Rick Vaive & Bill Derlago Combine for 10 Points in Leafs’ 5-2 Win Over Chicago (1982)

When the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Rick Vaive and Bill Derlago from the Vancouver Canucks in February 1980, the deal didn’t immediately reshape the franchise but it didn’t take long before the duo became offensive cornerstones. During the 1981-82 season, Vaive made history as the first 50-goal scorer in Leafs history, while Derlago enjoyed a breakout campaign with 84 points.

On January 31, 1982, at Chicago Stadium, the pair delivered one of their most dominant performances. Facing the Chicago Blackhawks, Vaive and Derlago factored into every Toronto goal in a convincing 5-2 victory. After a scoreless opening period, Chicago struck first midway through the second when Tom Lysiak found the back of the net.

Toronto answered quickly. Just over three minutes later, Vaive tied the game with assists from Derlago and Borje Salming, sending the teams into the third period deadlocked at one. The Leafs wasted no time taking control in the final frame, as Derlago scored only 35 seconds in to give Toronto a 2-1 lead, with Vaive and John Anderson picking up assists.

The lead was short-lived, as Doug Crossman responded just 23 seconds later for Chicago. But from that point forward, it was all Maple Leafs. Vaive restored the lead with his second goal of the night, his 35th of the season, beating Tony Esposito at 7:31. Derlago and Salming assisted once again, continuing their offensive dominance.

Derlago added his second goal of the game midway through the period, set up by Vaive and Jim Benning. Then, in the final minute, Vaive completed his hat trick with an empty-net goal, finishing off a remarkable night with five points. Derlago matched him with five of his own, giving the duo a combined 10-point performance.

Vaive fired nine of Toronto’s 34 shots on goal, while Derlago made the most of his opportunities, scoring twice on just two shots. In net, Vincent Tremblay turned aside 31 shots to secure the win. The game also featured a spirited fight between Stew Gavin and former Leaf Dave Hutchison, adding extra intensity to an already memorable night.

Catch 22: My Battles, in Hockey and Life

Rick Vaive shares the highs and challenges of his hockey career and personal life in this candid memoir, offering insight into the pressures, triumphs, and battles both on and off the ice.

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Gilbert Perreault’s First NHL Goal: The Moment That Launched the Buffalo Sabres

When the Buffalo Sabres entered the NHL in 1970, they needed a cornerstone. They found one immediately in Gilbert Perreault.

Selected first overall at the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, Perreault arrived with enormous expectations and wasted no time delivering.

A Historic First Goal

On October 10, 1970, the Sabres played their very first NHL game on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the legendary Civic Arena (The Igloo).

With the game tied 1-1 heading into the third period, history unfolded.

At 11:26 of the final frame, Perreault scored his first NHL goal against goaltender Les Binkley. The goal came on the power play, with Greg Polis serving a tripping penalty, and was assisted by Kevin O'Shea and Gerry Meehan.

That single moment carried historic weight:

• First goal of Perreault’s Hall of Fame career (512 total)

• First power-play goal in Sabres history

• First game-winning goal in franchise history

Buffalo went on to win 2-1.

Crozier’s Early Backbone

While Perreault provided the spark, goaltender Roger Crozier was just as vital to the victory.

Facing heavy pressure, Crozier stopped 35 of 36 shots, backstopping the expansion Sabres to their first-ever win. Acquired from the Detroit Red Wings, he would serve as Buffalo’s primary goaltender during their formative years.

Reality Hits But a Star Emerges

Despite the dream start, expansion reality quickly set in.

The Sabres stumbled badly after opening night, enduring a brutal 1-11-1 stretch in which they were outscored 57-17 and shut out three times.

But even through the struggles, one constant remained: Perreault’s brilliance.

He finished his rookie season with 38 goals, capturing the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. His performance helped Buffalo avoid last place, finishing fifth in the seven-team East Division.

"Then Perreault Said to Rico…": The Best Buffalo Sabres Stories Ever Told

A collection of the greatest Buffalo Sabres tales — from unforgettable moments to iconic personalities in franchise history.

