Marcel Bonin’s Forgotten 5-Assist Night Powers Canadiens Rout in 1959

When fans reflect on the legendary late-1950s dynasty of the Montreal Canadiens, a handful of iconic names immediately come to mind: Jean Béliveau, Maurice Richard, Bernie Geoffrion, Jacques Plante, and Doug Harvey. But buried beneath that star-studded legacy is a lesser-known contributor who delivered a truly unforgettable performance: Marcel Bonin.

Bonin’s NHL career was brief, but impactful. While he only played a role in the final three championships of Montreal’s five straight Stanley Cups, he proved that even secondary names on a dynasty roster could shine brightly when given the moment.

That moment came on March 7, 1959, at the Montreal Forum, when the Canadiens hosted the Detroit Red Wings. On paper, it looked like a classic showdown. Detroit featured Hall of Fame talent including Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio up front, with elite netminder Terry Sawchuk between the pipes. Instead, the game turned into a one-sided explosion.

Montreal dominated from start to finish, steamrolling Detroit in a stunning 10-2 victory. While Bonin didn’t find the back of the net himself, he played a pivotal role in the offensive onslaught, assisting on five of the Canadiens’ ten goals.

Three of those helpers set up Béliveau, while the other two went to Dickie Moore. Bonin’s linemates were unstoppable. Béliveau recorded a hat trick and added four assists for a jaw-dropping seven-point night, while Moore chipped in with four assists of his own for six points.

It remains one of the most lopsided and offensively dominant games of the era and a night where Marcel Bonin, often overlooked in hockey history, quietly etched his name into the Canadiens’ dynasty lore.

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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.

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Bobby Hull’s 6-Point Explosion vs. Leafs Help Power Historic 1965-66 Season

During the 1965-66 NHL season, Bobby Hull delivered one of the most dominant offensive performances of his legendary career. The Chicago Blackhawks superstar shattered his own single-season goal record with 54 goals, capturing both the Art Ross Trophy and the Hart Trophy. A significant portion of that success came at the expense of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who struggled to contain “The Golden Jet” all season long.

Hull wasted no time making his presence felt against Toronto, recording a hat trick in the season opener. But it was his unforgettable six-point performance later in the year that truly stood out. Across 14 games versus the Leafs, Hull piled up an incredible 21 points, scoring 11 goals and adding 10 assists in a display of pure offensive dominance.

On November 7, 1965, the Blackhawks, still undefeated, hosted Toronto at the iconic Chicago Stadium. The game quickly turned into a rout, as Chicago stormed out to a 5-0 lead after just one period. Hull set the tone early, assisting on a goal by Phil Esposito, which stood as the game-winner, and later adding another helper on a shorthanded tally by Chico Maki.

The second period saw Hull take over offensively. He scored twice against legendary goaltender Terry Sawchuk, with assists from Esposito, Stan Mikita, and Pierre Pilote. In between those goals, Hull added yet another assist, this time on Mikita’s second goal of the season, bringing his point total to five through two periods.

Hull capped off his incredible night in the third period, scoring his third goal of the game at 12:55 to complete the hat trick and reach six points. He led all skaters with eight shots on goal, showcasing his relentless attack. Meanwhile, Glenn Hall was equally impressive in net, turning aside 40 shots to secure the shutout in a dominant 9-0 victory.

The Golden Jet: A Spectacular Career In Stunning Photographs

A visually rich tribute to Bobby Hull’s legendary career, featuring stunning photographs that capture the speed, power, and charisma of one of hockey’s greatest goal scorers.

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A One-Man Offense: Eddie Joyal’s Hat Trick Heroics with the 1968-69 Los Angeles Kings

During the 1968-69 NHL season, Eddie Joyal delivered the finest offensive campaign of his career, leading the Los Angeles Kings with 33 goals. Among those tallies were the only two hat tricks of his NHL career, both remarkable performances in which Joyal accounted for every bit of offense his team produced.

