Ken Dryden Makes 46 Saves, but Flyers Beat Canadiens in 1975 Showdown

Ken Dryden stopped nearly everything Philadelphia threw at him on November 16, 1975. He even contributed an assist. Still, the Montreal Canadiens left the Spectrum with a 3-1 loss in an early-season showdown between two teams that would meet again in the 1976 Stanley Cup Final.

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Highlights

• Philadelphia defeated Montreal 3-1 on November 16, 1975.

• Dryden stopped 46 of the 48 shots he faced.

• He also assisted on Guy Lafleur’s opening goal.

• Rick MacLeish recorded ten shots and scored the winner.

• Wayne Stephenson made 26 saves for Philadelphia.

• Gary Dornhoefer sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.

• Dryden followed the loss with a 17-save shutout in Minnesota.

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Montreal struck first when Guy Lafleur beat Wayne Stephenson at 5:02 of the opening period. Pete Mahovlich and Dryden collected the assists, giving the Canadiens’ goaltender a hand in the only goal his team would score all night. At the other end, Philadelphia kept Dryden busy, forcing him to stop 46 of the 48 shots he faced.

Bob Kelly tied the game at 11:05 of the second period before Rick MacLeish put the Flyers ahead at 16:31. Gary Dornhoefer and Ross Lonsberry assisted on MacLeish’s seventh goal of the season, which held up as the winner. MacLeish alone fired ten shots at Dryden, with Montreal’s number 29 stopping nine of them.

Stephenson handled the lighter workload effectively, turning aside 26 of Montreal’s 27 shots. With Dryden on the bench for an extra attacker, Dornhoefer scored into the empty net with six seconds remaining. His goal and earlier assist made him the game’s only player with two points.

Dryden rebounded three nights later in Minnesota, stopping all 17 shots in a 6-0 victory over the North Stars. Remarkably, he had blanked Minnesota by the same score just eight days earlier, making 14 saves in Montreal on November 11. Against Philadelphia, however, even 46 saves and an assist had not been enough.

Hockey’s Best Team Ever: A Chronicle of the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens' Record-Breaking Season

Relive the legendary 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens season, when a powerhouse roster led by Guy Lafleur, Ken Dryden, and Larry Robinson set an NHL record with 60 regular season wins before capturing the Stanley Cup.

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Rick MacLeish’s Game 7 Hat Trick Ends Islanders’ 1975 Comeback Bid

The New York Islanders had pushed the defending Stanley Cup champions to the brink of an embarrassing collapse. After Philadelphia won the first three games of their 1975 semifinal series, New York answered with three straight victories. That left everything riding on Game 7 at the Spectrum on May 13, 1975. Rick MacLeish made sure the Flyers’ title defence would continue.

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Highlights

• Played May 13, 1975, at the Spectrum.

• New York forced Game 7 after trailing the series 3–0.

• Gary Dornhoefer opened the scoring just 19 seconds in.

• MacLeish scored twice on the power play in the first period.

• His empty-net goal completed the hat trick in a 4–1 win.

• Bernie Parent stopped 14 of 15 shots.

• Philadelphia advanced to face Buffalo and won its second straight Stanley Cup.

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Gary Dornhoefer gave Philadelphia an immediate lift, opening the scoring just 19 seconds after the opening faceoff. MacLeish followed with a power-play goal at 2:27, assisted by Bill Barber and Bobby Clarke. That early marker would stand as the game winner, although the Islanders briefly cut the lead to 2–1 on a Jude Drouin power-play goal at 5:02.

MacLeish restored Philadelphia’s two-goal cushion at 7:11 of the first period, beating Glenn Resch for his second power-play goal of the night. Larry Goodenough supplied the lone assist on the goal, MacLeish’s ninth of the playoffs. The Flyers carried that 3–1 advantage through a scoreless second period and deep into the third.

With Resch pulled for an extra attacker, MacLeish completed his hat trick at 18:52, scoring into the empty net with an assist from Don Saleski. Philadelphia’s 4–1 victory ended New York’s comeback bid and secured a second consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final. MacLeish led all players with eight shots, followed by Reggie Leach with seven, while Bernie Parent stopped 14 of the Islanders’ 15 shots.

