Rookie Joe Mullen Sets Blues Record with Rapid-Fire Goals in 1982

Joe Mullen began the 1981-82 season bouncing between the St. Louis Blues and their CHL affiliate in Salt Lake City, but one explosive performance made it clear he belonged in the NHL full-time. On January 5, 1982, the Blues hosted the Minnesota North Stars and Mullen delivered a breakout moment that still stands in franchise history.

With the game tied 1-1 late in the second period, Mullen struck for his first NHL goal at 18:22, beating Minnesota’s Gilles Meloche off a setup from Ed Kea. Eight seconds later, he buried his second, assisted by Brian Sutter and Larry Patey. That lightning-quick pair not only gave St. Louis the lead in an eventual 4-1 win, it also set a Blues record for the fastest two goals by a single player, a mark that still holds today.

The night was filled with rapid scoring overall. Tim Young had tallied for Minnesota at 18:11, meaning the trio of goals happened in just 19 seconds. It wasn’t an NHL record, but it was good enough to rank as the fifth-fastest set of three goals in league history. The all-time mark, also involving Minnesota, came a year later in February 1983, when the Rangers and North Stars combined for three goals in only 15 seconds.

Despite playing just 45 regular-season games in 1981-82, Mullen finished with an impressive 25 goals and 34 assists for 59 points, then added 18 more in ten playoff games. His production was strong enough for an 11th-place finish in Calder Trophy voting, a reminder that with a full season, he may have been a serious contender for Rookie of the Year.

About Joe Mullen

Between 1979-80 and 1996-97, Joe Mullen played 1,062 regular season and 143 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins. Undrafted, the Blues signed Mullen out of Boston College.

The two-time Lady Byng Trophy winner scored 20 or more goals in eleven seasons, topping six times. His career best came in 1988-89 with the Flames when he scored 51 and totaled 110 points. He tied for fifth in goal scoring with teammate Joe Nieuwendyk, 34 behind leader Mario Lemieux. He was seventh in the race for the Art Ross Trophy.

Mullen was a three time Stanley Cup champion. His first was with Calgary in 1988-89 before winning back-to-back with the Penguins in 1990-91 and 1991-92. A long time assistant coach in the NHL after retiring, Joe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000.

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!

NHL Hockey Trivia: Joe Mullen

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

1. Which NHL team did Joe Mullen debut with?

Calgary Flames
St. Louis Blues
Pittsburgh Penguins
Boston Bruins

2. Joe Mullen was one of the NHL’s greatest undrafted success stories. What league did he play in before reaching the NHL?

Central Hockey League (CHL)
World Hockey Association (WHA)
American Hockey League (AHL)
International Hockey League (IHL)

3. How many Stanley Cups did Joe Mullen win during his career?

One
Two
Three
Four

4. Joe Mullen became the first American-born player to reach which major NHL milestone?

500 career goals
1,500 games played
700 assists
1,200 penalty minutes

5. With which team did Joe Mullen win his first Stanley Cup?

St. Louis Blues
Calgary Flames
Pittsburgh Penguins
St. John’s Flames

How Gump Worsley Became Part of Bobby Orr’s First NHL Milestone

Bobby Orr’s legend didn’t take long to spark. After notching an assist in his NHL debut, the Boston Bruins’ rookie phenom waited only two more games before lighting the lamp for the first time. The date: October 23, 1966. The setting: a packed Boston Garden ready to witness the beginning of something special.

The Montreal Canadiens entered the third period with a 2-1 lead, but momentum flipped at 4:13, when Orr ripped home an unassisted goal to tie the game 2-2. It was one of three shots he fired at veteran netminder Gump Worsley, who, unfortunately for him, became the answer to a great hockey trivia question: Who allowed Bobby Orr’s first NHL goal?

Boston couldn’t complete the comeback. Jean-Guy Talbot scored the late game-winner at 17:55, a shorthanded tally against Eddie Johnston while Jim Roberts sat for tripping. Earlier, Pit Martin had given Boston its first goal on a power play in the opening period.

For Orr, though, the night marked the start of a remarkable scoring journey. He finished his rookie year with 13 goals, capturing the Calder Trophy, and ultimately produced 270 career goals across 657 games, despite injuries cutting his career short. His peak came in 1974-75, when he scored an incredible 46 goals from the blue line. He added 26 playoff goals and helped bring two Stanley Cups to Boston.

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!

