Barry Gibbs Records Five of His Career-Best 40 Points in One Game

The 1974-75 NHL season was a career year offensively for Barry Gibbs. The veteran defenseman finished with 40 points split between the Minnesota North Stars and Atlanta Flames, the highest single-season total of his NHL career. Remarkably, five of those 40 points came in one wild night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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Highlights

• December 21, 1974

• Minnesota North Stars 8, Pittsburgh Penguins 7

• Gibbs: 1 goal, 4 assists, 5 points

• Minnesota trailed 4-1 in the first period

• Gibbs helped the North Stars tie it 4-4 before the first intermission

• Assisted on Blake Dunlop's eventual game-winner

• Five points represented 12.5% of Gibbs' 40-point season

• Traded to Atlanta just two weeks later

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On December 21, 1974, the North Stars hosted Pittsburgh and eventually escaped with an 8-7 victory. Early on, however, things looked bleak for Minnesota. The Penguins jumped out to a quick 4-1 lead on first-period goals from Bob Kelly, Rick Kehoe, Ron Schock and Syl Apps.

Gibbs helped lead the North Stars back. At 10:40 of the opening period, he scored his fourth goal of the season to cut into Pittsburgh's lead. Before the period was over, Minnesota had erased the deficit and tied the game at 4-4. Gibbs was involved throughout the comeback, adding three assists on two goals by Murray Oliver and another by Bill Goldsworthy.

His night wasn't finished. Gibbs picked up his fourth assist and fifth point on Blake Dunlop's goal at 17:59 of the third period. Fred Stanfield also assisted on the goal, which gave Minnesota an 8-7 lead and ultimately stood as the game-winner. Gibbs finished the night with a goal and four assists in one of the biggest offensive performances of his NHL career.

The game was Gibbs' 33rd of the season with Minnesota, but his time with the North Stars was nearing an end. After four more appearances, he was traded to the Atlanta Flames on January 4, 1975 in exchange for Dwight Bialowas and Dean Talafous. Gibbs finished the season with 40 points overall, although his production slowed considerably after the move to Atlanta.

Gibbs went on to play 796 regular-season and 36 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1967-68 and 1979-80. His NHL career included stops with the Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars, Atlanta Flames, St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings. While never known primarily for his offense, his five-point performance on December 21, 1974 remains an impressive snapshot from his career-best offensive season.

Mirage of Destiny: The Story of the 1990-91 Minnesota North Stars

A deep dive into the remarkable season of the Minnesota North Stars — their playoff run, key moments, and legacy.

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Al Secord Torches Maple Leafs for Four Goals at Chicago Stadium

The 1981-82 season was Al Secord’s first full campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks after he was acquired from the Boston Bruins on December 18, 1980, in exchange for Mike O’Connell. It would become a remarkable season for the rugged winger. Secord finished with 44 goals and 303 penalty minutes, becoming just the second player in NHL history to record at least 30 goals and 300 penalty minutes in the same season. Tiger Williams had accomplished the feat a year earlier with 35 goals and 343 penalty minutes.

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Highlights

• November 1, 1981: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

• Secord scored the first NHL hat trick of his career

• He finished with four goals

• His second and third goals came just 11 seconds apart

• Chicago defeated Toronto 9-4

• Denis Savard recorded five points with a goal and four assists

• Secord finished 1981-82 with 44 goals and 303 penalty minutes

• He became the second NHL player with 30+ goals and 300+ PIM in one season

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Secord began building toward that 44-goal total early. On November 1, 1981, in Chicago’s 12th game of the season, the Blackhawks hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs at Chicago Stadium. Secord opened his account for the night at 13:14 of the first period, beating Toronto goaltender Michel Larocque with Denis Savard picking up the assist. The goal gave Chicago a 2-0 lead.

Secord was held off the scoresheet during the second period, while Toronto battled back. The Maple Leafs eventually pulled even at 3-3 before the Blackhawks took control in the third. At 3:46, Secord scored his second of the night and eighth of the season on the power play. The goal put Chicago ahead 5-3 and would stand as the game-winner in an eventual 9-4 victory.

Just 11 seconds later, Secord struck again. Assisted by Savard and Greg Fox, the goal completed the first hat trick of Secord’s NHL career. Three goals apparently weren’t enough. Later in the third, he scored again for his fourth of the game and 10th of the season, with Savard and Tim Higgins earning the assists.

Secord finished the night with four goals, while Savard enjoyed a huge game of his own with a goal and four assists for five points. For Secord, the performance was an early sign of what was to come during a season that combined elite goal scoring with the physical edge that became a defining feature of his career.

The Big 50: Chicago Blackhawks (The Men and Moments that Made the Chicago Blackhawks)

Relive the greatest players, personalities, and turning points in Blackhawks history in this countdown of the 50 most influential figures and moments that shaped the franchise.