It was MacLeish’s second hat trick of the 1975 postseason. He had opened Philadelphia’s quarterfinal series against Toronto with three goals and an assist in a 6–3 victory on April 13. Against Buffalo in the Stanley Cup Final, he scored once in six games as the Flyers captured their second straight championship. His Game 7 performance against the Islanders helped ensure they had the opportunity.

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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Rogie Vachon Records His 50th NHL Shutout Against the Surging Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers arrived at Boston Garden on November 16, 1980, riding a 13-game unbeaten streak. The Boston Bruins, meanwhile, had managed just four wins through their first 16 games. It hardly looked like the ideal matchup for a Boston breakthrough, but Rogie Vachon helped deliver one. Making his 10th appearance as a Bruin, the veteran goaltender stopped all 19 shots he faced to record his 50th career NHL shutout in a 1-0 victory.

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Highlights

• Vachon recorded his 50th NHL shutout on November 16, 1980.

• Boston defeated Philadelphia 1-0 at Boston Garden.

• The loss ended the Flyers’ 13-game unbeaten streak.

• Brad Park scored the only goal at 9:35 of the second period.

• Vachon made 19 saves; Phil Myre stopped 29 of 30 shots.

• Vachon’s first NHL shutout came with Montreal on March 5, 1967.

• He retired with 51 regular-season shutouts and entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016.

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More than 13 years had passed since Vachon’s first NHL shutout. On March 5, 1967, in just his eighth NHL appearance, he made 29 saves as the Montreal Canadiens defeated the New York Rangers 2-0. By the time he reached number 50, his career had taken him from Montreal to the Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings before bringing him to Boston.

Neither team scored through the opening period or the first half of the second. Finally, at 9:35 of the middle frame, Brad Park beat Philadelphia goaltender Phil Myre with a slapshot from the blue line. Stan Jonathan and Peter McNab earned the assists on what proved to be the game’s only goal.

Myre gave the Flyers every chance to extend their unbeaten streak, turning aside 29 of Boston’s 30 shots. At the other end, Vachon handled a lighter workload without allowing a breakthrough. Tom Gorence was Philadelphia’s busiest shooter, accounting for five of the Flyers’ 19 shots on net.

The milestone performance was Vachon’s only shutout in 53 appearances during the 1980-81 season. He added one more in 1981-82, his final NHL campaign, to finish with 51 regular-season shutouts, the same career total as Dave Kerr, Tomas Vokoun and Curtis Joseph. In 2016, Vachon’s long wait for another milestone ended when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

NHL Playoff Hat Tricks Of The 1960s

Relive the NHL playoff hat tricks of the 1960s with the stories, stars, and memorable performances behind some of the decade’s biggest postseason scoring nights.

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Bryan Trottier Wins It With One Second Left Against the Flyers

With just one second remaining in regulation, Bryan Trottier completed an improbable New York Islanders comeback against the Philadelphia Flyers.

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Highlights

• January 17, 1986, at the Philadelphia Spectrum

• Flyers led 3-1 after two periods

• Mark Hamway started the Islanders’ comeback

• Brent Sutter tied the game at 3-3

• Bryan Trottier scored with one second remaining

• Mike Bossy and Greg Gilbert assisted on the winning goal

• Billy Smith made 21 saves in the 4-3 victory

• Trottier’s winner was his 21st goal of the season

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On January 17, 1986, the Flyers hosted the Islanders at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. The home team carried a comfortable 3-1 lead into the second intermission after goals from Brian Propp, Dave Poulin and Ilkka Sinisalo. Poulin’s goal came while Philadelphia was shorthanded.

The Islanders Rally in the Third Period

New York began its comeback just 2:20 into the third period. Mark Hamway scored his fourth goal of the 1985-86 season, assisted by Gord Dineen and Duane Sutter, to reduce the Flyers’ lead to one.

Just over ten minutes later, Duane’s brother Brent Sutter tied the game at 3-3. His ninth goal of the season beat Philadelphia goaltender Bob Froese, with Mikko Makela and Denis Potvin earning the assists.

Bryan Trottier Beats the Clock

With overtime appearing inevitable, Bryan Trottier delivered the winning goal at the last possible moment. Trottier scored his 21st of the season with only one second remaining, giving the Islanders a dramatic 4-3 victory. Mike Bossy and Greg Gilbert assisted on the goal, which came on Trottier’s third shot of the night.