NHL Hockey Trivia: Bobby Orr's Rookie Season

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

1. How many goals did Bobby Orr score during his Calder Trophy–winning rookie season?

9
13
17

2. Orr recorded his first NHL point (an assist) in which type of game?

His NHL debut
His third NHL game
His first road game

3. Which goaltender allowed Bobby Orr’s first NHL goal?

Eddie Giacomin
Gump Worsley
Glenn Hall

4. Which Boston Bruins teammate scored the team’s first goal in the game where Orr scored his first?

Johnny Bucyk
Eddie Shack
Pit Martin

5. How many points did Bobby Orr finish with in his rookie season?

34
41
48

Milestone Moment: Maruk’s 300th Goal in His Hometown

On November 11, 1984, Toronto-born Dennis Maruk reached a personal milestone and did it in front of the fans at Maple Leaf Gardens. Entering the season just seven goals shy of 300, the Minnesota North Stars forward wasted little time in closing the gap. After netting number 299 a night earlier against Vancouver, he returned home to face the Toronto Maple Leafs and made history.

At 10:28 of the second period, Maruk buried his 300th NHL goal past Leafs netminder Allan Bester, assisted by Tom McCarthy. The crowd may have had mixed emotions, but Maruk wasn’t done. Late in the third, he scored again, his 301st, sealing a 7-6 victory for Minnesota.

Supporting Cast Shines

Tom McCarthy had a standout game with five points (two goals and three assists), while goaltender Don Beaupre stopped 40 shots to earn the win. For Maruk, it capped an impressive stretch of six points in three games, though he’d briefly cool off before heating up again against the same Leafs later that month.

A Goal-Scoring Career

Maruk’s career was defined by his scoring touch. He finished with 356 regular-season goals, highlighted by back-to-back monster seasons with Washington, scoring 50 goals in 1980-81 and 60 in 1981-82. Between 1975-76 and 1988-89, he played 888 regular-season and 34 playoff games across four franchises: the California Golden Seals, Cleveland Barons, Washington Capitals, and Minnesota North Stars.

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!

NHL Hockey Trivia: Dennis Maruk

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

1. In which NHL season did Dennis Maruk score a remarkable 60 goals?
   1979–80
   1980–81
   1981–82
   1982–83


2. Which team did Dennis Maruk begin his NHL career with?
   Washington Capitals
   Cleveland Barons
   California Golden Seals
   Minnesota North Stars


3. How many total regular season goals did Maruk score in his NHL career?
   300
   320
   356
   380


4. Maruk scored his 300th career goal at Maple Leaf Gardens against which goaltender?
   Mike Palmateer
   Allan Bester
   Rick St. Croix
   Don Edwards


5. During his peak scoring years, which team did Maruk play for?
   Minnesota North Stars
   Cleveland Barons
   Washington Capitals
   Toronto Maple Leafs

Jean Ratelle: 5 Key Points from a Gentleman’s Hall of Fame Career

Few players embodied grace and skill on the ice like Jean Ratelle. Over an incredible 21-season career split between the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins, Ratelle quietly built a Hall of Fame résumé defined by consistency, sportsmanship, and class. Here are five key moments that highlight his remarkable journey.

---

1. First NHL Goal (March 4, 1961)

Ratelle’s NHL debut came while he was still a junior with the Guelph Royals. In just his third game with the Rangers, he netted his first NHL goal on March 4, 1961, against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Maple Leaf Gardens.

His goal came at 9:32 of the third period on Cesare Maniago, assisted by Ted Hampson and Bill Gadsby. Though the Rangers fell 5-4, Ratelle also added an assist on Hampson’s first-period tally, a strong two-point night for the young forward.

---

2. Last NHL Goal (February 26, 1981)

Twenty years later, Ratelle found the net one last time in his final NHL season with the Boston Bruins. On February 26, 1981, he scored a power-play goal against the Minnesota North Stars’ Gilles Meloche, assisted by Ray Bourque and Rick Middleton.

The goal turned out to be the game-winner in a 5-1 Boston victory, a fitting way to close a brilliant scoring career that totaled 491 regular-season goals.

---

3. First NHL Hat Trick (January 7, 1968)

After a slow start to the 1967-68 season, Ratelle broke out with his first career hat trick against the Maple Leafs on January 7, 1968, at Madison Square Garden.

He recorded a natural hat trick, scoring three straight goals in just 4 minutes and 45 seconds, all in the second period. Teammate Rod Gilbert assisted on two of them, and Ratelle’s explosion powered the Rangers to a 6-2 win.