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Terry O'Reilly’s Wild Night: Three Fights in One Playoff Game vs the Islanders

On April 19, 1980, Terry O'Reilly delivered one of the grittiest performances of his career, dropping the gloves three times in a single playoff game against the New York Islanders. It was a night that perfectly captured the raw intensity of playoff hockey in that era.

The Boston Bruins entered their quarter-final series as the favorite, finishing the regular season with 14 more points than the Islanders. But expectations quickly unraveled. Heading into Game 3, Boston already trailed the series 2-0, and things were only about to get tougher at Nassau Coliseum.

O’Reilly wasted no time making an impact. He assisted on the game’s opening goal, scored by Don Marcotte against Billy Smith, but it was his physical presence that defined the night. Midway through the first period, he squared off with the powerful Clark Gillies. Not once, but twice. The two heavyweights clashed again just minutes later in a rare back-to-back showdown.

By the third period, with the Islanders leading 4-2, O’Reilly found himself in yet another battle, this time against the feisty Garry Howatt. The altercation resulted in additional penalties and ultimately a game misconduct for “Taz,” bringing his night to an early end. Given the punishment he’d already absorbed, the early exit may have been a welcome relief.

When the dust settled, O’Reilly had racked up 31 penalty minutes in one game, an almost unthinkable number by today’s standards. In the modern NHL, multiple fights in a single game would likely result in suspensions. But in 1980, it was simply part of the battle.

Despite Boston’s 5-3 loss and a daunting 3-0 series deficit, O’Reilly wasn’t done. In Game 4, he returned with a more measured performance, just two minor penalties, but made a huge impact offensively, scoring the game-winning goal and adding two assists in a 4-3 victory to keep the Bruins alive. Still, the Islanders would close out the series in Game 5 and continue their march toward what would become a dynasty.

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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Kent Nilsson Steals the Show in Historic First Game at Stampede Corral

When the Calgary Flames officially began their new chapter in Alberta, fans packed into the intimate Stampede Corral for a night they wouldn’t soon forget. On October 9, 1980, the former Atlanta franchise played its first regular season game in Calgary against the Quebec Nordiques and while the game ended in a 5-5 tie, it delivered plenty of excitement.

The scoring opened with Michel Goulet beating Calgary goaltender Dan Bouchard midway through the first period. But the Flames wasted no time responding, as Guy Chouinard evened things up just 35 seconds later. Before the period ended, the home crowd was buzzing thanks to Kent Nilsson, who picked up assists on goals by Willi Plett and Chouinard to give Calgary a 3-1 lead.

Nilsson continued his dazzling performance in the second period, scoring his first goal of the season. However, Quebec battled back with three goals of their own, including a pair from Jacques Richard, sending the game into the third period tied 4-4.

In the final frame, Nilsson struck again, scoring his second goal of the night to reclaim the lead for Calgary. But Goulet answered quickly, tying the game just 49 seconds later and capping off a thrilling 5-5 finish.

Nilsson’s four-point performance (two goals, two assists) was just a preview of what was to come. He would go on to record an incredible 49 goals and 82 assists for 131 points during the 1980-81 season, numbers that still stand as single-season franchise records for assists and points.

Just five nights later, the Flames celebrated their first home victory in Calgary, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 4-2. Fittingly, Nilsson played a key role once again, assisting on the game-winning goal by Kevin LaVallee to help secure the milestone win.

The Battle of Alberta: The Historic Rivalry Between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames

A deep dive into one of hockey’s most intense rivalries — the Edmonton Oilers vs. the Calgary Flames, featuring unforgettable games, personalities, and playoff clashes.

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Chuck Lefley’s Shorthanded Game-Winner Caps Canadiens Rout of Red Wings in 1974

On February 15, 1974, the Montreal Canadiens wasted no time electrifying the crowd at the Montreal Forum, jumping on the Detroit Red Wings almost immediately. Just ten seconds into the game, Yvan Cournoyer lit the lamp, beating Detroit goaltender Doug Grant with assists from Chuck Lefley and Guy Lapointe. It was another lightning-fast strike for Cournoyer, who had tied the Canadiens’ franchise record earlier that season with a goal just nine seconds into a game.