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Ron Lalonde Scores First Hat Trick in Washington Capitals History (In an 8-5 Loss)

The expansion Washington Capitals endured a historically difficult debut season in 1974-75. Washington won just eight of 80 games, scored an NHL-low 181 goals and surrendered a staggering 446. Yet, even in a season filled with losses, there were milestones to celebrate. One of those came courtesy of Ron Lalonde, who became the first player in franchise history to record a hat trick.

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Highlights

• March 30, 1975: Washington hosted Detroit in its 77th game of the season.

• Ron Lalonde scored the first hat trick in Washington Capitals history.

• Lalonde scored Washington's third, fourth and fifth goals.

• Bob Gryp assisted on all three goals.

• Washington held a 5-2 lead before Detroit mounted its comeback.

• Marcel Dionne scored twice late in the second period.

• Bill Hogaboam scored twice just 12 seconds apart in the third.

• Detroit ultimately won 8-5.

• It was the only hat trick of Lalonde's NHL career.

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Lalonde had arrived in Washington on December 15, 1974, when the Capitals acquired him from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Lew Morrison. He wasn't expected to suddenly transform one of the NHL's weakest offences, but on March 30, 1975, he provided a glimpse of what the young franchise desperately needed.

Hosting the Detroit Red Wings in their 77th game of the season, the Capitals surprisingly built a 5-2 lead past the halfway point. Lalonde scored Washington's third, fourth and fifth goals, giving him his ninth, tenth and eleventh goals of the season. All three came against Detroit goaltender Terry Richardson, and remarkably, Bob Gryp assisted on each of Lalonde's goals.

Unfortunately for Washington, the historic hat trick wasn't enough. Marcel Dionne began Detroit's comeback at 17:33 of the second period, just 31 seconds after Lalonde completed his hat trick. Dionne scored again before the intermission, cutting Washington's advantage to 5-4. The Red Wings then scored four unanswered goals in the third period to turn what had looked like a rare Capitals victory into an 8-5 defeat. Bill Hogaboam contributed two of those goals just 12 seconds apart.

Lalonde would never record another NHL hat trick, making his historic performance against Detroit the only three-goal game of his career. He appeared in 397 NHL regular season games between 1972-73 and 1978-79 with Pittsburgh and Washington, scoring 45 goals and 123 points without appearing in a Stanley Cup playoff game. Originally selected by Pittsburgh in the fourth round of the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft after playing junior hockey with the Peterborough Petes, Lalonde secured a permanent place in Capitals history on an otherwise forgettable night for the expansion club.

Washington Capitals: Team History

A look back at the history of the Washington Capitals — from expansion years to modern success.

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Philadelphia Outscores Pittsburgh 19-2 In Two 1977-78 Early-Season Meetings

The Pittsburgh Penguins faced their cross-state rival Philadelphia Flyers twice over their first five games of the 1977-78 NHL season. Neither meeting went remotely according to plan for Pittsburgh. The Penguins were beaten 8-2 at home in the first matchup before suffering an even more lopsided 11-0 loss at the Spectrum. Through it all, goaltender Dunc Wilson remained in the Pittsburgh net, facing an incredible 90 shots over the two games.

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Highlights

• Pittsburgh faced Philadelphia twice over its first five games of 1977-78.

• The Flyers won the two games by scores of 8-2 and 11-0.

• Dunc Wilson played every minute in net for Pittsburgh.

• Wilson faced a combined 90 shots over the two losses.

• Bobby Clarke recorded five points in the first game and four in the second.

• Philadelphia outscored Pittsburgh 19-2 across the two meetings.

• Bernie Parent made 20 saves for the shutout in the 11-0 victory.

• Wilson played 287 NHL games but never appeared in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

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It was a dramatic change of fortune for Wilson after a strong 1976-77 season. He had posted a 2.95 goals-against average and recorded five shutouts, tying Philadelphia's Bernie Parent for third in the NHL. A year later, Wilson appeared in just 21 games for Pittsburgh, finishing with a 4.84 GAA and no shutouts. Over his NHL career, he played 287 regular-season games between 1969-70 and 1978-79 with the Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Penguins, but never appeared in a playoff game.

In the first meeting with Philadelphia, Wilson stopped 28 of the 36 shots he faced in an 8-2 defeat. Bobby Clarke powered the Flyers with a goal and four assists for a five-point night, while Bob Kelly contributed two goals and an assist. Tom Bladon added a shorthanded goal and Ross Lonsberry was credited with the game winner as Philadelphia overwhelmed the Penguins.

Things became even more difficult in the rematch at the Spectrum. Philadelphia fired 54 shots at Wilson and rolled to an 11-0 victory. Clarke once again led the attack, recording a goal and three assists. Bob Kelly, Orest Kindrachuk, Rick Lapointe, Reg Leach and Jimmy Watson each finished with three points as the Flyers spread the offense throughout the lineup.