---

4. Two-Time Lady Byng Winner

Known as one of hockey’s true gentlemen, Ratelle was twice awarded the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and performance, in 1971-72 and 1975-76.

Across 1,281 games, he logged only 276 penalty minutes, averaging barely a minor per season. His 1971-72 campaign was especially impressive: just two minors in 63 games while finishing fourth in Hart Trophy voting.

---

5. Two 100-Point Seasons

Ratelle surpassed the 100-point mark twice, in 1971-72 (109 points in 63 games) and 1975-76 (105 points). Both seasons coincided with his Lady Byng wins, showcasing a rare balance of dominance and discipline.

In 1975-76, Ratelle’s midseason trade from the Rangers to the Bruins didn’t slow him down. He racked up 90 points in 67 games with Boston, finishing tied for sixth in NHL scoring.

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!

NHL Hockey Trivia: Jean Ratelle

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

1. Jean Ratelle began his NHL career with which team?

Boston Bruins
New York Rangers
Montreal Canadiens
Quebec Nordiques

2. In which season did Ratelle record an incredible 109 points in just 63 games?

1970–71
1971–72
1972–73
1975–76

3. Jean Ratelle was part of a blockbuster 1975 trade that sent him to Boston along with which other key player?

Ken Hodge
Brad Park
Wayne Cashman
Rick Middleton

4. How many times did Jean Ratelle win the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and skill?

Once
Twice
Three times
Never

5. Jean Ratelle was part of one of the Rangers’ most famous lines during the late 1960s and early 1970s. What was it called?

The GAG Line (Goal-A-Game)
The French Connection
The Kraut Line
The Production Line

NHL Hockey Card Legends: Jean Ratelle [Video]

Yvan Cournoyer Clinches 1973 Stanley Cup For Montreal Canadiens

The 1972-73 Montreal Canadiens were a powerhouse, losing just ten games during the regular season and storming through the playoffs. After dispatching the Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers, the Habs faced the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Final.

Chicago battled hard, scoring 15 goals in their two wins, but Montreal’s speed and depth ultimately proved too much. The series ended in six games with Yvan Cournoyer at the center of the celebration.

On May 10, 1973, Cournoyer capped off a brilliant postseason by scoring the Cup-clinching goal in Game Six. With the teams tied 4-4 heading into the third, he beat Tony Esposito at 8:13, his 15th goal of the playoffs, on a setup from Jacques Lemaire to give Montreal the lead for good. The Canadiens went on to win 6-4, securing another championship.

Cournoyer added assists on goals by Frank Mahovlich and Marc Tardif, finishing the playoffs with 25 points in 17 games. His 15 goals set a new playoff record at the time, surpassing Mahovlich’s 14 from 1971. Though the record has since been topped by Reggie Leach and Jari Kurri (19 each), Cournoyer’s performance remains one of the great playoff runs in Canadiens history.

The Conn Smythe Trophy was the only major individual award of his career, but it was a fitting tribute to the “Roadrunner’s” speed, leadership, and clutch scoring. In total, Yvan Cournoyer captured eight Stanley Cups, all with Montreal, before earning induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1982.

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!

NHL Hockey Trivia: Yvan Cournoyer

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

1. What nickname was Yvan Cournoyer best known by during his NHL career?

The Rocket
The Roadrunner
The Pocket Rocket
The Flying Frenchman

2. How many Stanley Cups did Yvan Cournoyer win with the Montreal Canadiens?

6
7
8
9

3. In which year did Cournoyer win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP?

1971
1973
1975
1977

4. What was Cournoyer’s career-high goal total in a single NHL season?

36
40
47
50

5. Yvan Cournoyer was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in which year?

1979
1980
1982
1984

When Phil Myre and Dan Bouchard Faced Off As Rivals For The First Time

In the early years of the Atlanta Flames, Phil Myre and Dan Bouchard shared goaltending duties and helped build the foundation for the franchise starting in the 1972-73 NHL season. The tandem was split up when, on December 12, 1977, Myre, along with Curt Bennett and Barrie Gibbs, was traded to the St. Louis Blues for Yves Bélanger, Bob MacMillan, and Dick Redmond.

