Rookie of the Year and marking the beginning of a solid NHL career.

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.