In a moment that’s etched in Boston Bruins history, Don Marcotte pulled off one of the rarest feats in NHL hockey: scoring two shorthanded goals during the same penalty kill. This incredible performance took place on opening night of the 1970-71 NHL season against the Detroit Red Wings at the historic Boston Garden. It was an unforgettable display of penalty-killing brilliance and offensive skill.
A Strong Start for the Bruins' 1970-71 Season
The Boston Bruins entered the third period with a 4-2 lead over the visiting Detroit Red Wings. Just over five minutes into the period, Bruins defenseman Bill Speer was sent to the penalty box for holding, his second penalty of the period. The Red Wings saw this as an opportunity to claw their way back into the game. However, Don Marcotte had other plans.
Don Marcotte's Shorthanded Masterclass
Just 25 seconds into the penalty, at 5:34 of the third period, Marcotte intercepted the puck and scored unassisted on Detroit goaltender Roy Edwards, giving the Bruins a commanding 5-2 lead.
But he wasn’t done.
Just over a minute later, still during the Speer minor, Marcotte found the net again, this time with assists from Ed Westfall and Rick Smith. That second short-handed goal, scored at 6:38, stretched Boston’s lead to 6-2 and effectively sealed the win.
Bruins Dominate in 7-3 Victory Over Red Wings
Although each team added a goal before the final horn, the Bruins' dominance was clear. The game ended with a 7-3 Boston win. Rick Smith and Ken Hodge both tallied three points, while Detroit’s PeteStemkowski notched a goal and an assist.
Despite facing 42 shots on goal, Detroit's goalie Roy Edwards could only stop 35, including just two from Marcotte, both of which found the back of the net.
Marcotte’s 1970-71 NHL Season: A Shorthanded Threat
Marcotte finished the 1970-71 season with 15 goals, seven of them shorthanded. This tied him for second-most shorthanded goals in the NHL that year, alongside teammate Ed Westfall and just one behind league leader DaveKeon.
Notably, Marcotte repeated his short-handed heroics later that season, scoring two more shorties in a December 25, 1970 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The first of those was the game-winning goal, adding another chapter to his incredible season.
Why Don Marcotte's Feat Still Matters
Scoring one shorthanded goal is tough. Scoring two during the same penalty kill is almost unheard of, even decades later. Marcotte’s performance on that October night remains a shining example of defensive discipline and offensive instinct and it's a big reason he's remembered as one of the Bruins' most dependable two-way forwards.
About Don Marcotte
Don Marcotte spent his entire career in the Boston Bruins organization, starting with the Victoriaville Bruins and Niagara Falls Flyers in junior, along with the Oklahoma City Blazers, Hershey Bears and Boston Braves in the minors. He played his first NHL game with the Bruins in 1965-66 while still a junior with Niagara Falls.
Between 1965-66 and 1981-82, Marcotte played 868 regular season and 132 playoff games in the National Hockey League. He was a two-time Stanley Cup champion with Boston, going with his Memorial Cup win with the N.F. Flyers, CHL title with Oklahoma City and Calder Cup win with Hershey.
Of his 230 regular season goals in the NHL, 21 were shorthanded. He also had 21 shorthanded assists. He also had three goals and two assists on the penalty kill in the post season. Don reached the 20 goal plateau in seven seasons and had a career high 31 goals in 1974-75 with Boston.