Just over two weeks later, fate brought the two former teammates face-to-face. On December 29, 1977, the Blues visited the Omni in Atlanta for the first meeting between the two teams since the deal. Both Myre and Bouchard got the start, but the night quickly took a twist. After Claude Larose scored to give St. Louis a 3-2 lead early in the second period, Bouchard was pulled and replaced by Yves Bélanger, who had been part of the same trade.

From that point on, it became a showdown between the two goalies traded for each other. Bouchard had allowed three goals on twelve shots, while Bélanger stood tall in relief, stopping 16 of 17 shots. Myre, facing 34 shots from his old teammates, allowed five goals as Atlanta emerged with a 5-4 victory. Curt Bennett added two assists against his former club, while Bob MacMillan picked up one point for his new team.

When the two teams met again on March 15, 1978, this time in St. Louis, the goaltending story flipped. Bélanger, once again in net for Atlanta, was brilliant with 35 saves and even an assist on Bob MacMillan’s opening goal in a 6-2 Flames win. Myre struggled in the opposite crease, allowing six goals on 27 shots.

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!

NHL Hockey Trivia: Phil Myre & Dan Bouchard

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

1. In what season did Phil Myre and Dan Bouchard first share goaltending duties for the Atlanta Flames?

1971-72
1972-73
1973-74
1974-75

2. Phil Myre and Dan Bouchard helped the Flames record their first-ever playoff appearance in which NHL season?

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

3. Which goaltender recorded more wins for the Atlanta Flames overall before the team relocated to Calgary?

Phil Myre
Dan Bouchard
They finished tied
Yves Bélanger

4. What was notable about the goaltending rotation between Myre and Bouchard during their time in Atlanta?

They alternated starts almost evenly for several seasons
Bouchard was the starter and Myre only played occasionally
Myre played only home games, Bouchard only road games
They never actually played in the same season

5. Before joining the Flames, which organization originally drafted Dan Bouchard?

Montreal Canadiens
Boston Bruins
Chicago Black Hawks
New York Rangers

Frank Mahovlich Scores His 500th NHL Goal Thanks To Henri Richard and Guy Lapointe

Frank Mahovlich’s legendary scoring touch reached a milestone on March 21, 1973, when he notched his 500th NHL goal at the Montreal Forum. The Canadiens hosted the Vancouver Canucks that night, and “The Big M” made sure it was memorable.

Mahovlich peppered Vancouver goalie Dunc Wilson with six shots, and one finally found the back of the net at 1:27 of the third period. That goal, assisted by Henri Richard and Guy Lapointe, stood as the game winner in a 3-2 Montreal victory.

Wilson faced a barrage of 41 shots, while Ken Dryden turned away 23 of 25 for Montreal. The goal came during a five-game hot streak for Mahovlich, who racked up 11 points over that span. He finished the 1972-73 season with 93 points, just shy of his career-best 96 the year before.

Over his NHL career, Mahovlich tallied 533 regular season goals, ranking 36th all-time and making him one of just 48 players to surpass the 500-goal mark. He added 51 playoff goals in 137 games and later scored 89 more in the WHA with the Toronto Toros and Birmingham Bulls.

From 1956-57 to 1973-74, Frank played 1,181 NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Montreal Canadiens. The 1957-58 Calder Trophy winner captured six Stanley Cups, four with Toronto and two with Montreal, before earning induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981.

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!

NHL Hockey Trivia: Frank Mahovlich

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

1. Frank Mahovlich won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year with which team?
   Montreal Canadiens
   Detroit Red Wings
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Chicago Black Hawks
   


2. How many Stanley Cups did Mahovlich win during his NHL career?
   4
   5
   6
   7
   


3. Which goaltender gave up Frank Mahovlich’s 500th career NHL goal on March 21, 1973?
   Ken Dryden
   Dunc Wilson
   Rogie Vachon
   Tony Esposito
   


4. Before joining the Montreal Canadiens, Mahovlich was traded to them from which NHL team?
   Chicago Black Hawks
   Detroit Red Wings
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   New York Rangers
   


5. In addition to his NHL career, Mahovlich played in the WHA. Which two teams did he play for there?
   Edmonton Oilers and Quebec Nordiques
   Winnipeg Jets and New England Whalers
   Toronto Toros and Birmingham Bulls
   Calgary Cowboys and Houston Aeros
   

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.

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!

