Ivan Boldirev Scores Four as Golden Seals Outlast Blues 8-6

The California Golden Seals didn’t have many nights to celebrate in 1973-74, but Ivan Boldirev gave them one on January 9. Hosting the St. Louis Blues at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Boldirev scored four goals in an 8-6 victory. He accounted for half of California’s offence as the Seals earned just their ninth win in 40 games.

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Highlights

• California defeated St. Louis 8-6 on January 9, 1974.

• Ivan Boldirev scored four goals, including the game winner.

• The Seals erased a 4-2 deficit with four unanswered second-period goals.

• Boldirev’s fourth goal was his 14th of the season.

• Rick Kessell sealed the win with an empty-net goal with four seconds remaining.

• Reggie Leach added a goal and an assist.

• California earned its ninth victory in 40 games and finished the season with just 13 wins.

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A Bright Spot in a Difficult Season

California finished the season with a miserable 13-55-10 record and 36 points, placing last in the NHL and 20 points behind the next closest team. The struggles were reflected in the players’ numbers, with Reggie Leach finishing at minus-62 and Boldirev at minus-53. On this particular night, however, the Seals had enough scoring power to overcome their defensive troubles.

Boldirev’s first goal came late in the opening period, pulling California into a 2-2 tie. Floyd Thomson quickly restored the Blues’ lead, then scored again early in the second period to put St. Louis ahead 4-2. For a team accustomed to losing, the Seals appeared headed toward another disappointing result.

Four Unanswered Goals Turn the Game Around

Instead, California responded with four unanswered goals before the second intermission. Boldirev scored twice during the surge, completing his hat trick and helping the Seals turn a two-goal deficit into a 6-4 lead. He struck again at 11:36 of the third period, scoring his fourth of the night and 14th of the season. That goal made it 7-4 and ultimately stood as the game winner.

St. Louis refused to go quietly. The Blues scored twice, cutting California’s lead to 7-6 with 34 seconds remaining. Rick Kessell finally settled matters with an empty-net goal at 19:56. His first goal of the season secured an unusually productive night for the Seals and an 8-6 victory.

Boldirev and Leach Were Soon Moving On

Boldirev led California with eight shots on goal, while Leach recorded seven shots and contributed a goal and an assist. Both would be wearing different uniforms by the start of 1974-75: Boldirev moved to the Chicago Blackhawks, while Leach joined the Philadelphia Flyers. For one January evening in Oakland, though, they helped give Golden Seals fans a welcome break from a difficult season.

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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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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Reg Leach and Dennis Hull Trade Hat Tricks in a 1974 Blackhawks Blowout

In the early 1970s, matchups with the California Golden Seals often meant big nights for opposing scorers and January 6, 1974 was no exception. Dennis Hull made the most of the opportunity, leading the Chicago Blackhawks to a 9-4 win at Chicago Stadium. But California’s Reggie Leach wasn’t about to let Hull have the spotlight to himself.

Leach got on the board first, beating Blackhawks goalie Mike Veisor just 2:15 into the opening period. Walt McKechnie and Brent Meeke assisted on the early goal. Hull answered back five minutes later with his 17th of the season, set up by Pit Martin and Bill White.

Before the first period ended, Hull had already added his second of the night, and the Hawks took a 3-2 lead into the intermission. He completed the hat trick just 1:17 into the second period.

Reggie Leach wasn’t done either. He tallied his second goal of the game at 12:07 of the second period, then notched his third at 11:11 of the third. Despite the lopsided final score, Leach’s hat trick earned him some well-deserved respect.

Hull rounded out his stellar night with two third-period assists, giving him five points overall. Both he and Leach led their respective teams with six shots on goal.

In net for the Golden Seals was Bob Champoux, who played 17 games that season. After a single NHL playoff appearance with Detroit back in 1964, the 1973-74 campaign with California marked his only regular-season action in the league. He finished the year with a 5.21 goals-against average and a .848 save percentage.