Only Bob Dailey, Gary Dornhoefer, Paul Holmgren and Joe Watson failed to record a point among Philadelphia's skaters in the 11-goal outburst. At the other end, Bernie Parent needed to make just 20 saves to earn the shutout. Over the two games, Philadelphia outscored Pittsburgh 19-2 and fired 90 shots at Wilson, a brutal early-season introduction to the Flyers for the Penguins and their goaltender.

The Pittsburgh Penguins: The First 25 Years

A nostalgic look back at the first quarter-century of Penguins history, highlighting the players, milestones, and moments that shaped the franchise from its early beginnings.

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Bob MacMillan's Shorthanded Goal Sinks The Sabres In 1976

Bob MacMillan was beginning to establish himself as an NHL regular with the St. Louis Blues during the 1975-76 season. Originally a first-round pick of the New York Rangers in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft, the Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island native spent two seasons in the WHA before splitting 1974-75 between the Rangers and the AHL's Providence Reds. A move to St. Louis gave MacMillan a fresh start, and on January 13, 1976, he played a major role in a convincing victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

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Highlights

• January 13, 1976: St. Louis defeated Buffalo 7-3

• Bob MacMillan recorded 2 goals and 1 assist

• His first goal was unassisted and shorthanded

• The shorthanded goal ultimately stood as the game-winner

• MacMillan and Garry Unger each finished with three points

• MacMillan put seven shots on Buffalo goalie Gary Bromley

• Yves Belanger stopped 31 of 34 shots

• MacMillan later won the 1978-79 Lady Byng Trophy

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Buffalo opened the scoring when Brian Spencer scored the first of his two goals on the night. The Blues quickly answered, with MacMillan and Red Berenson setting up Garry Unger at 9:46 of the opening period. From there, St. Louis took control and Buffalo would not regain the lead.

MacMillan produced one of the game's biggest moments early in the second period. With Bert Wilson serving a penalty, MacMillan scored an unassisted shorthanded goal on Buffalo goaltender Gary Bromley at 1:46. The goal gave St. Louis a 4-1 advantage and ultimately stood as the game-winner in a 7-3 Blues victory.

MacMillan wasn't finished. At 11:54 of the second period, he scored his second goal of the game, this time with assists going to Jerry Butler and Unger. MacMillan finished the night with two goals, one assist and seven shots on goal. Unger also recorded two goals and an assist, while Blues goaltender Yves Belanger stopped 31 of Buffalo's 34 shots.

MacMillan went on to enjoy a lengthy NHL career from 1974-75 through 1984-85, appearing in 753 regular-season games and another 31 in the playoffs. He played for the Rangers, Blues, Atlanta and Calgary Flames, Colorado Rockies, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks. A six-time 20-goal scorer, MacMillan reached a career-high 38 goals in 1977-78 and won the Lady Byng Trophy the following season.

Bob Plager's Tales from the Blues Bench

Insights, stories, and unforgettable moments from Bob Plager’s time with the St. Louis Blues — a must-read for Blues fans.

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Al MacAdam's Hat Trick Keeps Golden Seals Perfect To Start 1975-76

A perfect start to a season wasn't something California Golden Seals fans got to experience very often. But, for at least two games in October 1975, the Seals could enjoy life without a loss. After opening the 1975-76 NHL season with a 4-3 victory over the Atlanta Flames at the Omni, California travelled to Detroit to face the Red Wings on October 11, 1975.

Highlights

• California opened the 1975-76 season with consecutive victories.

• Al MacAdam scored a hat trick in the 5-2 win over Detroit.

• His first goal was an unassisted shorthanded marker.

• MacAdam's second goal, just 1:10 into the third, was the game winner.

• It was the first of three NHL hat tricks in MacAdam's career.

• Gary Simmons stopped 24 shots for California.

• Dennis Maruk led the Golden Seals with six shots on goal.

• California won just one of its next 12 games and relocated to Cleveland after the season.

Al MacAdam was the star of the night at Detroit Olympia. The Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island native opened the scoring at 8:38 of the first period with an unassisted shorthanded goal on Detroit goaltender Jim Rutherford. Bob Stewart was serving a charging penalty at the time. The Red Wings battled back and the teams entered the third period tied 2-2.

MacAdam wasted little time putting California back in front. Just 1:10 into the third, he scored his second of the game, assisted by Mike Christie. The goal stood as the game winner. MacAdam then completed the hat trick at 16:26, with Christie and rookie Dennis Maruk picking up the assists. It was the first of three hat tricks MacAdam would record during his NHL career.

Bob Murdoch finished off the scoring with an empty-net goal as California came away with a 5-2 victory. Gary Simmons earned the win in net with 24 saves, while the Golden Seals fired 36 shots at Rutherford. Maruk led California with six shots on goal.