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

Oh Brother! The Hull Brothers Dominate the Minnesota North Stars in 1971

The Minnesota North Stars and rookie goalie Gilles Gilbert were in tough on February 6, 1971, when the Chicago Blackhawks came to town. On this night, it wasn’t just one superstar causing havoc, it was two. Brothers Bobby and Dennis Hull teamed up for five of Chicago’s six goals in a convincing 6-2 win.

Minnesota actually held the lead early. Bill Goldsworthy opened the scoring in the first period, giving the Stars a 1-0 edge. But the game quickly turned in the second when, in a furious three-minute span, Bobby Hull netted his 31st of the season and Dennis followed with his 26th to flip the score in Chicago’s favor.

The third period sealed Minnesota’s fate. Stan Mikita scored the eventual game-winner on a power play just 2:29 in, with Dennis Hull earning an assist. From there, the Hull brothers went back to work. Dennis scored again, his 27th of the year, while Bobby completed his hat trick with goals 32 and 33 of the season.

By night’s end, each Hull had five shots on Gilbert, combining for 36% of Chicago’s total attempts. Mikita played the perfect complement, chipping in a goal and two assists to fuel the offensive surge.

The Hulls weren’t done making headlines. Just two weeks later, on February 21, 1971, the brothers overwhelmed the Los Angeles Kings with a combined four goals and seven points in a 7-5 win. Once again, Bobby Hull recorded a hat trick, this time adding two assists, while Dennis contributed a goal and an assist.

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!

NHL Hockey Trivia: The Hull Brothers

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

1. Bobby Hull was nicknamed “The Golden Jet” because of his speed and...

His bright blonde hair
His powerful slapshot
His flashy gold skates
His Olympic sprinting background

2. Dennis Hull spent the majority of his NHL career with which team?

Detroit Red Wings
St. Louis Blues
Chicago Blackhawks
Kansas City Scouts

3. Bobby Hull became the first NHL player to score 50 goals in a season twice. In which season did he set the record with 54 goals?

1959-60
1961-62
1965-66
1968-69

4. Dennis Hull represented Canada in the 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union.

True
False

5. Bobby Hull shocked the hockey world in 1972 when he signed with which team in the WHA?

Houston Aeros
Winnipeg Jets
Quebec Nordiques
New England Whalers

December 16, 1970: Cliff Koroll’s Four-Assist Period Ties NHL Record

On December 16, 1970, second-year forward Cliff Koroll carved his name into NHL history. In an 8-3 Chicago Blackhawks win over the St. Louis Blues at Chicago Stadium, Koroll recorded four assists in a single period, tying an NHL record that had stood since 1920-21.

The Blues entered the second period with a 3-1 lead, paced by Jim Lorentz’s two goals and an assist. But Chicago stormed back with five unanswered goals in the middle frame. Koroll set up two goals by Stan Mikita, one by Pit Martin, and one by Dennis Hull to etch his name into the record books. All five Blackhawks goals in that period came against St. Louis goalie Ernie Wakely, who faced 42 shots on the night.

Mikita had an unforgettable game himself. He scored Chicago’s first goal in the opening frame, then added three more in the second for a four-goal outing. He also picked up an assist on Dennis Hull’s goal, finishing with five points.

Koroll went on to play his entire NHL career with the Blackhawks, appearing in 814 regular season and 85 playoff games between 1969-70 and 1979-80. Known for his consistency, he reached the 20-goal plateau in five straight seasons, peaking with 33 goals in 1972-73.

Though Dale Hawerchuk eventually raised the bar to five assists in a period in 1983-84 (later matched by Kris Letang in 2023), Koroll remains part of an exclusive group of players who made NHL history in just one period of play.

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!

NHL Hockey Trivia: Cliff Koroll

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

1. Cliff Koroll played his entire NHL career with which team?

Chicago Blackhawks
Detroit Red Wings
St. Louis Blues
Minnesota North Stars

2. How many career regular season games did Koroll play in the NHL?

612
814
929
740

3. What was Cliff Koroll’s highest single-season goal total in the NHL?

20
27
33
38

4. Which Hall of Fame linemate did Koroll often skate with during his Chicago years?

Stan Mikita
Bobby Orr
Guy Lafleur
Jean Ratelle

5. After retiring as a player, what role did Cliff Koroll hold with the Blackhawks?

Assistant Coach
General Manager
Team President
Play-by-Play Broadcaster

Miroslav Frycer’s Four-Goal Night Leads Maple Leafs Past Gretzky’s Oilers in 1986 Shootout

The mid-80s Edmonton Oilers were an offensive juggernaut, capable of lighting up the scoreboard at will. In 1985-86, they scored eight or more goals in a game 15 different times, including one with 13 and two with 12. But on January 8, 1986, inside Maple Leaf Gardens, they were stunned by the Toronto Maple Leafs in one of the wildest games of the decade.