Montreal kept the pressure on throughout the opening period, building a commanding lead with a relentless offensive surge. By the late stages of the first, the Canadiens had already piled up four goals, overwhelming Detroit with their speed and precision. Then, in an unusual twist, Cournoyer found himself in the penalty box for a hooking minor at 18:55.

What followed only added to Montreal’s dominance. Just 20 seconds into the penalty kill, Lefley struck shorthanded for his 15th goal of the 1973-74 season, finishing a play set up by Pete Mahovlich. The goal pushed the score to 5-0 and ultimately stood as the game-winner in a wide-open 9-4 Canadiens victory.

The chemistry between Lefley and Cournoyer resurfaced early in the third period. Cournoyer netted his 33rd goal of the season, this time with assists from Lefley and goaltender Wayne Thomas. It was part of a remarkable night for Montreal’s offense, with six players recording three-point performances, including Guy Lafleur, Lapointe, Frank Mahovlich, Pete Mahovlich, and Henri Richard.

Selected sixth overall in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, Lefley carved out a solid NHL career spanning over a decade. He appeared in 407 regular season games and added 29 playoff contests between 1970-71 and 1980-81 with the Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, Lefley recorded four 20-goal seasons, highlighted by a career-best 43 goals and 85 points with St. Louis in 1975-76.

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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104 Shots, Just 6 Goals: The Leafs–Rockies Goaltending Classic

When the NHL began officially tracking shots on goal during the 1959-60 season, few could have imagined a game eventually reaching triple digits in combined shots. Yet on December 18, 1976, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Rockies produced one of the most remarkable statistical nights in league history at Maple Leaf Gardens. The two teams combined for 104 shots on goal, a record that has stood for nearly half a century.

Despite the relentless shooting, goals were surprisingly scarce. The game remained scoreless until 3:30 of the second period when Tiger Williams finally broke through, beating Michel Plasse to give Toronto a 1-0 lead. Pat Boutette and Jack Valiquette assisted on the play that opened the scoring in what had already become a goaltending showcase.

Toronto eventually built enough offense to secure the victory. Inge Hammarstrom scored twice for the Maple Leafs, while Jim McKenny netted the eventual game-winner with help from Darryl Sittler. Colorado managed only two goals in the barrage of shots, coming from Gary Croteau and Dave Hudson.

The real story of the night, however, was in the crease. Wayne Thomas turned aside 51 of 53 shots for Toronto, while Plasse was nearly as busy at the other end, facing 51 shots himself. Thomas carried the momentum into the Leafs’ next game, stopping 34 of 36 shots in a 6-2 win over the Atlanta Flames. Meanwhile, Plasse received a well-earned rest in Colorado’s following matchup, where Doug Favell faced a similarly exhausting workload of 55 shots in a 4-3 loss to Philadelphia.

Only once since then has an NHL game come close to matching the Leafs–Rockies shot total. In 1988, the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota North Stars combined for 103 shots, aided by overtime, in a wild 7-7 tie. Bob Mason faced 63 shots in the Chicago net, while the North Stars split their 40 shots against between Jon Casey and Don Beaupre. Even so, the 1976 clash in Toronto still stands alone as the highest-shot game in NHL history.

Top Shelf Trivia: The Toronto Maple Leafs

Test your knowledge of one of hockey’s most storied franchises with this collection of challenging and fun Toronto Maple Leafs trivia covering players, games, and unforgettable moments.

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Bobby Clarke Powers Flyers With Rare Special-Teams Hat Trick

On March 28, 1974, at the Omni in Atlanta, Bobby Clarke delivered one of the most unusual hat tricks of his NHL career. The Philadelphia Flyers captain scored all three goals in a 3-3 tie against the Atlanta Flames but what made the performance truly memorable was that none of the goals came at even strength. For Clarke, it was all special teams: two shorthanded goals and one power-play tally.

The game began with immediate adversity for the Flyers. Just 12 seconds after puck drop, Rick MacLeish was sent to the penalty box for hooking. Instead of Atlanta taking advantage, Clarke flipped the script. At 1:06 of the opening period, he scored shorthanded, his 31st goal of the season, with assists from Barry Ashbee and Bill Barber.

By the time the third period arrived, Atlanta held a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Jacques Richard and Bryan Hextall. Hextall made his presence felt in more ways than one, engaging in first- and second-period fights with Bob Kelly and Andre Dupont. He nearly added a third scrap in the final period when both he and Jimmy Watson received double-minor penalties.