Froese and Islanders goaltender Billy Smith each faced 24 shots, with “Battlin’ Billy” making one additional save. Bossy, Gilbert and Potvin recorded two points apiece for New York, while Mark Howe and Brian Propp did the same for Philadelphia. Tim Kerr led all players with six shots on goal but was kept off the scoresheet.

One second was all Bryan Trottier needed to turn a likely overtime game into an unforgettable Islanders victory.

All Roads Home: A Life On and Off the Ice

The autobiography of Bryan Trottier — his journey through hockey greatness and life beyond the rink.

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Andre Dupont’s Overtime Goal Eliminates the Maple Leafs in 1975

It wasn't Bobby Clarke, Bill Barber or Rick MacLeish who finished off the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1975 Stanley Cup playoffs. Instead, it was rugged Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Andre "Moose" Dupont who scored the overtime goal that completed the four-game sweep.

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Highlights

• April 19, 1975 — Maple Leaf Gardens

• Philadelphia entered Game 4 leading the series 3-0

• Reggie Leach scored twice for the Flyers

• Ron Ellis scored twice for Toronto

• Regulation ended tied 3-3

• Andre Dupont scored just 1:45 into overtime

• Both of Dupont's goals against Toronto were game winners

• Philadelphia completed the four-game sweep

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On April 19, 1975, the Flyers visited Maple Leaf Gardens holding a commanding 3-0 lead in their quarter-final series. Bernie Parent had shut out Toronto in each of the previous two games, but Game 4 turned into a much different contest. The teams traded goals throughout regulation before heading to overtime tied 3-3.

Flyers and Maple Leafs Battle Through Regulation

Reggie Leach scored both Philadelphia goals in the opening period, while Ron Ellis and Blaine Stoughton answered for Toronto. Bill Barber scored the only goal of the second period to give Philadelphia a 3-2 advantage, but Ellis struck again in the third to tie the game and keep the Maple Leafs' season alive.

That lasted just 1 minute and 45 seconds into overtime. Dupont scored with an assist from Dave Schultz to give Philadelphia the 4-3 victory and complete the series sweep. Gord McRae stopped 29 of 33 shots for Toronto, while Parent turned aside 28 of 31 at the other end.

Moose Dupont Delivers Two Game-Winning Goals

The overtime winner was Dupont's second goal of the series, and both were game winners. He had also scored the decisive goal in Philadelphia's 3-0 Game 2 victory. Dupont would finish the Flyers' 1975 playoff run with just three goals in 17 games, making his two against Toronto particularly memorable.

Bobby Clarke, Tiger Williams and Borje Salming each recorded two assists in Game 4. And, fittingly for a playoff game involving the Broad Street Bullies, there was plenty of physical play. Schultz fought Dave Dunn in the second period, while Orest Kindrachuk and Errol Thompson squared off late in the third.

Another Step Toward Philadelphia's Second Stanley Cup

The victory sent the defending champion Flyers into the next round and moved them another step closer to their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Philadelphia would eventually defeat the Buffalo Sabres in six games in the Stanley Cup Final.

For all the star power on that Flyers roster, it was Moose Dupont who supplied the goal that officially ended Toronto's 1974-75 season.

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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Bill Barber Scores Four as Flyers Beat North Stars in 1980 Playoffs

Bill Barber put together one of the biggest playoff performances of his career on May 4, 1980, scoring four times as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Minnesota North Stars 5-3 at the Met Center. The victory gave Philadelphia a 2-1 lead in their Stanley Cup semifinal series after the teams had split the opening two games.

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Highlights

• May 4, 1980 at the Met Center

• Flyers and North Stars entered Game 3 tied 1-1

• Bill Barber scored twice late in the first period

• Barber completed his hat trick at 6:07 of the second

• Philadelphia built a 4-0 lead

• Minnesota responded with three consecutive goals

• Barber scored his fourth goal shorthanded at 16:34 of the third

• Philadelphia won 5-3 and eventually took the series in five games

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It took more than 15 minutes for the scoring to begin, but Barber quickly changed the complexion of the game. He opened the scoring at 15:15 of the first period with his fourth goal of the playoffs, beating Gilles Meloche on the power play with assists from Behn Wilson and Brian Propp. Less than two minutes later, Barber struck again at even strength. Wilson and Bobby Clarke assisted on the goal at 17:09, sending Philadelphia into the first intermission with a 2-0 advantage.