The first came on December 4, 1968, when the Kings hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at the Forum. Philadelphia opened the scoring early in the first period, but Joyal responded with a game-tying goal, his seventh of the season, beating Bernie Parent with assists from Bill White and Real Lemieux. The game remained deadlocked until the third period, when Joyal took over completely.

He broke the tie midway through the final frame with an unassisted marker, then sealed the victory with another goal late in the period to complete the hat trick and secure a 3-1 win for Los Angeles. Joyal led all players with seven shots on goal in the contest, while Kings goaltender Gerry Desjardins turned aside all but one of the 14 shots he faced.

Joyal’s second hat trick came on February 19, 1969, in a road game against the Minnesota North Stars. Once again, he was the driving force offensively, scoring three goals, his 25th, 26th, and 27th of the season, and adding an assist on a Bill Flett goal. Despite his efforts, the Kings fell 7-4 in a high-scoring affair. Joyal fired eight shots on goal, matching Minnesota’s Bill Goldsworthy, who also had a big night for the home side.

Over the course of his NHL career, Joyal appeared in 465 games between 1962-63 and 1971-72, skating with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, and Philadelphia Flyers. He later extended his professional career in the WHA, playing 239 regular-season games and adding six playoff appearances with the Edmonton Oilers.

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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.

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Defenseman Carol Vadnais Scores Hat Trick For Rangers In Wild 8-6 Loss To Maple Leafs (1976)

When the Boston Bruins traded Phil Esposito and Carol Vadnais to the New York Rangers on November 7, 1975, the return package included stars Brad Park and Jean Ratelle along with Joe Zanussi. It was one of the biggest deals of the decade, and Vadnais quickly made his presence felt on Broadway. In his first 22 games with New York, the defenseman recorded two four-point performances.

One of those standout games came on January 4, 1976, when the Rangers hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs at Madison Square Garden. Vadnais opened his scoring at 4:50 of the second period, beating Toronto goalie Wayne Thomas for his seventh goal of the 1975-76 season. The tally, assisted by Pete Stemkowski and Walt Tkaczuk, briefly gave New York a 2-1 lead.

Toronto quickly seized control, however, scoring four straight goals to take a commanding 5-2 lead into the third period.

Any thoughts of a quiet finish vanished almost immediately. Vadnais struck again just 23 seconds into the final frame, with assists from Rod Gilbert and Esposito. Later in the period, Lanny McDonald scored shorthanded for Toronto at 11:46, igniting a remarkable stretch of offense. Over the next 2:33, the teams combined for five goals, at the time the ninth-fastest sequence of five goals in NHL history and still among the fastest ever recorded.

Vadnais assisted on the fourth goal of that flurry, Gilbert’s 13th of the season, before completing his hat trick at 19:09 with helpers from Gilbert and Esposito. The late surge wasn’t enough to overcome Toronto’s earlier outburst, and the Rangers fell 8-6 in one of the season’s wildest games.

Despite the loss, Vadnais finished with three goals and an assist, while Gilbert added a four-point night of his own with two goals and two assists. Vadnais also led all shooters in the game with seven shots on goal.

Tales from the New York Rangers Locker Room

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NHL Hockey Card Greats: Carol Vadnais [Video]

The Roadrunner Runs Wild: Three Power Play Goals vs. Toronto

During the 1966-67 NHL season, Yvan Cournoyer established himself as the league’s most dangerous weapon on the power play. The speedy Montreal Canadiens winger scored 20 of his 25 goals with the man advantage and finished tied for the NHL lead with seven game-winning goals.

On December 21, 1966, at the historic Montreal Forum, Cournoyer delivered one of his finest performances against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He scored three power play goals, his 8th, 9th, and 10th of the season, in a 6-2 Montreal victory. His second tally, assisted by Dick Duff and Henri Richard, stood as the game winner.

The Canadiens received strong support throughout the lineup. Bobby Rousseau added three assists, while Ralph Backstrom contributed two goals of his own. Toronto goals came from Larry Jeffrey and Kent Douglas.