Clarke struck again at 5:40 of the third period. With Butch Deadmarsh serving a hooking penalty, Clarke capitalized on the power play to tie the game, assisted by Barber and Tom Bladon. The tie didn’t last long. Just 17 seconds later, Keith McCreary restored Atlanta’s lead. But Clarke wasn’t finished.

At exactly nine minutes of the third period, he completed the hat trick, again while shorthanded. Ed Van Impe had been in the penalty box for only nine seconds when Clarke found the back of the net, securing the 3-3 draw and sealing one of the most unique three-goal performances of his career.

Clarke finished the 1973-74 NHL season tied with Ralph Stewart of the New York Islanders for the league lead in shorthanded goals with five. Over the course of his Hall of Fame career, Clarke recorded 32 shorthanded goals, tying him for 17th all-time alongside Peter Bondra, Dave Keon, and Joe Sakic. Of course, that total still sits well behind the NHL record of 73 shorthanded goals, held by Wayne Gretzky.

So You Think You're a Philadelphia Flyers Fan?: Stars, Stats, Records, and Memories for True Diehards

A deep dive into Flyers history filled with stars, records, stats, and unforgettable memories from the ice — perfect for true diehards and history buffs.

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Pete Mahovlich Scores Two Goals in Five Seconds for Canadiens Record in 1971

On February 20, 1971, Pete Mahovlich etched his name into the NHL record book with one of the fastest scoring bursts the league had ever seen.

Before that night, the record for the fastest two goals by the same player belonged to Nels Stewart, who scored twice in just four seconds during a 1931 game between the Montreal Maroons and Boston Bruins. The next fastest belonged to Howie Meeker, who scored two goals six seconds apart in 1952.

Mahovlich didn’t quite break Stewart’s record, but he came incredibly close. During a matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Chicago Blackhawks at the Montreal Forum, Mahovlich scored twice in five seconds, placing himself between Stewart and Meeker in the NHL record books.

The game itself offered little suspense for the Montreal crowd. The Canadiens dominated early, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first period before the frame was halfway finished. They extended the lead to 4-0 early in the second period and carried a 5-1 advantage into the third.

Rejean Houle got Montreal rolling with the first two goals of the game. Phil Roberto followed with three consecutive tallies, with Jean Béliveau assisting on all three.

Then came Mahovlich’s historic moment.

At 12:16 of the third period, Mahovlich beat Blackhawks goaltender Tony Esposito for his 26th goal of the 1970-71 season, assisted by John Ferguson. Just five seconds later, at 12:21, Mahovlich struck again, once more with Ferguson setting him up, for his 27th goal of the season.

While it fell just short of the NHL record, Mahovlich’s rapid-fire scoring remains the fastest two goals in Montreal Canadiens franchise history. Remarkably, those two goals were also Mahovlich’s only shots on net in the entire game.

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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Two Shorthanded Goals Highlight Darryl Sutter’s First NHL Hat Trick

On October 18, 1981, Darryl Sutter delivered the first hat trick of his NHL career, and he did it in memorable fashion. The Chicago Blackhawks forward scored three times against the Edmonton Oilers at Chicago Stadium, with two of the goals coming while his team was shorthanded.

The night began with the Oilers striking first when Wayne Gretzky opened the scoring just 1:36 into the game. Chicago answered quickly. At 3:21 of the first period, Sutter scored his first goal of the 1981-82 season on Edmonton goaltender Andy Moog, with assists from Tom Lysiak.

Later in the period, Sutter struck again. With Denis Savard serving a slashing penalty, Sutter tied the game 2-2 at 16:33 with a shorthanded goal. The tally, assisted by Doug Wilson and Keith Brown, showcased Sutter’s ability to create offense even while killing penalties.

The game remained tight into the third period before Chicago gained the edge. Rich Preston gave the Blackhawks a 6-5 lead late in regulation. Moments later, with Ted Bulley in the penalty box and Edmonton pulling Moog for an extra attacker, Sutter sealed the night in dramatic style. He fired the puck into the empty net, completing his hat trick and scoring his second shorthanded goal of the game.