Mel Bridgman increased the lead just 1:14 into the second period before Barber completed the hat trick at 6:07. Clarke and Reg Leach picked up the assists as Barber's third goal of the night gave Philadelphia what appeared to be a commanding 4-0 lead. Minnesota, however, responded in a hurry. With Curt Giles in the penalty box, Tom Younghans and Tim Young scored back-to-back shorthanded goals. Tom McCarthy then added another, suddenly cutting Philadelphia's lead to 4-3.

The North Stars remained within a goal until the closing minutes. At 15:30 of the third period, Philadelphia's Ken Linseman was sent off for interference, giving Minnesota an opportunity to tie the game. Instead, Barber delivered the knockout blow. At 16:34, he scored his fourth goal of the night while shorthanded, assisted by Andre Dupont, restoring Philadelphia's two-goal advantage.

The Flyers held on for the 5-3 victory, with Barber accounting for four of their five goals. Philadelphia went on to win the next two games and eliminate Minnesota in five, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final. There, the Flyers fell in six games to the New York Islanders, who captured the first of their four consecutive Stanley Cup championships.

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

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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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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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Ross Lonsberry's 5-Point Night Leads Flyers To 9-0 Rout Of Vancouver

On March 22, 1973, the Philadelphia Flyers delivered one of the most lopsided victories in franchise history, overwhelming the Vancouver Canucks 9-0 at the Spectrum. While the Flyers featured offensive stars like Bobby Clarke, Rick MacLeish, and Bill Barber, it was Ross Lonsberry who stole the spotlight with the finest performance of the evening.

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Highlights

• Flyers defeated the Vancouver Canucks 9-0

• Ross Lonsberry recorded a hat trick

• Lonsberry finished with 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists)

• Gary Dornhoefer contributed 1 goal and 3 assists

• Rick MacLeish scored twice and added an assist

• Doug Favell made 31 saves for the shutout

• Lonsberry reached the 20-goal mark for the season

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Lonsberry had arrived in Philadelphia midway through the previous season as part of a major trade with the Los Angeles Kings. By the spring of 1973, he had become an important contributor for the Flyers, and against Vancouver he enjoyed one of the biggest nights of his NHL career. Facing Canucks goaltender Dunc Wilson, the Flyers fired 41 shots and found the back of the net nine times.

The winger recorded a hat trick, scoring his 18th, 19th, and 20th goals of the 1972-73 season. He wasn't finished there. Lonsberry also assisted on Gary Dornhoefer's goal just 44 seconds into the game and later picked up another helper on Rick MacLeish's 45th goal of the campaign. By night's end, he had accumulated five points in the dominant victory.

Philadelphia's offense was firing on all cylinders. Dornhoefer contributed a goal and three assists, while MacLeish finished with two goals and an assist. Clarke and Barber each added two points as the Flyers relentlessly pressured Vancouver throughout the contest.

At the other end of the ice, Doug Favell earned the shutout by turning aside all 31 shots he faced. Although the final score suggested an easy evening, Vancouver still generated opportunities, forcing Favell to remain sharp from start to finish.

Lonsberry would go on to enjoy a lengthy NHL career, appearing in 968 regular-season games and another 100 playoff contests between 1966-67 and 1980-81. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, he recorded seven seasons with 20 or more goals and reached a career-high 32 goals during the Flyers' Stanley Cup-winning 1973-74 campaign. His five-point explosion against the Canucks remains one of the standout performances of his career.

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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Future Flyers Legend Bill Barber Explodes For 4 Points In Just His 3rd NHL Game

Philadelphia fans didn’t have to wait long to see that rookie Bill Barber was something special. Selected seventh overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft, Barber spent part of his first professional season with the Richmond Robins of the AHL before getting his opportunity in the NHL. By the time the Flyers hosted the Buffalo Sabres on November 4, 1972 at the Spectrum, Barber was appearing in only the third NHL game of his career.

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Highlights:

• Bill Barber recorded 4 points in just his 3rd NHL game

• The game took place November 4, 1972 at the Spectrum

• Barber scored the first NHL goal of his career against Roger Crozier

• He added 3 assists in a 5-3 Flyers victory over Buffalo

• Rick MacLeish scored twice in the third period

• Barber finished his rookie season with 64 points in 69 games

• He later scored 420 NHL regular season goals

• Barber entered the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990

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It didn’t take long for the young winger to make an impact. Just 4:31 into the opening period, Barber beat goaltender Roger Crozier for the first regular season goal of his NHL career. Assisted by Joe Watson and Rick MacLeish, the goal opened the scoring in what would become a memorable night for the rookie. It was also the first of 420 regular season goals Barber would score during an outstanding NHL career.