Cournoyer enjoyed tremendous regular season success against Toronto, scoring 11 goals in 14 games versus the Leafs that year. However, the storyline shifted in the 1967 Stanley Cup Finals, where Toronto limited him to two goals and two assists in six games on their way to capturing the Stanley Cup.

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Doug Harvey’s 4-Point Night Powers Canadiens Past Red Wings 7-0 In 1958

On January 30, 1958, Doug Harvey delivered one of the finest performances of his Hall of Fame career, leading the Montreal Canadiens to a dominant 7-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings at the iconic Montreal Forum.

Harvey opened the scoring midway through the first period on the power play, beating Terry Sawchuk for what would stand as the game-winning goal. He added an assist later in the period and finished the night with four points, showcasing the offensive brilliance that made him the NHL’s premier defenseman of the era.

After a quiet second period, Montreal erupted for five third-period goals. Harvey picked up assists on tallies by Jean Beliveau and Don Marshall, while Dickie Moore also recorded four points. In goal, Jacques Plante stopped all 28 shots he faced.

The performance came during a season in which Harvey would capture another James Norris Memorial Trophy and help Montreal secure yet another Stanley Cup. Along with the Norris Trophy win in 1957-58, Doug finished third in voting for the Hart Trophy behind winner Gordie Howe and runner-up Andy Bathgate. In the playoffs, Harvey was outstanding with eleven points in ten games, including a goal and assist in the Stanley Cup clinching game 6 win over the Boston Bruins.

Stole This from a Hockey Card: A Philosophy of Hockey, Doug Harvey, Identity and Booze

A reflective exploration of hockey, life, and the legacy of Doug Harvey — blending philosophy, personal history, and the spirit of the game.

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Kurri and Gretzky Strike Shorthanded Lightning (Thanks to Lee Fogolin’s Penalty)

On December 21, 1983, the high-flying Edmonton Oilers hosted the Winnipeg Jets at the raucous Northlands Coliseum. In the heart of the 1983-84 season, goals came in bunches in Edmonton and this 7-4 Oilers victory was no exception. But two of those goals stood out for their rarity and timing.

Late in the first period, defenseman Lee Fogolin was sent off for slashing at 19:06. What followed was a stunning twist. Before the penalty expired, and before the period even ended, Edmonton struck twice while shorthanded.

At 19:33, Jari Kurri scored his 29th goal of the season, beating Jets netminder Brian Hayward with help from Wayne Gretzky. Just 15 seconds later, at 19:48, the roles reversed. Gretzky buried his 38th of the year, assisted by Kurri. Two shorthanded goals in 15 seconds, a remarkable display of opportunistic offense.

While the feat was extraordinary, it wasn’t unmatched in Oilers history. On November 12, 1988, Esa Tikkanen scored two shorthanded goals just 12 seconds apart against the Toronto Maple Leafs, an even faster pair.

Back on that December night in 1983, Gretzky wasn’t finished. With 19 seconds left in the game and Dave Hunter serving a roughing penalty, Gretzky scored his second shorthanded goal and third overall of the contest into an empty net. He finished the night with five points, while Kurri added four (two goals, two assists).

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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Dave Keon’s Game 7 Hat Trick Sends Leafs Past Canadiens In 1964 Classic

When the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens collided in the 1964 Stanley Cup semifinal, it was more than just another chapter in hockey’s fiercest rivalry. Montreal had finished seven points ahead in the regular season standings and never trailed in the series heading into Game 7. The odds and momentum, seemed firmly on the Canadiens’ side. But, champions have a way of seizing their moment.

On April 9, 1964, inside the storied Montreal Forum, Dave Keon decided he wasn’t ready to let Toronto’s reign end. Just 8:22 into the first period, Keon struck for his first goal of the series, beating goaltender Charlie Hodge with assists from Don McKenney and Bob Baun.