For the Golden Seals, the 2-0 start provided a brief moment of optimism during what would be their final season in California. The momentum disappeared quickly, with the club winning just one of its next 12 games. California finished 1975-76 with 27 wins and 65 points, missing the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season. The franchise relocated to Ohio that summer and became the Cleveland Barons.

The California Golden Seals: A Tale of White Skates, Red Ink, and One of the NHL's Most Outlandish Teams

Discover the fascinating and unconventional story of the California Golden Seals — one of the NHL’s most memorable and unusual franchises.

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Paul Gagne Shines In Just His 3rd NHL Game With The Colorado Rockies

Paul Gagne arrived in the NHL with plenty of offensive promise. The Colorado Rockies selected the Windsor Spitfires standout 19th overall in the first round of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. In his second season with Windsor, Gagne scored 48 goals and finished with 101 points, tying for ninth in the league in goals. The Wayne Maxner-coached Spitfires also reached the league final before being swept by the Peterborough Petes.

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Highlights

• Colorado selected Paul Gagne 19th overall in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft.

• He scored 48 goals and 101 points in his final season with the Windsor Spitfires.

• Gagne jumped directly from junior hockey to the NHL.

• He scored his first NHL goal in his second career game.

• Gagne scored twice against Quebec in NHL game number three.

• His first goal against the Nordiques stood as the game winner.

• He finished his rookie season with 25 goals in just 61 games.

• Gagne played 390 NHL games but never appeared in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

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Gagne made the jump directly from junior hockey to the Rockies for the 1980-81 season without spending any time in the minors. After being held off the scoresheet in his NHL debut, he scored his first career goal in game number two, helping Colorado to a road victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Gagne beat Eddie Mio for the Rockies' first goal of the game, with Lanny McDonald picking up the assist.

Things got even better in his third NHL game. On October 14, 1980, Colorado hosted the Quebec Nordiques at McNichols Sports Arena. Gagne scored at 10:43 of the opening period, beating Michel Plasse with assists going to Walt McKechnie and Rob Ramage. The goal gave the Rockies a 2-0 lead and would stand as the game winner in a 4-1 Colorado victory.

Gagne wasn't finished. He added his second goal of the night to account for Colorado's fourth and final goal, once again assisted by McKechnie and Ramage. Just three games into his NHL career, the 18-year-old rookie had already recorded his first goal, first multi-goal game and first game-winning goal.

Gagne went on to score an impressive 25 goals despite playing just 61 games during his rookie season. He would surpass the 20-goal mark once more, scoring 24 for the New Jersey Devils in 1984-85. From 1980-81 through 1989-90, Gagne appeared in 390 NHL regular season games with the Rockies, Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders, but never played in an NHL playoff game. He later spent much of the 1990s playing professionally in Germany and Switzerland.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

Dive into unforgettable tales from NHL history — the biggest moments, legendary players, and classic rivalries.

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One Year After His 6 Goal Game, Red Berenson Lit Up The Flyers Again

When hockey fans think of Red Berenson and the Philadelphia Flyers, one game immediately comes to mind: his unforgettable six-goal performance during the 1968-69 season. While that historic night remains one of the greatest individual performances in NHL history, Berenson wasn't finished tormenting Philadelphia.

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Highlights:

• Red Berenson records a hat trick in an 8-0 win over Philadelphia.

• Scored the first goal in all three periods.

• Added an assist for a four-point night.

• Frank St. Marseille contributed five points (2G, 3A).

• Jacques Plante posted a 23-save shutout.

• Berenson finished with 12 points in seven games against the Flyers that season.

• Also assisted on all four Blues goals in a March 1970 victory over Philadelphia

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Less than a year later, on November 1, 1969, the St. Louis Blues star delivered another memorable performance against the Flyers. This time it was "only" a hat trick, but it helped power the Blues to a commanding 8-0 victory at St. Louis Arena. Berenson opened the scoring in every period, netting his third, fourth and fifth goals of the young 1969-70 campaign.

The first two goals came on the power play against Bernie Parent. Bobby Clarke was serving a tripping penalty when Berenson converted the game's opening goal, with assists from Frank St. Marseille and Larry Keenan. Later, after Earl Heiskala picked up an extra minor for elbowing following a fight with Ray Fortin, Berenson struck again with the man advantage. His third goal came just 29 seconds into the final period, beating Doug Favell after Parent had been replaced to start the third.

Berenson wasn't done there. He also picked up a first-period assist on one of Larry Keenan's goals to finish with four points. Frank St. Marseille enjoyed an even bigger offensive explosion, recording two goals and three assists for a five-point evening. In goal, veteran Jacques Plante turned aside all 23 Philadelphia shots to earn the shutout as the Blues completely dominated from start to finish.

Philadelphia simply couldn't find an answer for Berenson during the 1969-70 season. In seven games against the Flyers, he totaled five goals and seven assists for 12 points. His most remarkable playmaking performance came on March 12, 1970, when he assisted on all four St. Louis goals in a 4-2 victory. Although he didn't score that night, Berenson still led both teams with six shots on Bernie Parent, once again proving that few players enjoyed facing the Flyers more than Red Berenson during that era.