Sutter was the most active Chicago shooter that night, leading all Blackhawks with eight shots among the team’s 44 attempts. Goaltender Tony Esposito stopped 30 of 35 Oilers shots to earn the victory. Doug Wilson also contributed a strong performance with a goal and two assists, while Gretzky paced Edmonton with four points on a goal and three assists.

For Sutter, it was the first of three hat tricks in his NHL career and a highlight moment during a season shortened for him by injuries.

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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Nine Seconds Of Fury: Bill Hicke’s Power-Play Explosion In 1969

On October 17, 1969, the Oakland Seals hosted the Los Angeles Kings at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena, and the game barely had time to settle before chaos struck. Just 42 seconds after the opening faceoff, Kings forward Dennis Hextall was assessed back-to-back minors for hooking and tripping, handing Oakland an early four-minute power play.

Seals veteran Bill Hicke wasted no time making Los Angeles pay. At 1:27 of the first period, he beat Kings goaltender Gerry Desjardins for his first goal of the season, assisted by Bert Marshall and Mike Laughton. Before the Kings could regroup, the same trio stormed back down the ice and scored again just nine seconds later. The rapid-fire goals allowed Hextall to exit the penalty box, but the damage was already done.

Oakland kept the pressure on. At 7:57 of the opening frame, Hicke and Laughton set up Brian Perry to extend the lead to 3-0. The Seals would cruise to a 5-1 victory in one of their most explosive early-game performances of the season.

The two goals in nine seconds stood as a Seals team record and marked Hicke’s only three-point game of the 1969-70 campaign. He finished the year with 15 goals in 69 games. Power-play production was nothing new for Hicke, just two seasons earlier, 12 of his 21 goals had come with the man advantage.

Over the course of his career in the National Hockey League, Hicke appeared in 729 regular season and 42 playoff games with the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, the Seals, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He captured two Stanley Cup championships with Montreal, contributing in limited playoff action during the 1958-59 and 1959-60 seasons.

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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When Pat Quinn Scored, It Counted: Two Big Goals for the 1972-73 Atlanta Flames

When people think of Pat Quinn, they often remember the imposing defenseman, the respected NHL coach, and the Hall of Fame builder. What they don’t usually remember is his goal-scoring touch, because there wasn’t much of it.

Over 606 NHL regular season games, Quinn scored just 18 goals. In 1972-73, his first season with the expansion Atlanta Flames, he scored only twice. But both goals were memorable and meaningful.

The first came on November 26, 1972, as the Flames hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at The Omni, just the 24th game in franchise history. Early in the first period, Atlanta was shorthanded after Bill Plager was sent off for cross-checking. Just 13 seconds into the penalty kill, Quinn struck unassisted, beating goaltender Denis Herron for his first goal of the season. He later added an assist in the third period as Atlanta secured a 6-2 victory.

His second goal of the campaign came on January 7, 1973, again on home ice, against his former club, the Vancouver Canucks. With the game tied 2-2 entering the third period, Quinn broke the deadlock just 1:33 into the frame, scoring on Vancouver goalie Bruce Bullock. Assisted by Larry Romanchych and Bob Leiter, the goal stood as the game-winner in a 5-2 Flames triumph.

Offense was never Quinn’s calling card. His career high of five goals came the following season in 1973-74, also with Atlanta. In 11 career Stanley Cup playoff games, he never found the back of the net. Interestingly, his very first NHL goal, scored December 21, 1968 as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Detroit Red Wings, also stood as a game-winner in an 8-3 victory.

Quinn: The Life of a Hockey Legend

A compelling biography of Pat Quinn — the influential coach, mentor, and hockey icon whose leadership shaped generations of players.

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Rogie Vachon Starts 1977-78 With Opening Night Shutout

The 1977-78 NHL season opened with a statement performance from Rogatien “Rogie” Vachon and the Los Angeles Kings.

On October 12, 1977, Vachon backstopped the Kings to a 2-0 Opening Night victory over the visiting Cleveland Barons, becoming the first goaltender of the season to record a shutout. Rogie was flawless, stopping all 24 shots he faced for the 42nd shutout of his NHL career. At the opposite end, Cleveland’s Gilles Meloche was strong as well, allowing just two goals on 28 shots.

