Brian Sutter’s Supercharged Gordie Howe Hat Trick Knocks Out Winnipeg Jets in 1982 Playoffs

When the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets squared off in the opening round of the 1981-82 Stanley Cup playoffs, few expected the Blues to dominate. Winnipeg had finished eight points ahead in the regular season, but St. Louis entered Game 4 at the Checkerdome with a 2-1 series lead on April 11, 1982.

Enter Brian Sutter, a player who could score just as well as he could scrap. In a career-defining performance, Sutter delivered an enhanced Gordie Howe Hat Trick that propelled the Blues to an emphatic series win.

Before the first period ended, Sutter scored twice. His first came at 7:18, assisted by Bernie Federko and Joe Mullen, and just 29 seconds later he dropped the gloves with Winnipeg’s Dave Babych, earning five for fighting and two for elbowing. Back out of the box, he struck again at 16:01, once again set up by Federko and Mullen. The second marker would stand as the game-winner in what turned into an 8-2 blowout.

Sutter wasn’t finished. Late in the second period, he assisted on Federko’s first goal of the postseason, stretching the lead to 7-1. In the third, he added another helper on Joe Mullen’s tally at 8:17, the final goal of both the game and the series.

Traditionally, a Gordie Howe Hat Trick consists of one goal, one assist, and one fight. Sutter went above and beyond, recording two goals, two assists, a fight, and even a minor penalty for good measure.

About Brian Sutter

Brian Sutter played 779 regular season and 65 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1976-77 and 1987-88, all with the St. Louis Blues. He scored at least 23 goals in seven consecutive seasons and 40 or more in two campaigns. His career high 46 was scored in 1982-83.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Brian Sutter

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

1. Which NHL team did Brian Sutter play his entire career with?

Chicago Blackhawks
St. Louis Blues
Calgary Flames
New York Rangers

2. In which year did Brian Sutter first captain the St. Louis Blues?

1978
1980
1982
1984

3. What was Brian Sutter especially known for as a player?

Stickhandling wizardry
Two-way grit and leadership
Goaltending skills
Speed skating records

4. How many career NHL goals did Brian Sutter score?

175
247
303
356

5. Which year was Brian Sutter forced to retire due to back injuries?

1984
1986
1988
1990

Steve Shutt’s Hat Trick and Fight vs. Blackhawks (1976-77)

On November 6, 1976, the Montreal Forum played host to one of the most dominant Canadiens teams in NHL history. The 1976-77 Habs crushed the Chicago Blackhawks 11-3, and Steve Shutt was at the center of the action with a memorable mix of goals and grit.

Just 1:14 into the game, Shutt opened the scoring with help from defensemen Serge Savard and Larry Robinson. Minutes later, he found himself in the penalty box after a spirited scrap with Darcy Rota. Neither player was known as a fighter, but it showed the intensity of the night.

Shutt wasn’t done. At 9:51 of the second period, he buried his 15th goal of the season, assisted by Pierre Bouchard and Guy Lafleur, giving the Habs a commanding 5-1 lead. In the third, at 16:07, Shutt completed the hat trick with his 16th of the year, set up by Lafleur and Jacques Lemaire. He was already pacing toward his career-best 60-goal campaign.

The Blackhawks’ goaltending didn’t stand a chance. Starter Tony Esposito gave up four goals on 16 shots before being replaced by Michel Dumas, who surrendered seven on 16 shots in one of his eight total NHL appearances. Meanwhile, Lafleur dazzled with two goals and two assists, while Savard finished an incredible +7.

About Steve Shutt

Steve Shutt played 930 regular season an 99 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1972-73 and 1984-85 with the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings. He was a five-time Stanley Cup champion with the Habs. Shutt was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Steve Shutt

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

1. In which season did Steve Shutt score his career-high 60 goals?

• 1974-75
• 1976-77
• 1978-79
• 1980-81

2. How many Stanley Cups did Steve Shutt win with the Montreal Canadiens?

• 3
• 5
• 6
• 4

3. Which legendary linemate was most often paired with Steve Shutt during his peak years?

• Jacques Lemaire
• Larry Robinson
• Guy Lafleur
• Ken Dryden

4. How many career NHL goals did Steve Shutt finish with?

• 312
• 424
• 389
• 441

5. In what year was Steve Shutt inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?

• 1991
• 1995
• 1993
• 1997