The Franchise: St. Louis Blues (A Curated History of the Blues)

A curated history celebrating the St. Louis Blues — their iconic players, historic moments, and lasting impact on hockey culture.

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Dennis Maruk Did Everything He Could In 1986... But The North Stars Fell Short

Dennis Maruk Shines In 1985-86 Playoffs But Can't Help North Stars Out Of 1st Round

Highlights

• Dennis Maruk became the first Washington Capitals player to score 50 and 60 goals in a season.

• Despite his offensive success, Maruk played only 34 NHL playoff games during his career.

• His best postseason performance came with the Minnesota North Stars in the 1985-86 playoffs.

• Minnesota faced the St. Louis Blues in a tightly contested best-of-five opening-round series.

• The Blues advanced in five games, but the North Stars actually outscored St. Louis 20-18 in the series.

• Maruk recorded 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) and contributed to 65% of Minnesota's goals.

• No other North Stars player recorded more than five points in the series.

• Maruk recorded at least one point in all five playoff games.

• His best performance came in Game 2, when he scored twice and added two assists in Minnesota's 6-2 victory.

• Game 5 marked the final Stanley Cup playoff appearance of Dennis Maruk's NHL career.   

Dennis Maruk is best known for becoming the first player in Washington Capitals history to score both 50 and 60 goals in a season. Despite his offensive brilliance, however, he experienced a career similar to Marcel Dionne's in one respect: limited playoff success. Maruk appeared in just 34 Stanley Cup playoff games during his NHL career.

Nearly half of those postseason games came with the Minnesota North Stars during the 1983-84 playoffs, but his greatest playoff performance arrived two years later in the spring of 1986.

A Closely Contested Norris Division Battle

The North Stars faced the St. Louis Blues in a best-of-five opening-round series after the two Norris Division rivals finished only two points apart in the regular-season standings. The series was every bit as competitive as expected.

Although the Blues won the series in five games, Minnesota actually outscored St. Louis 20-18. Maruk was the driving force behind the North Stars' offense, recording 13 points on four goals and nine assists. He factored into an incredible 65 percent of Minnesota's goals, while no other teammate recorded more than five points.

Maruk's Best Performance

Maruk registered at least one point in all five games, but his finest outing came in Game 2. Minnesota earned a convincing 6-2 victory on home ice to even the series at one game apiece.

He scored twice, added assists on goals by Tony McKegney and Brian Bellows, and finished the night with an outstanding +5 rating.

The Final Playoff Game

The deciding Game 5 ended in a 6-3 victory for the Blues, eliminating the North Stars despite Minnesota's strong offensive showing throughout the series.

Maruk contributed two more assists on goals by Brian Bellows and Ron Wilson in the loss. It would prove to be the final Stanley Cup playoff game of his NHL career, bringing the curtain down on one of the most productive yet often overlooked postseason performances of the 1980s.

Dennis Maruk: Hockey Biography

The story of Dennis Maruk — a prolific scorer whose 60-goal season remains one of the great NHL achievements.

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Mike Bossy Makes NHL History as the First Rookie (and Islander) to Reach 50 Goals

When the New York Islanders welcomed the Washington Capitals to Nassau Coliseum on April 1, 1978, everyone in the building knew what was at stake. Rookie sensation Mike Bossy entered the game sitting on 49 goals, just one away from becoming the first player in Islanders history, and the first rookie in NHL history, to reach the coveted 50-goal milestone.

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Highlights

• Mike Bossy entered the game with 49 goals.

• Scored his historic 50th goal on April 1, 1978.

• Became the first Islanders player to reach 50 goals.

• First NHL rookie ever to score 50 goals.

• Added his 51st goal with five seconds remaining.

• Islanders rallied for a 3-2 victory over Washington.

• Finished his rookie season with 53 goals.

• Began a streak of nine consecutive 50-goal seasons.

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For more than two periods, Washington goaltender Bernie Wolfe kept Bossy off the scoresheet. The rookie finally broke through at 11:52 of the third period, firing a power-play goal past Wolfe while Bill Riley served a tripping penalty. Bryan Trottier and Denis Potvin picked up the assists as the Nassau Coliseum crowd erupted in celebration.

Bossy wasn't finished. With just five seconds remaining, he struck again on another power play, scoring his 51st goal of the season with Bryan Watson in the penalty box for holding. Clark Gillies and Potvin assisted on the game-winning goal, completing a dramatic comeback as New York erased a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Capitals 3-2.

Despite the loss, Bernie Wolfe turned in an outstanding performance for Washington, stopping 41 shots, including 11 from the stick of Denis Potvin. At the other end, Glenn Resch faced only 18 shots, surrendering goals to Guy Charron and Tom Rowe.

