Carl Brewer Sets Up Wild Seven-Goal Third Period Against Detroit

For more than two periods, it looked as though the Detroit Red Wings might escape Maple Leaf Gardens with a low-scoring victory on February 13, 1960. Gary Aldcorn opened the scoring just 1:42 into the game, and Detroit protected that 1-0 lead until the early minutes of the third period.

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Highlights

• Detroit led 1-0 after Gary Aldcorn scored 1:42 into the game.

• The score remained unchanged until 2:41 of the third period.

• Frank Mahovlich began a run of seven unanswered Toronto goals.

• Carl Brewer assisted on Ron Stewart’s game-winning goal.

• Brewer also helped set up both of Dick Duff’s goals.

• All three of Brewer’s assists came in the third period.

• Johnny Bower stopped 29 of 30 shots in Toronto’s 7-1 victory.

• Dennis Riggin was making only his fifth NHL appearance.   

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Frank Mahovlich finally broke through at 2:41 of the third, beginning an incredible run of seven unanswered Toronto goals. Less than four minutes later, defenseman Carl Brewer set up Ron Stewart for the game-winning goal at 6:10.

Brewer collected his second assist of the period when Dick Duff scored at 13:14. It was Duff’s 15th goal of the 1959-60 NHL season and extended Toronto’s advantage to 4-1.

The Toronto defenseman completed his three-assist performance at 18:28, helping Duff score his second goal of the night. That goal finished the scoring in a remarkable 7-1 victory for the Maple Leafs.

Johnny Bower stopped 29 of Detroit’s 30 shots. The Red Wings’ potent trio of Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio and Norm Ullman was held completely off the scoresheet.

Detroit did not have Terry Sawchuk in goal that night. Instead, Dennis Riggin allowed seven goals on 31 shots while making just the fifth of his 18 career NHL appearances. Riggin would later become better known to many hockey fans as the father of NHL goaltender Pat Riggin.

Top Shelf Trivia: The Toronto Maple Leafs

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

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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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Borje Salming’s Lone Hat Trick Comes in Wild Leafs-Blackhawks Game

Borje Salming was one of the NHL’s most productive defensemen, but most of his offense came from setting up his teammates. Of his 787 career regular-season points, 637 came on assists. On October 10, 1981, however, Salming became the finisher, recording the only hat trick of his NHL career in a wild night at Maple Leaf Gardens.

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Highlights

• October 10, 1981 at Maple Leaf Gardens

• Toronto defeated Chicago 9-8

• The teams combined for 17 goals

• Salming recorded 3 goals and 1 assist

• It was the only hat trick of his NHL career

• Bob Manno and John Anderson each had 5 points

• Chicago’s Grant Mulvey also scored a hat trick

• Denis Savard recorded 4 assists

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The Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks combined for an incredible 17 goals, with Toronto coming away with a 9-8 victory. Salming finished with three goals and an assist for four points, yet that still wasn’t enough to lead the Leafs in scoring. John Anderson and defenseman Bob Manno each recorded five-point games.

Salming wasted almost no time getting started. Just 27 seconds after the opening faceoff, he scored his first goal of the 1981-82 season, beating Chicago goaltender Tony Esposito with Manno picking up the assist. Salming added his second point at 16:32 of the second period when he assisted on a Manno goal. It was the eighth of an astonishing nine goals scored by the two teams during the middle frame.

The Swedish defenseman struck even quicker to begin the third. Just 23 seconds into the period, Salming scored his second goal of the game with assists going to Rocky Saganiuk and Laurie Boschman. At 7:08, he completed the only hat trick of his NHL career, scoring with help from Manno and Ron Zanussi.

There was plenty of offense on the Chicago side as well. Grant Mulvey recorded a hat trick of his own, while Denis Savard collected four assists. The goaltending numbers reflected the frantic nature of the game: Esposito stopped 33 of 42 Toronto shots, while Leafs goalie Vincent Tremblay allowed eight goals on 28 shots.

For a Hall of Fame defenseman remembered as much for his passing and toughness as his scoring ability, October 10, 1981 was a rare night when Salming did the damage himself. Three of his 150 career NHL goals came in one remarkable game, the only hat trick of Borje Salming’s NHL career.

The King (Borje Salming)

A compelling look at the life and legacy of Borje Salming — one of hockey’s most respected trailblazers and legendary defensemen.

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"Scoreless Wonder" Jim Thomson Ends 31-Month Goal Drought With a 1-0 Game Winner

Jim Thomson arrived in Chicago before the 1957-58 NHL season under circumstances that went well beyond hockey. Like former Detroit Red Wings star Ted Lindsay, Thomson had been a prominent supporter of efforts to establish an NHL players’ association. Neither man’s involvement sat particularly well with the league’s owners, and both found themselves with the Chicago Blackhawks for the 1957-58 season.

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Highlights

• Jim Thomson joined Chicago for the 1957-58 season, his final NHL campaign.

• Thomson and Ted Lindsay had both been involved in efforts to establish a players’ association.

• On October 29, 1957, Chicago hosted Detroit at Chicago Stadium.

• Thomson scored at 12:56 of the third period, assisted by Jack McIntyre and Bobby Hull.