Minutes later, with Andy Bathgate serving a hooking penalty, Keon struck again, this time shorthanded, finishing a setup from captain George Armstrong. The Leafs suddenly held a 2-0 lead, and the game-winning goal was already on the board.

Montreal pushed back in the third when Ralph Backstrom finally solved Toronto netminder Johnny Bower at 7:27. But that was as close as the Canadiens would get. With just eleven seconds remaining, Keon completed the hat trick with an empty-net goal, silencing the Forum crowd and sending the Leafs to the Final.

Lost slightly in the glow of Keon’s heroics was Bower’s brilliance. The veteran goaltender turned aside 38 of 39 shots in one of his finest postseason performances. Toronto would need every ounce of that resilience moving forward.

The Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings went the full seven games as well. Down three games to two, the Leafs survived Game 6 thanks to an overtime goal from Bob Baun. playing on a broken leg, before ultimately securing their third straight championship.

Keon and Me: My Search For The Lost Soul Of The Leafs

A heartfelt journey through the legacy of Dave Keon and the soul of the Toronto Maple Leafs franchise.

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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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Bernie Nicholls Erupts For 4 Goals, 6 Points To Hand Oilers First Loss Of 1983-84

On October 20, 1983, at the Forum in Los Angeles, Bernie Nicholls delivered one of the most explosive performances of his career. The Los Angeles Kings were 0-5-1 entering their seventh game of the 1983-84 NHL season, while the Edmonton Oilers had stormed out to seven straight wins.

By the end of the night, Nicholls had flipped the script entirely. The Kings crushed the previously undefeated Oilers 7-2, powered by a four-goal, six-point masterpiece from Nicholls and a rock-solid performance in goal by Mike Blake.

A First Period Statement

Nicholls opened the scoring early, beating Andy Moog at even strength. He wasn’t finished. With Jari Kurri serving a slashing minor late in the period, Nicholls struck again on the power play at 18:29 to give L.A. full momentum heading into intermission.Two goals. One period. Statement made.

Short-Handed Dagger

Midway through the second period, Nicholls delivered the backbreaker, a shorthanded goal with just three seconds remaining on teammate Wes Jarvis’ penalty. It was a perfectly timed strike that stunned Edmonton and showcased Nicholls’ all-situations dominance.

Sealing It In The Third

At 14:54 of the third period, Nicholls buried his fourth goal of the night, his eighth of the young season, assisted by Jim Fox and Brian MacLellan. Fox enjoyed a huge night himself, scoring the game-winning goal and adding three assists for four points. MacLellan contributed a goal and two helpers. Nicholls, in turn, assisted on goals by both Fox and MacLellan to complete his six-point effort.

Gretzky Held (Mostly) In Check

Wayne Gretzky managed just a single goal against Kings netminder Mike Blake, who turned aside 36 of 38 shots in a busy, confident performance. Ironically, just five years later, Nicholls and Gretzky would become teammates in Los Angeles and combine for a staggering 318 points during the 1988-89 season.

Bernie Nicholls: From Flood Lights To Bright Lights

The story of Bernie Nicholls — from grassroots hockey under the floodlights to NHL stardom and scoring success.

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Grant Fuhr’s Rare Two-Assist Period Fuels Record-Setting 1983-84 Season

During the high-flying 1983-84 NHL season, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Grant Fuhr etched his name into the record books in a way few netminders ever have. That year, Fuhr set what remains the NHL record for most points by a goaltender in a single season, finishing with 14, all assists.

One of the most memorable moments of that historic campaign came on November 6, 1983, when Fuhr recorded two assists in the same period during a wild Oilers road game against the Winnipeg Jets at Winnipeg Arena.

In true 1980s fashion, defense was optional. A total of 13 goals were scored, with Edmonton skating away with an 8-5 victory.

Despite the final score, Winnipeg actually held a 5-4 lead deep into the third period. At 12:39 of the frame, Wayne Gretzky tied the game with his 18th goal of the season, assisted by Jari Kurri and Grant Fuhr, who earned his first helper of the night.