Bossy finished his remarkable rookie campaign with 53 goals, shattering Rick Martin's rookie record of 44 set during the 1971-72 season. The achievement launched one of the greatest goal-scoring careers in NHL history, as Bossy recorded nine consecutive 50-goal seasons. More than four decades later, only four NHL rookies have ever scored 50 goals in their first season. Teemu Selanne set the all-time rookie record with 76 goals in 1992-93, while Joe Nieuwendyk and Alex Ovechkin are the only others to join Bossy in the exclusive club.

Rangers vs. Islanders: Denis Potvin, Mark Messier, and Everything Else You Wanted to Know about New York's Greatest Hockey Rivalry

Explore the fierce rivalry between the New York Rangers and New York Islanders, featuring legendary figures, unforgettable clashes, and the moments that defined one of hockey’s most intense matchups.

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Doug Keans Recorded Back-to-Back Shutouts in His First NHL Season with the Bruins

For most goaltenders, recording a first career NHL shutout is a milestone they'll never forget. For Boston Bruins netminder Doug Keans, the memory became even sweeter when he followed it up with another shutout in his very next start during the 1983-84 season.

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Highlights

• Doug Keans recorded the first two shutouts of his NHL career in consecutive starts.

• Blanked the New York Islanders 2-0 on January 16, 1984.

• Followed with a 32-save shutout over the Hartford Whalers on January 21.

• Both victories came by identical 2-0 scores.

• The wins were part of Keans' eight-game personal winning streak.

• 1983-84 was Keans' first season with the Boston Bruins.

• Keans finished his NHL career with four shutouts, half of them coming in these back-to-back starts.

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Keans earned his first career NHL shutout on January 16, 1984, turning aside all 27 shots he faced in a 2-0 victory over the New York Islanders at Boston Garden. Defenseman Gord Kluzak scored the game-winning goal on the power play early in the opening period, beating Billy Smith at 6:10 with Rick Middleton picking up the assist.

Although Bruins starter Pete Peeters handled the next two games, Keans returned to the crease on January 21 and picked up right where he left off. Facing the Hartford Whalers at the Hartford Civic Center, he was even busier, stopping all 32 shots in another 2-0 Boston victory. Mike O'Connell opened the scoring in the first period before Rick Middleton added an insurance goal later in the game.

The consecutive shutouts also marked Keans' sixth and seventh victories during an impressive eight-game personal winning streak. It was a remarkable run for a goaltender who had seen limited NHL action with the Los Angeles Kings over the previous four seasons before arriving in Boston.

The 1983-84 campaign was Keans' first with the Bruins, and he would spend five seasons with the club as a dependable backup. During that span, he provided valuable depth behind a succession of Boston starters, including Pete Peeters, Pat Riggin, Bill Ranford and Reggie Lemelin, while producing four career NHL shutouts, two of which came in memorable back-to-back starts.

Boston Bruins: Greatest Moments and Players

A celebration of the iconic history of the Boston Bruins — from legendary players to unforgettable moments.

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Brian Cullen And Billy Harris Deliver Twin Hat Tricks As Maple Leafs Crush Bruins 7-0

The Toronto Maple Leafs couldn't have asked for a better remedy after opening the 1957-58 NHL season with three consecutive losses. On October 19, 1957, a packed Maple Leaf Gardens crowd watched the Leafs completely dominate the Boston Bruins in a 7-0 victory that finally put Toronto in the win column. Goaltender Ed Chadwick was flawless, turning aside all 30 Boston shots, while Brian Cullen and Billy Harris each recorded memorable hat tricks.

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Highlights

• The Maple Leafs snapped an 0-3 start with a dominant 7-0 victory over the Bruins.

• Brian Cullen scored the first hat trick of the night, including the game-winning goal.

• Billy Harris matched Cullen with a hat trick of his own in the third period.

• Ed Chadwick earned a 30-save shutout against Boston.

• Ron Stewart added a shorthanded goal just 24 seconds into the second period.

• Barry Cullen assisted on two of his brother Brian's three goals.

• The game remains one of the rare occasions in NHL history where two teammates recorded hat tricks in the same game.

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Cullen opened the scoring late in the first period, converting a power-play opportunity at 18:06. George Armstrong and Bob Pulford set up the goal, which proved to be the eventual game winner. Although the Leafs would score six more times, Boston never seriously threatened Chadwick, who was in complete control from start to finish.

Toronto buried the Bruins in the second period. Ron Stewart struck just 24 seconds into the frame with a shorthanded goal before Brian Cullen added his second of the night at 17:19. His brother, Barry Cullen, and defenseman Bob Baun picked up the assists. Barry would also help set up Brian's third goal in the final period, giving the Cullen brothers a special family connection on an unforgettable evening.