Los Angeles wasted little time getting on the board. At 12:18 of the first period, Ernie Hicke scored the game-winning goal, set up by Marcel Dionne and Glenn Goldup. That same trio struck again just 39 seconds into the third period when Dionne finished off another perfectly executed sequence to make it 2-0.

While Vachon controlled the crease, the game also featured a bit of Opening Night theater to keep the crowd buzzing. In the first period, Kings enforcer Dave Schultz squared off with Cleveland’s Reg Kerr in a heavyweight bout. Midway through the third period, L.A.’s Dave Hutchison dropped the gloves with Barons defenseman Bob Girard.

The 1977-78 season would see Vachon record four shutouts for the Kings, matching his lowest total since the 1972-73 campaign. It also marked his final season in Los Angeles. Vachon began the following year with the Detroit Red Wings, spending two seasons in Hockeytown before finishing his Hall of Fame career with the Boston Bruins.

Tales from the Los Angeles Kings Locker Room

A collection of the greatest Kings stories ever told — from the locker room to unforgettable moments on the ice.

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Eight Seconds of History: Lafontaine’s Record-Breaking Night for the Islanders

Pat Lafontaine wasted little time making history during his first full NHL season with the New York Islanders.

The 1984-85 campaign marked Lafontaine’s first complete year in the league after joining the Islanders late in 1983-84, fresh off representing the United States at the Winter Olympics. Limited to just 67 of New York’s 80 games, Lafontaine still managed 19 goals, including a blistering two-goal burst that rewrote the Islanders’ record book.

On February 16, 1985, the Islanders hosted the Hartford Whalers at Nassau Coliseum. Despite sitting at -opposite ends of the standings, Hartford proved stubborn, and the game ultimately ended in a 4-4 tie.

With the Islanders trailing 3-1, Lafontaine struck at 8:53 of the second period, beating goaltender Greg Millen with assists from Tomas Jonsson and Dave Langevin. Just eight seconds later, at 9:01, Lafontaine struck again, this time assisted by Pat Flatley and Greg Gilbert, tying the game and setting a new franchise record for the fastest two goals by a single player.

The previous Islanders record of 10 seconds had been set by Clark Gillies during the 1974-75 season. Lafontaine’s eight-second burst erased it.

Both teams traded goals in the third period, and the game finished deadlocked at four, but the night belonged to the young Islanders center.

Lafontaine went on to compile an extraordinary NHL career, scoring 468 regular-season goals in just 865 games between 1983-84 and 1997-98 with the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres. He recorded six consecutive seasons with at least 41 goals, including two 50-goal campaigns, 54 goals with the Islanders in 1989-90 and 53 with the Sabres in 1992-93, cementing his legacy as one of the era’s most dangerous scorers.

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

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Captain Comes Through With 3 Goals In 1959 Blackhawks Win Over Rangers

Before Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita became household names, Ed Litzenberger was the offensive engine of the Chicago Blackhawks.

From 1956-57 through 1958-59, Litzenberger recorded three straight 30-goal seasons (32, 32, and 33 goals), finishing among the NHL’s top four goal scorers in each campaign. When he replaced Gus Mortson as team captain at the start of the 1958-59 season, Litzenberger responded with the best year of his career.

One of the defining moments came on February 7, 1959, at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers.

Litzenberger recorded the second of his two career NHL hat tricks, adding an assist for a four-point night as Chicago earned a 6-3 victory. After setting up Tod Sloan for the game’s opening goal, the Blackhawks captain took over offensively.

He scored his 25th and 26th goals of the season during the second period, both assisted by Ted Lindsay. The second of those goals, scored at 9:53 of the period on Gump Worsley, stood up as the game-winning goal. Litzenberger completed the hat trick at 18:34 of the third, once again finishing a Lindsay setup.

Lindsay matched Litzenberger’s point total with four assists, while Glenn Hall stopped 23 of 26 shots to earn the win in goal.

The game also featured a memorable third-period melee that resulted in five players penalized, including three Blackhawks and two Rangers. The highlight of the scrum was a fight between two rising young players, Bobby Hull and Eddie Shack.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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]