Barber wasn’t finished there. He picked up an assist on a second-period goal by Tom Bladon before helping set up two more goals by MacLeish in the third period. By the end of the night, Barber had piled up a goal and three assists for a four-point performance as Philadelphia defeated Buffalo 5-3.

The big night was an early sign of the consistency Barber would bring to the Flyers throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. During his rookie season in 1972-73, Barber scored 30 goals and added 34 assists for 64 points in 69 games. He finished second in Calder Trophy voting behind Steve Vickers of the New York Rangers.

From 1972-73 through 1983-84, Barber played 903 regular season games and another 129 playoff contests, all with Philadelphia. He became one of the most respected forwards in franchise history, helping the team to a pair of Stanley Cup championships, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1990. His number 7 jersey was eventually retired not only by the Flyers, but also by the Kitchener Rangers, the junior club where his rise to hockey stardom began.

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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Chicago’s John Marks Set An NHL Record In Just 33 Seconds

On November 13, 1975, the Chicago Blackhawks stormed into the Spectrum in Philadelphia and made NHL history almost immediately. Forward John Marks needed only 33 seconds from the opening faceoff to score twice against the defending Stanley Cup champion Flyers, setting a new NHL record for the fastest two goals by one player from the start of a game.

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Highlights:

• John Marks scored twice in the first 33 seconds of the game

• The record-setting game took place on November 13, 1975

• Marks broke Bill Hicke’s previous NHL record

• Chicago built an early 5-1 lead over Philadelphia

• Gary Dornhoefer recorded four points for the Flyers

• Philadelphia scored three goals in a 50-second span

• The game ended in a dramatic 5-5 tie

• Mike Knuble later broke the NHL record in 2003

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Marks opened the scoring just 14 seconds into the contest, beating Philadelphia goaltender Wayne Stephenson unassisted for his fourth goal of the 1975-76 season. Before fans had even settled into their seats, he struck again only 19 seconds later. Assisted by Pit Martin and Cliff Koroll, Marks buried his second of the night at the 0:33 mark, breaking the previous NHL record by a full minute.

The old mark had belonged to Bill Hicke of the Oakland Seals, who scored twice within the opening 1:33 of a game back in 1969. Marks’ incredible start stunned the Flyers and helped Chicago build what looked like an insurmountable lead. By the midway point of the game, the Blackhawks were comfortably ahead 5-1.

Philadelphia, however, refused to go quietly. Led by Gary Dornhoefer’s four-point night consisting of one goal and three assists, the Flyers clawed their way back into the contest. Ross Lonsberry and Dornhoefer scored within the final 23 seconds of the second period, and Bill Barber added another just 27 seconds into the third. The Flyers’ rapid-fire comeback featured three goals in only 50 seconds.

Despite Marks’ historic opening burst, the game ultimately ended in a wild 5-5 tie. Ivan Boldirev and Dennis Hull each chipped in with two-point performances for Chicago, but the Flyers’ relentless push erased the early deficit and salvaged a point on home ice.

Marks’ NHL record eventually fell years later when Mike Knuble of the Boston Bruins scored twice within the first 27 seconds of a 2003 game against the Florida Panthers. Interestingly, only a month after Marks set the record, Buffalo Sabres star Rick Martin nearly matched it by scoring two goals in the opening 38 seconds against the Minnesota North Stars.

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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Mikita & Maki Strike Shorthanded on the Same PK as Blackhawks Demolish Flyers 12-0 (1969)

On January 30, 1969, at the Spectrum, the Philadelphia Flyers endured one of the most lopsided defeats in NHL history. The visiting Chicago Blackhawks unleashed an offensive explosion, piling up 12 goals on 49 shots in a game that spiraled out of control almost immediately.