The decisive moment came in dramatic fashion. With just eight seconds remaining in regulation, Gretzky struck again, this time with assists going to Fuhr and defenseman Randy Gregg. The goal sealed the win and gave Fuhr two assists in the same period, a rare feat for a goaltender in any era.

Fuhr’s night wasn’t limited to offense. He also stopped 28 of 33 shots and even picked up a high-sticking minor penalty in the second period. Gretzky dominated the scoresheet, finishing with four goals and three assists for a seven-point performance. Winnipeg goaltender Doug Soetaert made 28 saves in the loss.

By season’s end, Fuhr’s 14 assists shattered the previous NHL record of eight, set by Mike Palmateer with the Washington Capitals just three years earlier. Before Palmateer, the mark had belonged to Gilles Meloche, who recorded six assists with the California Golden Seals in 1974-75. Interestingly, two of those six were in a single period. More on that game here: Gilles Meloche 2 Assist Period.

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When Pierre Larouche Punished His Old Team at the Montreal Forum

On November 29, 1977, in what became known as an “all-Pete” trade, Pierre Larouche and Peter Marsh were dealt from the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Pete Mahovlich and Peter Lee. The Penguins had selected Larouche eighth overall in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft, and while injuries slowed his early Montreal tenure, everything clicked once again by the 1979-80 season.

That resurgence was on full display on October 25, 1979, when the Canadiens hosted Larouche’s former team at the Montreal Forum. Larouche wasted no time making a statement, kicking off what would become his 50-goal season in emphatic fashion. He scored four goals in Montreal’s 8-5 victory, accounting for half of the Canadiens’ offense.

Larouche struck twice in the opening period, with both goals set up by Steve Shutt. After being held off the scoresheet in the second period, he erupted again in the third, adding two more goals and assisting on another Shutt marker. By night’s end, Larouche had piled up five points, firing seven shots at Pittsburgh goaltender Rob Holland.

Steve Shutt matched Larouche’s five-point performance with a goal and four assists, while Guy Lafleur delivered the decisive blow. Lafleur’s goal stood as the game-winner and was one of two he scored on the night.

Those four tallies represented Larouche’s third through sixth goals of the young 1979-80 season. He would go on to finish with 50 goals, marking the second time in his career he reached the milestone. Larouche nearly did it again in 1983-84, falling just short with 48 goals as a member of the New York Rangers.

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Yvan Cournoyer Erupts for Five Goals as Canadiens Torch Blackhawks in 1975

More than six years passed after Red Berenson’s six-goal night in 1968 before another NHL player reached the five-goal mark in a game. On February 15, 1975, Yvan Cournoyer finally ended that drought in unforgettable fashion at the Montreal Forum.

The Canadiens overwhelmed the Chicago Blackhawks 12-3, with Cournoyer delivering one of the finest offensive performances of his career. His first goal didn’t come until 8:17 of the second period, when he scored Montreal’s fourth goal of the night unassisted on Mike Veisor. From there, the floodgates opened.

Cournoyer piled up seven points in total, scoring five goals and adding two assists. Three of his five goals came on the power play during the third period, as Montreal completely dismantled Chicago’s penalty kill. His assists came on goals by Jacques Lemaire and Doug Risebrough, rounding out a dominant all-around effort.

The 12-goal explosion marked the first time since 1954 that the Canadiens scored a dozen goals against Chicago. Montreal’s franchise and NHL record of 16 goals in a game still dated back to a 1920 victory over the Quebec Bulldogs.

Adding to the night’s rarity, two Canadiens recorded Gordie Howe Hat Tricks. Larry Robinson finished with a goal and two assists while dropping the gloves with Grant Mulvey in the second period. Doug Risebrough also recorded a goal, an assist, and a fight, squaring off with Darcy Rota.

Despite his five-goal outburst, Cournoyer’s 1974-75 season actually saw a dip in goal production. He finished with 29 goals, eleven fewer than the previous year despite playing nine additional games. Even so, he maintained a remarkable streak of scoring at least 24 goals in 12 consecutive seasons from 1966-67 through 1977-78.