Toronto, a team that had managed just 10 wins in 37 games up to that point, outgunned Wayne Gretzky and company in an 11-9 upset victory. The unlikely hero was Miroslav Frycer, who delivered the game of his life. Frycer scored four goals, his 14th through 17th of the season, including the game-winner at 10:51 of the third period.

The Leafs weren’t relying on Frycer alone. Wendel Clark, Russ Courtnall, Dan Hodgson and Steve Thomas all chipped in with three-point performances to fuel the offensive explosion. Goaltender Tim Bernhardt, despite surrendering nine goals on 31 shots, earned the win, one of only four victories he posted in his 23 appearances that season.

Amazingly, the Oilers still had players who outproduced Frycer on the scoresheet. Wayne Gretzky recorded a hat trick and three assists, while Jari Kurri notched a goal and five helpers, both finishing with six points apiece. Paul Coffey also had a four-point night.

For Frycer, it was a career milestone. The game marked his only four-goal performance in 415 NHL games. The 1985-86 season would be his best overall, with career highs of 32 goals, 43 assists, and 75 points. Over his NHL career (1981-89), Frycer suited up for the Quebec Nordiques, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Edmonton Oilers, with Toronto acquiring him from Quebec in 1982 in exchange for Wilf Paiement.

The PDF versions of some of our hockey books are now available for free download: Take a look!

NHL Hockey Trivia: Miroslav Frycer

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

1. Miroslav Frycer scored the only four-goal game of his NHL career against which team in 1986?
   Detroit Red Wings
   Montreal Canadiens
   Edmonton Oilers
   Buffalo Sabres
   
2. Frycer was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1982 from which NHL team?
   Quebec Nordiques
   Detroit Red Wings
   New York Rangers
   Edmonton Oilers
   
3. What were Frycer’s career-high totals in points during the 1985-86 season?
   55 points
   65 points
   75 points
   85 points
   
4. Frycer played his final NHL season in 1988-89 with which team?
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Detroit Red Wings
   Quebec Nordiques
   Edmonton Oilers
   
5. How many total NHL games did Miroslav Frycer play in his career?
   315
   415
   515
   615
   

Mike Gartner Nets His First Career Hat Trick Against the Nordiques in 1979

On December 1, 1979, Mike Gartner gave Washington Capitals fans a glimpse of the legendary career that was about to unfold.

It had been a sluggish start for both Gartner and the Capitals during the 1979-80 NHL season. Through 24 games, Gartner had only three goals, while Washington’s record sat at a dismal 4-16-4. But that night at the Capital Centre against the Quebec Nordiques, everything changed.

After two periods, the game was locked at 2-2. Then came a third-period eruption. Washington buried five goals past Quebec netminder Goran Hogosta to secure a 7-2 victory. Gartner was the star, netting three of those goals, his 4th, 5th, and 6th of the season, on just four shots. Wes Jarvis assisted on all three and chipped in a goal of his own for a four-point night.

Though the Caps’ season struggles continued, Gartner found his scoring touch. He finished his rookie year with 36 goals, eventually hitting the 50-goal mark with Washington in 1984-85. Over his Hall of Fame career, he scored 708 goals in 1,432 games, ranking him 8th all-time, sandwiched between Phil Esposito and Mark Messier.

Gartner played for the Capitals, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Phoenix Coyotes, where he notched the franchise’s first-ever hat trick after their move from Winnipeg. His induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame came in 2001, cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Mike Gartner

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

1. In what season did Mike Gartner score his first NHL hat trick?

1978-79
1979-80
1980-81
1981-82

2. How many career goals did Mike Gartner score in the NHL?

612
650
708
742

3. Which team did Gartner score the first hat trick in franchise history for, after relocation?

Washington Capitals
New York Rangers
Toronto Maple Leafs
Phoenix Coyotes

4. Mike Gartner was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in which year?

1999
2000
2001
2003

5. Which of these teams did Gartner NOT play for in his NHL career?

Minnesota North Stars
New York Rangers
St. Louis Blues
Toronto Maple Leafs

Syl Apps Explodes For Six Points As Islanders Suffer Rough Start

When the New York Islanders entered the NHL for the 1972-73 season, few imagined that just eight years later they would become a dynasty with four straight Stanley Cup championships. Their early years, however, were filled with growing pains and one December night in Pittsburgh highlighted just how far they had to go.