• Date: January 30, 1969
• Game: Chicago Blackhawks vs Philadelphia Flyers
• Final Score: Blackhawks 12, Flyers 0
• Key Moment: Stan Mikita and Chico Maki score shorthanded goals on the same penalty kill
• Standout Performers: Dennis Hull (5 points), Pit Martin (5 points), Jim Pappin (hat trick)
• Goaltending: Denis DeJordy (37-save shutout)
• Notable Stat: Flyers goalies combine to allow 12 goals on 49 shots

Ironically, the rout began while Chicago was shorthanded. Just 1:56 into the first period, Dennis Hull was sent to the penalty box for holding. Instead of giving the Flyers momentum, the Blackhawks flipped the script. Only ten seconds into the penalty kill, Stan Mikita scored his 18th goal of the 1968-69 season, beating Doug Favell unassisted.

Before Hull’s penalty expired, Chicago struck again. Chico Maki added another unassisted shorthanded goal at 3:07, stunning the home crowd and setting the tone for what would become a historic blowout.

From there, things only worsened for Philadelphia. By the time Dennis Hull netted his second goal of the night late in the first period, the score had ballooned to 6-0. Favell, having allowed six goals on just 15 shots, was replaced by Bernie Parent. Parent fared no better statistically, surrendering six goals of his own on 34 shots over the remaining two-plus periods.

Despite the one-sided scoreline, Chicago goaltender Denis DeJordy was kept busy, turning aside 37 shots to secure the shutout.

The offensive outburst was a full-team effort. Dennis Hull and Pit Martin each recorded five-point nights, while Bobby Hull, Chico Maki, Eric Nesterenko, and Jim Pappin all contributed three points apiece. Pappin stood out with the game’s only hat trick, capping off a night the Flyers would rather forget.

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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Dave “The Hammer” Schultz: First NHL Goal or First Fight - Which Came First?

When you think of Dave Schultz, one thing immediately comes to mind: fists flying. But in a surprising twist, “The Hammer” didn’t start his NHL career with a fight, he started it with offense.

During the 1972-73 season with the Philadelphia Flyers, Schultz quickly established himself as one of hockey’s most feared enforcers. By season’s end, he had piled up an eye-popping 259 penalty minutes in 76 games, along with nine goals. But his first real impact in the NHL didn’t come in the penalty box.

After a quiet debut, Schultz made his presence felt in just his second NHL game, a dominant 7-3 Flyers win over the Vancouver Canucks. At 9:38 of the second period, Schultz scored his first career NHL goal, beating goaltender Dunc Wilson off a setup from Bobby Clarke. He wasn’t done there, in the third period he added his first assist, helping set up a goal by Don Saleski. Notably, Schultz stayed out of the penalty box entirely that night, something that would soon become a rarity.

Just two games later, everything changed. Facing the Detroit Red Wings at the historic Detroit Olympia, Schultz finally introduced the league to his other skillset. In a heated third period of a 5-0 loss, Schultz dropped the gloves with Thommie Bergman at 16:44, earning his first NHL fighting major.

The penalties piled up quickly. Along with the fight, Schultz received a double minor, an elbowing minor, and a ten-minute misconduct, totaling 21 penalty minutes in a single game. It was a sign of things to come.

That season, the Flyers cemented their reputation as the infamous “Broad Street Bullies,” leading the NHL with 1,756 penalty minutes, nearly 500 more than the St. Louis Blues. Schultz led the league in penalty minutes, edging teammate Bob Kelly by 21 minutes, while teammates like Saleski, Andre Dupont, and Gary Dornhoefer also ranked among the league’s most penalized.

Dave Schultz: The Hammer

The story of Dave Schultz — the iconic Broad Street Bully whose toughness defined an era of Flyers hockey.

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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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Bobby Clarke’s Historic Night: First 100-Point Season in Flyers History

On March 29, 1973, at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Bobby Clarke etched his name into franchise history. With two goals against the Atlanta Flames, Clarke became the first player in Philadelphia Flyers history to reach the 100-point mark in a single season. The Flyers defeated the Flames 4-2 that night, but the bigger story was the milestone achieved by their captain.

Clarke entered the game on the brink of history. His first goal came late in the second period at 18:26, beating goaltender Phil Myre with assists from Tom Bladon and Bill Barber. The tally gave Philadelphia a 3-1 lead following two earlier goals by Simon Nolet and marked Clarke’s 99th point of the season. It would also stand as the game-winning goal.