Not to be overshadowed, Billy Harris took over in the third period. He scored twice within 30 seconds early in the frame before completing his own hat trick with only 22 seconds remaining in regulation. Remarkably, Toronto had two different players score three goals in the same game, accounting for six of the club's seven goals in one of the most lopsided wins of the season.

Despite their explosive performances that night, neither player went on to challenge the league's scoring leaders. Harris finished the season with 16 goals, while Cullen enjoyed the finest offensive campaign of his NHL career, scoring a personal-best 20. Even so, their unforgettable outburst against Boston remains one of the more unique offensive performances in Maple Leafs history, proving that sometimes one spectacular night can leave a lasting place in franchise lore.

Stories From The Epic History Of NHL Hockey (Volume IV)

Dive into unforgettable tales from NHL history — the biggest moments, legendary players, and classic rivalries.

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Hats Off to Dickie Moore and Rocket Richard: The Night They Scored Every Canadiens Goal

The 1957-58 NHL season was only a few games old when the Montreal Canadiens delivered a statement performance against the Detroit Red Wings. On October 13, 1957, at Detroit Olympia, Montreal skated away with a convincing 6-0 victory thanks to an extraordinary offensive display from Dickie Moore and Maurice “Rocket” Richard.

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Highlights

• Maurice Richard and Dickie Moore combined to score all six Montreal goals.

• Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings 6-0 at Detroit Olympia.

• Dickie Moore scored the game-winning goal just 1:42 into the contest.

• Richard recorded the final regular-season hat trick of his NHL career.

• Moore completed the fourth hat trick of his NHL career.

• Both Richard and Moore finished with three goals and one assist.

• Jean Beliveau and Henri Richard each collected three assists.

• Charlie Hodge stopped all 27 shots he faced for the shutout.   

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The duo completely took over the scoresheet, combining for all six Canadiens goals against legendary Detroit goaltender Terry Sawchuk. Moore opened the scoring just 1:42 into the game on a power-play opportunity, finishing a play set up by Jean Beliveau and Henri Richard while Gordie Howe served a penalty. That early marker would stand up as the game-winning goal.

Richard took over from there, scoring twice in the opening period to put Montreal firmly in control. The Rocket added another goal in the third period to complete the final regular-season hat trick of his illustrious NHL career. While he would record one more three-goal game in the playoffs, this was the last time he accomplished the feat during the regular season. Two of Richard’s three goals came with the man advantage.

Moore was not about to be overshadowed. After his early goal, he struck twice in the latter stages of the third period to secure the fourth hat trick of his NHL career. By the final horn, both Moore and Richard had produced four-point nights, each collecting three goals and one assist.

The supporting cast played its part as well. Henri Richard and Jean Beliveau each recorded three assists, helping orchestrate Montreal’s relentless attack. In goal, Charlie Hodge was flawless, stopping all 27 Detroit shots for the shutout. At the opposite end, Sawchuk faced 33 shots and was beaten six times as the Canadiens cruised to one of their most memorable victories of the season.

For hockey fans fortunate enough to witness it, the game served as a reminder of just how dominant Montreal’s stars could be. On this night, Dickie Moore and Rocket Richard didn't just lead the Canadiens, they accounted for every single goal in a six-goal shutout performance.

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Rick Martin Reaches 50 Goals In Style With Historic Hat Trick For Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres closed out the 1973-74 NHL season with a memorable night at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, and Rick Martin made sure the home fans had something special to celebrate. Already one of the league's most dangerous scorers, Martin entered the final game of the season sitting on 49 goals and needing just one more to become the first player in franchise history to reach the coveted 50-goal mark.

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Highlights

• Rick Martin entered the final game of 1973-74 with 49 goals.

• Became the first 50-goal scorer in Buffalo Sabres history.

• Scored goal number 50 against Wayne Stephenson of the St. Louis Blues.

• Recorded a hat trick in Buffalo's season finale.

• Finished the season with 52 goals.

• Scored the game-winning goal in a 5-2 Sabres victory.

• Don Luce assisted on both Martin's 50th and 51st goals.

• Matched his 52-goal total again in 1974-75 despite missing 12 games.   

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Facing the St. Louis Blues on April 7, 1974, Martin wasted little time making history. At 8:39 of the opening period, he beat Blues goaltender Wayne Stephenson for his 50th goal of the season. Paul Terbenche and Don Luce picked up the assists on the landmark tally, and the Buffalo crowd erupted as Martin etched his name into the Sabres record book.

The game remained firmly under Buffalo's control, and Martin added to his historic evening early in the third period. Just 2:47 into the final frame, he scored again, collecting his 51st goal of the year. Assisted by Luce and Mike Robitaille, the goal gave the Sabres a 3-0 lead and ultimately stood as the game-winning goal in Buffalo's 5-2 victory.