Cournoyer’s career-best season came in 1971-72, when he scored 47 goals, finishing fourth in the NHL. Nights like this one in 1975 served as a reminder of just how explosive the speedy right winger could be when everything clicked.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Yvan Cournoyer

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

1. Which NHL team did Yvan Cournoyer spend his entire career with?

Montreal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs
Chicago Blackhawks
New York Rangers

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

The Rocket
The Pocket Rocket
The Roadrunner
Le Magnifique

3. In which NHL season did Cournoyer score a career-high 47 goals?

1969–70
1971–72
1973–74
1975–76

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

10
6
8
5

5. What honor did Cournoyer receive shortly after retiring from the NHL?

Canadiens captaincy
NHL scoring title
Induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame
Olympic gold medal

Bob Nevin’s Hat Trick and Ed Giacomin’s Heroics Lift Rangers Over Blackhawks in 1968

The New York Rangers walked into the roaring cauldron of Chicago Stadium on March 20, 1968, knowing they needed every point they could gather in the final stretch of the season. Chasing the Montreal Canadiens for first place, the Rangers faced a desperate Blackhawks team battling Toronto for the final playoff spot and the atmosphere made sure both teams felt the pressure. But on this night, two Rangers stole the show: captain Bob Nevin and goaltender Ed Giacomin.

Nevin delivered one of his standout performances of the season, recording the second of his five career hat tricks. He opened the scoring midway through the first period, burying his 25th goal of the year behind Dave Dryden with help from Don Marshall. Nevin later returned the favour in the second frame, assisting on Marshall’s tally that gave the Rangers a 3-1 cushion.

Chicago surged back in the third, with Stan Mikita and Doug Mohns striking to tie the game 3-3 in front of a charged home crowd. But with the game on the line, Nevin took command. At 14:27 of the third, he snapped home his second of the night, his 26th of the season, on a setup from Phil Goyette, ultimately standing as the game-winner. He completed the hat trick in the final minutes, sealing a 5-3 New York victory with help from Marshall and Goyette.

While Nevin supplied the offense, Ed Giacomin provided the backbone. The Rangers netminder faced an incredible 51 shots and turned aside all but three. Chicago’s heavy hitters tested him relentlessly, Gilles Marotte fired eight shots, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita each registered seven, but Giacomin held firm. Mikita’s goal and assist weren’t enough to overcome his brilliance as the Rangers escaped with two crucial points.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: 1967–68 New York Rangers

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

1. Which future Hall of Famer led the 1967–68 New York Rangers in scoring?

Jean Ratelle
Rod Gilbert
Phil Goyette
Vic Hadfield

2. The Rangers finished second in the East Division in 1967–68. Which team finished directly ahead of them?

Boston Bruins
Montreal Canadiens
Toronto Maple Leafs
Chicago Blackhawks

3. New York's goaltending tandem in 1967–68 featured Ed Giacomin and which other goalie?

Gilles Villemure
Don Simmons
Cesar Maniago
Terry Sawchuk

4. Which Rangers defenseman led the team's blueline in points during the 1967–68 season?

Arnie Brown
Harry Howell
Jim Neilson
Bernie Parent

5. The Rangers qualified for the playoffs in 1967–68. Which team eliminated them?

Chicago Blackhawks
Boston Bruins
Montreal Canadiens
St. Louis Blues

Expansion Showdown: Inside the Islanders and Flames First NHL Game

The 1972-73 NHL season opened with something truly rare: two brand-new franchises beginning their journey against each other. On October 7, 1972, the New York Islanders and Atlanta Flames met at Nassau County Coliseum, marking the first official NHL game in the history of both clubs. And with two fresh teams on the ice, the night gave fans a flood of “firsts” that would forever be etched into the record books.