On December 13, 1972, the expansion Islanders came into the Civic Arena with a dismal 3-21-3 record, having already allowed nine or more goals three times. Against the Penguins, things quickly spiraled out of control. Pittsburgh fired nine unanswered goals past beleaguered New York goaltender Gerry Desjardins, who faced a staggering 55 shots on the night. The Islanders only avoided being shut out when they scored with six seconds left, barely spoiling Denis Herron’s quiet evening in the other crease.

The star of the night was Syl Apps Jr., who delivered the finest offensive performance of his 1972-73 season. Apps recorded a hat trick, his first of three career NHL hat tricks, while also setting up three more goals for a six-point masterpiece. His linemate Lowell MacDonald added two goals and two assists, while Al McDonough chipped in with a goal and three helpers.

For Apps, this game was one of the highlights of a productive campaign. Along with this six-point night, he notched a five-point game against Toronto and three four-point outings. His offensive flair reached another peak in December 1977, when he tallied his only career four-goal game against the Los Angeles Kings.

About Syl Apps

Syl Apps played 727 regular season and 23 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1970-71 and 1979-80 with the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings. He was a playoff champion with both the Omaha Knights in the CHL and the Buffalo Bisons in the AHL in 1969-70.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Syl Apps Jr.

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

1. Which NHL team did Syl Apps Jr. spend the majority of his career with?

New York Islanders
Pittsburgh Penguins
Los Angeles Kings
Toronto Maple Leafs

2. How many career NHL hat tricks did Syl Apps Jr. record?

1
3
5
7

3. In which season did Apps record his only four-goal game?

1972-73
1974-75
1977-78
1979-80

4. What was Syl Apps Jr.’s highest single-season point total in the NHL?

70
85
99
110

5. Which NHL franchise originally drafted Syl Apps Jr. in 1964?

Montreal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs
New York Rangers
Pittsburgh Penguins

Two Goals in Six Seconds: Turgeon’s Historic Whalers Moment

On March 28, 1987, Sylvain Turgeon snapped out of a scoring slump in dramatic fashion for the Hartford Whalers. Facing Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Hartford Civic Center, Turgeon delivered one of the most memorable performances in franchise history.

After scoring just one goal in his previous eight games, Turgeon opened the scoring late in the first period, beating Pat Riggin unassisted. The second period turned into a wild offensive showcase, with six goals scored in just over five minutes.

Lemieux tied the game at 13:39 with his 53rd goal of the season, but Turgeon responded instantly. Just 20 seconds later, he notched his second of the night. Six seconds after that, he completed the hat trick. The two lightning-quick tallies remain a Whalers franchise record for the fastest two goals by a single player. Even after the team relocated and became the Carolina Hurricanes, the closest anyone has come was Ray Whitney’s two goals in 31 seconds back in 2007.

The Whalers went on to win 5-4, thanks to a clutch goal from captain Ron Francis. Turgeon himself fired 10 of Hartford’s 22 total shots, while goaltender Mike Liut made 19 saves for the victory.

Turgeon went on to play 669 regular season and 36 playoff games in the NHL with the Whalers, New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators. Twice he hit the 40-goal plateau in Hartford, peaking with a career-best 45 in 1985-86.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Sylvain Turgeon

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

1. Which NHL team drafted Sylvain Turgeon second overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft?

Montreal Canadiens
Hartford Whalers
Ottawa Senators
New Jersey Devils

2. Turgeon’s career-best season came in 1985-86 with how many goals scored for Hartford?

35
40
45
50

3. Which of the following teams did Sylvain Turgeon NOT play for during his NHL career?

Hartford Whalers
Montreal Canadiens
New Jersey Devils
Toronto Maple Leafs

4. In March 1987, Turgeon set a Hartford Whalers record by scoring two goals just six seconds apart. Who were the opponents that night?

Boston Bruins
Pittsburgh Penguins
Buffalo Sabres
New York Rangers

5. Across his NHL career, how many regular season games did Sylvain Turgeon play?

450
669
710
820

Real Cloutier Nets 3 In 1st NHL Game For The Quebec Nordiques Franchise

In the final season of the WHA, 1978-79, Real Cloutier led the league with 75 goals and 129 points. It's fitting that Cloutier provided the offense in the first game in the NHL for the Quebec Nordiques.