With the outcome already decided, Martin still had one more highlight left. With only 47 seconds remaining in regulation, he completed the hat trick by scoring his 52nd goal of the season. Norm Gratton and Gilbert Perreault earned the assists as Martin put an exclamation point on one of the greatest individual scoring performances in early Sabres history.

The hat trick not only made Martin the first 50-goal scorer in franchise history, but it also established 52 goals as the highest single-season total by a Sabres player at the time. Remarkably, he matched that total the following season, scoring another 52 goals in 1974-75 despite missing 12 games. For Buffalo fans, Martin's unforgettable finale to the 1973-74 season remains one of the defining moments of the franchise's early years.

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NHL 3 Star Time Warp: February 8, 1975

From our "NHL 3 Star Time Warp" series on our Facebook Page: A look back at the 3 stars from NHL games played on February 8, 1975.

Third Star: Garry Unger of the St. Louis Blues

Facing his former club at Maple Leaf Gardens, Garry Unger played a major role in helping the St. Louis Blues earn a 3-3 draw against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Unger opened the scoring with the lone goal of the first period, beating Toronto goaltender Doug Favell on an unassisted effort.

The veteran center struck again early in the third period, giving St. Louis a 3-1 advantage with his second goal of the night and 25th of the 1974-75 season. However, the Maple Leafs refused to go away quietly, rallying behind goals from Inge Hammarstrom and Darryl Sittler to salvage the tie.

Unger was a constant threat throughout the evening, leading all players with seven shots on goal.

Second Star: Pete LoPresti of the Minnesota North Stars

The Minnesota North Stars pulled off one of the more surprising results of the season, blanking the powerful Philadelphia Flyers 5-0 on home ice. Minnesota entered the contest with just 13 victories through its first 52 games, while the Flyers had been one of the NHL's dominant clubs, suffering only 12 losses over the same span.

Goaltender Pete LoPresti was outstanding, stopping all 26 Philadelphia shots to record the first shutout of his NHL career. His teammates provided plenty of support early, exploding for four goals in just over five minutes before the first period had even reached its halfway point.

Once the game got out of hand, it took on the rough-and-tumble character that had become synonymous with the Broad Street Bullies. Dave Schultz led the penalty parade, piling up 31 penalty minutes in a physical and emotional contest.

First Star: Phil Esposito of the Boston Bruins

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Although the hometown fans at Detroit Olympia watched their Red Wings fall 8-5 to the Boston Bruins, they were treated to a spectacular offensive performance from Phil Esposito. The Bruins superstar erupted for five points, scoring four goals and adding an assist on a goal by Ken Hodge.

Esposito's second goal of the night was particularly significant, as it marked his 50th goal of the season. The milestone represented the fifth and final consecutive season in which he reached the 50-goal mark, further cementing his place among the league's elite scorers.

His third goal of the game proved to be the winner, giving Boston a 6-2 lead and standing up as the decisive tally. The goal was even more impressive because it came while shorthanded, with Don Marcotte earning the assist. By night's end, Esposito had delivered one of the finest individual performances of the season.

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NHL 3 Star Time Warp: February 17, 1973

From our "NHL 3 Star Time Warp" series on our Facebook Page: A look back at the 3 stars from NHL games played on February 17, 1973.

Third Star: Danny Grant of the Minnesota North Stars

Facing the high-powered Boston Bruins, Danny Grant delivered one of his best performances of the season, leading the Minnesota North Stars to a convincing 5-2 victory. Grant recorded a hat trick and added an assist for a four-point night, proving to be the difference-maker against one of the NHL’s elite clubs.

Grant found the back of the net three times, scoring his 21st, 22nd, and 23rd goals of the 1972-73 campaign. He also set up a goal by Jude Drouin, contributing directly to four of Minnesota’s five goals.

The only North Stars goal that did not involve Grant came off the stick of J.P. Parise. That marker ultimately stood as the game-winning goal, while Grant’s offensive outburst secured him Third Star honors.

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Second Star: Ron Ellis of the Toronto Maple Leafs

Although he was the only member of the night’s three stars not to record a hat trick, Ron Ellis still put together an outstanding performance for the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 6-2 victory over the New York Islanders.

Ellis scored twice and added an assist on a goal by Dave Keon, finishing with three points. His first goal of the game, his 19th of the season, eventually held up as the game winner.

He capped off his evening with a shorthanded tally late in the second period, helping Toronto pull away and earning Second Star recognition.

First Star: Bobby Clarke of the Philadelphia Flyers

In one of the most entertaining games of the night, Bobby Clarke powered the Philadelphia Flyers to a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at the Montreal Forum.

Clarke recorded a hat trick and added an assist on a goal by Simon Nolet, giving him a four-point performance. His leadership and offensive production were crucial in a back-and-forth contest that remained undecided until the closing minutes.

The Flyers captain completed his hat trick at 16:31 of the third period, scoring his 29th goal of the season. That goal proved to be the game winner, sealing the dramatic win and earning Clarke First Star honors.

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