Atlanta struck first when Morris Stefaniw made Flames history, and NHL trivia history, with the first goal in franchise history, a shorthanded marker at 12:48 of the first period. Assisted by Lew Morrison, the goal came with Randy Manery in the box for hooking. Amazingly, that one moment was also the only NHL goal Stefaniw ever scored, as his career lasted just 13 games that season.

The Islanders’ turn came late in the second period. Veteran Ed Westfall buried the first goal in Islanders history, and fittingly, it came on the power play. With Larry Romanchych off for hooking, Westfall capitalized on a setup from Germain Gagnon and Dave Hudson, beating Phil Myre at 19:29 to give New York its first ever tally.

The Flames took control in the third when Bob Leiter scored the first game-winning goal in franchise history, making it 3-1 at the 3:17 mark. The Flames would hold on for a 3-2 victory, giving Phil Myre the first win ever recorded by an Atlanta goaltender. The game also saw the first penalties for each franchise, Randy Manery for Atlanta and Ken Murray for New York, adding to the long list of “day one” milestones.

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Islanders vs. Flames: Comparing the 1972-73 Inaugural NHL Seasons

When the NHL expanded for the 1972-73 season, two brand-new franchises took the ice for the first time: the New York Islanders and the Atlanta Flames. Both clubs launched their journeys on the same night, October 7, 1972, but their inaugural seasons unfolded in dramatically different ways. While the Islanders endured growing pains, the Flames delivered one of the more competitive expansion debuts of their era. Here’s a detailed look at how both teams fared in their first year.

The Islanders struggled out of the gate, finishing last overall with a 12-60-6 record. Their -177 goal differential remains one of the roughest inaugural campaigns in league history. The Flames, meanwhile, surprised much of the hockey world by playing disciplined, structured hockey that earned them 65 points and a mid-pack finish in the West Division. Though neither team qualified for the postseason, Atlanta quickly showed it could compete with established clubs.

Offensively, both teams lacked star power, but the Flames generated more balanced production. The Islanders leaned heavily on Ralph Stewart and Billy Harris for scoring, while Atlanta spread its offense across players like Rey Comeau, Bob Leiter, and Bobby Stewart. Defensively, the contrast was even sharper: the Flames allowed 102 fewer goals than the Islanders, thanks in part to steadier goaltending.

Between the pipes, the Islanders split duties between future Hall of Famer Billy Smith and Gerry Desjardins. Smith showed flashes of what he would become, but the team in front of him struggled badly. In Atlanta, Phil Myre and Dan Bouchard formed a reliable tandem that kept the Flames competitive most nights.

Coaching and management also played major roles. The Islanders changed coaches early in the season and relied heavily on long-term planning from GM Bill Torrey, a strategy that eventually paid off with multiple Stanley Cups. The Flames, guided by coach Boom Boom Geoffrion and GM Cliff Fletcher, took a more immediate competitive approach, emphasizing structure over raw skill.

Ultimately, the debut seasons of these two expansion teams helped shape their long-term identities. The Islanders’ early struggles positioned them for franchise-defining draft picks and a dynasty that dominated the early 1980s. The Flames set a foundation for competitive hockey that would later flourish after the franchise moved to Calgary.

NHL Hockey Trivia: 1972-73 Expansion

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

1. Which team finished with more points in the 1972-73 season?
New York Islanders
Atlanta Flames
They finished tied
Neither team played a full season

2. Which Islanders player led the team in scoring during their inaugural season?
Billy Harris
Ralph Stewart
Ed Westfall
Germain Gagnon

3. Who was the Flames’ head coach during their first NHL season?
Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion
Al MacNeil
Tom Watt
Fred Creighton

4. Which goaltending duo backstopped the Flames during the 1972-73 season?
Phil Myre & Dan Bouchard
Billy Smith & Gerry Desjardins
Mike Palmateer & Wayne Thomas
Gerry Cheevers & Ross Brooks

5. Which team allowed significantly fewer goals during their inaugural season?
New York Islanders
Atlanta Flames
They allowed the same amount
Neither — data is unavailable