On October 10, 1979, Quebec hosted the Atlanta Flames in their National Hockey League debut. The home team fell 5-3 but the crowd was treated to a third period comeback attempt, fueled by Cloutier and Marc Tardif.

Over the first two periods, Atlanta jumped to a 4-0 lead on goals by Phil Russell, Kent Nilsson, Ivan Boldirev and Willi Plett. At 9:51 of the third period, Cloutier scored the first NHL goal for both him and the Nordiques on future Nordique goalie Dan Bouchard. Just over a minute later, he scored again to make the score 4-2. Eric Vail made it 5-2 Flames before Real scored his hat trick goal at 19:13. All three Cloutier goals were assisted by Marc Tardif.

He would not again see the scoring success he had in the WHA but Cloutier had a decent year in 1979-80 with 42 goals in just 67 games. He would top 20 goals three more times, twice with Quebec and once with the Buffalo Sabres. The 1979-80 Nordiques finished fifth in the Adams Division with the third worst record in the NHL.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Real Cloutier

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

1. In his final WHA season (1978-79), how many goals did Real Cloutier score to lead the league?

• 65
• 70
• 75
• 80

2. Who assisted on all three of Cloutier’s goals in the Quebec Nordiques’ first NHL game in 1979?

• Michel Goulet
• Marc Tardif
• Jacques Richard
• Peter Stastny

3. Which NHL team did Real Cloutier finish his career with after leaving the Nordiques?

• Buffalo Sabres
• Hartford Whalers
• Toronto Maple Leafs
• Calgary Flames

4. How many 50+ goal seasons did Real Cloutier record during his WHA career?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

5. In his first NHL season (1979-80), how many goals did Cloutier score for Quebec in just 67 games?

• 28
• 34
• 42
• 50

Bill Hicke and Charlie Hodge Star for Oakland Seals in an October 11, 1967 “Game of Firsts”

It was the beginning of a new era in the NHL. On October 11, 1967, the expansion Philadelphia Flyers traveled west to face the Oakland Seals in the first NHL game for both teams.

The Seals gave the home fans plenty to cheer about with a 5-1 victory. Goaltender Charlie Hodge was sharp, stopping 24 of 25 shots, while forward Bill Hicke led the way offensively with two goals and an assist. Kent Douglas and Gerry Ehman also had three-point nights in what turned out to be a confident debut for the Bay Area franchise.

Douglas made history early, scoring the first goal in Oakland Seals history just 3:23 into the game. The goal came against Bernie Parent and was assisted by Charlie Burns and George Swarbrick.

The Flyers also notched a first of their own. Bill Sutherland scored the franchise’s inaugural goal at 10:07 of the second period, converting on a powerplay with assists from Leon Rochefort and John Miszuk. It stood as Philadelphia’s first powerplay marker in NHL history.

Ron Harris scored the Seals’ first game-winning goal less than two minutes after Sutherland’s tally, and Bill Hicke added Oakland’s first powerplay goal early in the third.

There were also early signs of animosity. Just 22 seconds after the opening faceoff, each team took its first penalty. Lou Angotti of the Flyers was called for interference, while Larry Cahan of the Seals went off for slashing.

Philadelphia’s tough California debut continued a few days later, dropping a 4-2 decision to the Los Angeles Kings on October 14. That game featured Brian Kilrea scoring the first goal in Kings history and Gord Labossiere notching the winner. Wayne Rutledge made 14 saves in net for the Kings, who limited the Flyers to just 16 shots.

1967 Oakland Seals vs. Philadelphia Flyers – Trivia Quiz

For much more NHL hockey trivia, visit our Hockey Trivia website!

1. Who scored the first goal in Oakland Seals history?
   Bill Hicke
   Kent Douglas
   Gerry Ehman
   Ron Harris
2. Which goaltender made 24 saves for Oakland in the team's first game?
   Wayne Rutledge
   Charlie Hodge
   Bernie Parent
   Doug Favell
3. Who scored the first goal in Philadelphia Flyers history?
   Leon Rochefort
   Bill Sutherland
   Joe Watson
   Gary Dornhoefer
4. What was the final score of the Seals vs. Flyers inaugural game?
   4-2
   3-1
   5-1
   6-2
5. How many penalties were called just 22 seconds into the game?
   One
   Two
   Three
   None