The historic 100th point arrived at 14:53 of the third period. Clarke scored his 35th goal of the 1972-73 campaign, once again solving Myre, this time with help from Rick MacLeish and Bladon. Despite surrendering the milestone marker, Myre was outstanding in goal, stopping 42 of 46 shots in a valiant losing effort.

This was game number 76 of the season for the Flyers, and Clarke had set the standard. MacLeish would soon follow, reaching 100 points in game 78. He did so in dramatic fashion, scoring his 50th goal of the season, alongside 50 assists for a perfect 100 points, against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The milestone goal came at 2:02 of the second period against goaltender Cam Newton, assisted by Gary Dornhoefer.

Clarke would go on to finish the 1972-73 season with 37 goals and 104 points, setting a new offensive benchmark for the young Flyers franchise. It was a defining moment not only for Clarke personally, but for a Philadelphia team that was rapidly evolving into a powerhouse in the early 1970s.

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. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

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8 Days In 1974 When The Hammer Was One Of The NHL's Top Goal Scorers

Dave “The Hammer” Schultz is best remembered for his time in the penalty box and for good reason. But during one unforgettable stretch in January 1974, the Philadelphia Flyers enforcer proved he could light the lamp as well as throw punches.

In just eight days, Schultz scored six goals in two Thursday night games, briefly finding himself among the NHL’s hottest scorers.

Hat Trick #1: January 3, 1974

The new year began with fireworks at the Spectrum. Facing the New York Rangers, Schultz scored three of Philadelphia’s four goals in a 4-2 victory.

He opened the scoring just 1:43 into the first period, assisted by Rick MacLeish and Don Saleski. His second came midway through the second, proving to be the game winner. He capped it off with an insurance goal in the third, all without a single penalty minute.

Hat Trick #2: January 10, 1974

One week later, the Flyers hosted the Minnesota North Stars and skated to a 7-4 win. Once again, Schultz stayed out of the box and recorded another hat trick.

Two came in the first period, while his third, on the power play, was assisted by Bobby Clarke and goaltender Bernie Parent, sealing the victory.

In Between

Between those two offensive explosions, Schultz returned briefly to his usual role. On January 5, in a tie against the North Stars, he dropped the gloves with Tom Reid. Two nights later, at the Montreal Forum, the Flyers fell 2–1 to the Canadiens, with Schultz registering just one shot on goal.

The Hammer’s Season

By season’s end, Schultz had 20 goals and 348 penalty minutes over 73 games, a rare combination of scoring touch and toughness. In the playoffs, as Philadelphia stormed to their first Stanley Cup, he added 139 penalty minutes in 17 games.

The next season, Schultz would set an NHL record that still stands today: 472 penalty minutes in a single campaign. But for those eight days in January 1974, The Hammer wasn’t just the league’s most feared fighter, he was one of its top goal scorers.

Dave Schultz: Hammered - The Fight Of My Life

The story of Dave Schultz — the iconic Broad Street Bully whose toughness defined an era of Flyers hockey.

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About Dave Schultz

A 5th round pick by the Philadelphia Flyers at the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft, Dave Schultz played 535 regular season and 73 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1971-72 and 1979-80 with the Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres. 

The two-time Stanley Cup champion was a penalty minute leader in the EHL with the Salem Rebels in 1969-70. The following year, he led the AHL with 382 PIM while playing for the Quebec Aces, nearly double the total of the runner-up. He would again lead the AHL the next year, this time playing for the Richmond Robins. Of course, his exploits in the NHL are well known.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Dave "The Hammer" Schultz

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

1. During which NHL season did Dave “The Hammer” Schultz set the all-time record for penalty minutes?
   1972-73
   1973-74
   1974-75
   1975-76
   


2. How many penalty minutes did Schultz accumulate in that record-setting season?
   438
   472
   489
   501
   


3. Schultz played a key role with which Flyers team that won the Stanley Cup?
   The 1973-74 Philadelphia Flyers
   The 1972-73 Philadelphia Flyers
   The 1977-78 Philadelphia Flyers
   The 1975-76 Philadelphia Flyers
   


4. After leaving the Flyers, Schultz also played for which of the following teams?
   Detroit Red Wings
   Vancouver Canucks
   Los Angeles Kings
   New York Rangers
   


5. What was Dave Schultz’s nickname during his playing days?
   The Hammer
   The Animal
   The Enforcer
   The Sheriff