Dennis Hull vs. Reg Leach in 1973-74

1973-74 was the final year with the California Golden Seals for Reg Leach. His 22 goals were one off his previous best of 23, put up the year before. His 46 points were a career best but these highs would change fast. On May 24, 1974, Leach was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers for Al MacAdam and Larry Wright. With the Flyers, Reg would see his potential and have career highs of 61 goals and 91 points.

For Dennis Hull, 1973-74 was a decent year with 29 goals and 68 points. However, his goal scoring had been declining since he put up 40 in 1970-71. He would remain in the NHL until the end of the 1977-78 campaign but he would not really have the same scoring success he'd enjoyed.

Quiz: Reg Leach and Dennis Hull Hat Trick Showdown (1974)

For more hockey trivia, come on over and check out our hockey trivia website!

1. Who scored the first goal of the game on January 6, 1974?

Dennis Hull
Reggie Leach
Pit Martin
Brent Meeke

2. How many points did Dennis Hull score in the game?

3
4
5
6

3. Who was the California Golden Seals’ starting goalie that day?

Bob Champoux
Terry Sawchuk
Mike Veisor
Rogie Vachon

4. How many goals did Reggie Leach score in the game?

2
3
4
1

5. How many games did Bob Champoux play in the NHL that season?

10
17
3
1

7 NHL Stars Who Played For The California Golden Seals

The Califonia Golden Seals existed in the National Hockey League for just a short nine year span from 1967-68 to 1975-76. Originally dubbed the Oakland Seals, the team was one of six expansion teams to enter the NHL for the 1967-68 season. Despite the fact that their nine years were nothing more than dismal, several decent players passed through the organization.

Harry Howell

Harry Howell is the only player in the Hockey Hall of Fame that ever dressed for the Golden Seals. Howell played just the 1969-70 season and part of the 1970-71 season with the club after 17 years with the New York Rangers. After 28 games in 1970-71, he was traded down the California coast to the Los Angeles Kings. The 1966-67 Norris Trophy winner was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

Bryan Watson

Bryan ‘Bugsy’ Watson was best known for the time he spent in the penalty box but he was also a decent defenseman. Now 41st on the NHL’s all-time list of penalty minute leaders, he was once number one. Watson finished his NHL career with 2212 PIM in 878 games. Watson played one season with the Oakland Seals, 1968-69. His NHL career spanned from 1963-64 to 1978-79, also playing for the Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals.

Bobby Baun

In the final season of the ‘Original Six’era, 1966-67, Bob Baun was the hero of the Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup victory. The following season, he was on the blue line for the Oakland Seals, a team that won just 15 games. 1967-68 was the only season Baun spent in California during a career that started in 1956-57 and ended after the 1972-73 season. Baun also played three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

Carol Vadnais

Carol Vadnais played sparingly for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1966-67 and 1967-68 seasons. He became a regular in the NHL with the Seals in 1968-69. Vadnais spent two years with California before moving on to bigger and better things with the Boston Bruins. Carol played a total of 1087 regular season NHL games between 1966-67 and 1982-83 with the Canadiens, Golden Seals, Bruins, New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.

Reg Leach

Drafted third overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, Reggie Leach never really caught on with the Big Bad Bruins, playing just two partial seasons with the club in 1970-71 and part of 1971-72 and scoring just a total of nine goals. Playing with the California Golden Seals until the end of the 1973-74 season, Leach’s goal scoring ability began to blossom. It was with the Philadelphia Flyers that Leach exploded. He scored 61 in 1975-76 and 50 in 1979-80. He scored 19 in 16 playoff games in 1975-76 earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy in a losing effort. He won two Stanley Cups with Philadelphia, included a victory over the Bruins in 1974.

Charlie Simmer

Charlie Simmer was a third round pick of the Seals in the 1974 NHL Draft. He was a seldom used forward by California and even by the Cleveland Barons when the team was relocated there for the 1976-77 season. However, after being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1978-79 and being stuck on a line with Marcel Dionne and Dave Taylor, Charlie showed the hockey world what he could do. Simmer scored 56 goals in each the 1979-80 and 1980-81 seasons as a member of the Triple Crown Line. Those goal totals were accomplished in just 64 and 65 games. Simmer played 712 NHL games with the Seals, Barons, Kings, Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Dennis Maruk

In the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft, the last for the Golden Seals, they finally got it right. In the second round, they drafted Dennis Maruk. Maruk scored 30 goals in his rookie season and 36 with the Barons two years later. He topped out with 60 goals and 136 points in a Washington Capitals uniform in 1981-82. Dennis played 888 regular season NHL games with the Seals/Barons/North Stars and Capitals and scored 356 goals over that time.

A Bit More About The Team

The California Golden Seals were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL) that existed from 1967 to 1976. Originally known as the California Seals, the team underwent a name change in 1970 to become the California Golden Seals. Based in Oakland, California, the Seals faced financial and on-ice challenges throughout their brief history. 

The team struggled to achieve success in terms of playoff appearances and faced difficulties in building a dedicated fan base. Despite their challenges, the California Golden Seals are remembered for their distinctive green and gold jerseys and remain a unique part of NHL history. 

The franchise ultimately relocated to Cleveland in 1976 and later merged with the Minnesota North Stars, ceasing to exist as an independent team.

1975-76 NHL Goal Scoring Leaders - Leach Replaces Esposito

1975-76 was an end of an era in the National Hockey League. Phil Esposito had dominated the goal scoring landscape since 1969-70, leading the NHL for six consecutive seasons. Esposito scored 50 or more goals for five consecutive seasons and set the mark for most goals in a single season with 76 in 1970-71. In 1975-76, the Boston Bruins traded him mid-season to the New York Rangers and he totalled just 35 goals, not good enough to place in the top ten.

Reggie Leach – Philadelphia Flyers

Leading the NHL in 1975-76 with 61 goals was Reggie Leach of the Philadelphia Flyers. It was a career year for Leach with his next highest goal total coming in 1979-80 with 50. Reggie carried on into the 1975-76 playoffs with 19 goals in 16 games as the Flyers reached the finals before losing out to the Montreal Canadiens. Leach was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in the losing cause. To date, he is one of just five players to be awarded the Conn Smythe when not winning the Stanley Cup.

Guy Lafleur – Montreal Canadiens

Guy Lafleur of the Stanley Cup champion Montreal Canadiens came second with 56 goals. It was Guy’s second of six consecutive seasons with 50 or more goals and his first of three consecutive Art Ross Trophies. The 56 goals was a far cry from the 130 he scored in 62 games for the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL in 1970-71.

Despite finishing third in the Norris Division and making an early opening round exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins provided the National Hockey League with two 50 goal scorers. Pierre Larouche finished third with 53 and Jean Pronovost ended 1975-76 with one less than his teammate.

Pierre Larouche – Pittsburgh Penguins

Pierre Larouche was another phenom in the QMJHL. With the Sorel Black Hawks in 1973-74, he scored 94 goals and totalled 251 points in 67 regular season games. 1975-76 was just his second season in the NHL. He would score 50 goals in a season one more time in his NHL career, exactly 50 as a member of the 1979-80 Montreal Canadiens.

Jean Pronovost – Pittsburgh Penguins

Jean Pronovost had a career year with his 52 goals and 104 points. Pronovost played two games shy of 1,000 in an NHL career that spanned from 1968-69 to 1981-82. He spent the bulk of his time with Pittsburgh but also played for the Atlanta Flames and Washington Capitals.

Bill Barber – Philadelphia Flyers

Two players tied for fifth spot in 1975-76 with 50 goals each. Bill Barber of the Philadelphia Flyers and Danny Gare each had 50. Barber gets the tie breaker nod with 112 points to Gare’s 73.

Bill Barber is one of just two of these six players to have a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Barber was inducted in 1990, two years after Guy Lafleur. 1975-76 was the only time during his twelve year NHL career, all with the Flyers, that Barber reached the 50 goal plateau.

Danny Gare would reach the 50 goal plateau one more time in his career. In 1979-80, he scored 56 for the Buffalo Sabres, tying Blaine Stoughton of the Hartford Whalers and Charlie Simmer of the Los Angeles Kings for the NHL lead. Gare played in the NHL from 1974-75 to 1986-87 with the Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and Edmonton Oilers.