• The goal was the only one in a 1-0 Blackhawks victory.

• Glenn Hall recorded the shutout against Terry Sawchuk and the Red Wings.

• Thomson had not scored since March 20, 1955, more than two and a half years earlier.

• “The Scoreless Wonder” finished his NHL career with just 19 goals in 787 games, but was a two-time Second Team All-Star and four-time Stanley Cup champion.

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For Thomson, it would be his final year in the NHL. The veteran defenseman had never been known for his scoring. In fact, his Toronto Maple Leafs teammates had dubbed him “The Scoreless Wonder.” Yet, on October 29, 1957, Thomson became the unlikely offensive hero when Chicago hosted Lindsay’s former Detroit Red Wings at Chicago Stadium.

The game remained scoreless deep into the third period, with Glenn Hall and Terry Sawchuk matching each other at opposite ends of the ice. Finally, at 12:56 of the third, Thomson broke through. He beat Sawchuk for his first goal as a Blackhawk, with Jack McIntyre and a young Bobby Hull picking up the assists. Nobody scored again, giving Chicago a 1-0 victory and Hall the shutout.

The goal was especially remarkable considering how rarely Thomson found the back of the net. He finished his NHL career with just 19 goals in 787 regular-season games, including four game winners and one shorthanded marker. Before scoring against Sawchuk that night, Thomson had gone more than two and a half years without an NHL goal. His previous one had come on March 20, 1955, while playing for Toronto against the New York Rangers.

Of course, scoring goals was never what made Thomson valuable. The dependable blue liner was twice named a Second Team NHL All-Star and helped the Maple Leafs win four Stanley Cup championships during his first five full seasons with the club. He also briefly served as Toronto's captain during the 1956-57 season.

Thomson would finish his lone season in Chicago with four goals, matching his career high. But perhaps none better suited “The Scoreless Wonder” than the one he scored on October 29, 1957. After going 31 months without a goal, the defensive defenseman finally scored again and fittingly, it was the only goal anyone scored all night.

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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Al Secord Torches Maple Leafs for Four Goals at Chicago Stadium

The 1981-82 season was Al Secord’s first full campaign with the Chicago Blackhawks after he was acquired from the Boston Bruins on December 18, 1980, in exchange for Mike O’Connell. It would become a remarkable season for the rugged winger. Secord finished with 44 goals and 303 penalty minutes, becoming just the second player in NHL history to record at least 30 goals and 300 penalty minutes in the same season. Tiger Williams had accomplished the feat a year earlier with 35 goals and 343 penalty minutes.

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Highlights

• November 1, 1981: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

• Secord scored the first NHL hat trick of his career

• He finished with four goals

• His second and third goals came just 11 seconds apart

• Chicago defeated Toronto 9-4

• Denis Savard recorded five points with a goal and four assists

• Secord finished 1981-82 with 44 goals and 303 penalty minutes

• He became the second NHL player with 30+ goals and 300+ PIM in one season

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Secord began building toward that 44-goal total early. On November 1, 1981, in Chicago’s 12th game of the season, the Blackhawks hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs at Chicago Stadium. Secord opened his account for the night at 13:14 of the first period, beating Toronto goaltender Michel Larocque with Denis Savard picking up the assist. The goal gave Chicago a 2-0 lead.

Secord was held off the scoresheet during the second period, while Toronto battled back. The Maple Leafs eventually pulled even at 3-3 before the Blackhawks took control in the third. At 3:46, Secord scored his second of the night and eighth of the season on the power play. The goal put Chicago ahead 5-3 and would stand as the game-winner in an eventual 9-4 victory.

Just 11 seconds later, Secord struck again. Assisted by Savard and Greg Fox, the goal completed the first hat trick of Secord’s NHL career. Three goals apparently weren’t enough. Later in the third, he scored again for his fourth of the game and 10th of the season, with Savard and Tim Higgins earning the assists.

Secord finished the night with four goals, while Savard enjoyed a huge game of his own with a goal and four assists for five points. For Secord, the performance was an early sign of what was to come during a season that combined elite goal scoring with the physical edge that became a defining feature of his career.

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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Richard Brothers Combine for 10 Points as Canadiens Rout Maple Leafs 9-3

The Montreal Canadiens wasted little time reminding the NHL why they were the league's powerhouse during the 1950s. On October 17, 1957, they welcomed the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Montreal Forum and handed their Original Six rivals a decisive 9-3 defeat. The night's biggest story belonged to brothers Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Henri "Pocket Rocket" Richard, who combined for an incredible 10 points while accounting for five of Montreal's nine goals.

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Highlights

• Maurice and Henri Richard combined for 10 points against Toronto.

• Henri Richard recorded a hat trick and three assists for a six-point game.

• Maurice Richard finished with two goals and two assists.

• The Richard brothers scored five of Montreal's nine goals.

• Dickie Moore and Doug Harvey each added three-point performances.

• Claude Provost scored the game-winning goal in the second period.

• Toronto fell to 0-3 before rebounding with a 7-0 win over Boston two nights later.

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Henri Richard led the offensive explosion with one of the finest games of his career. The Pocket Rocket scored a hat trick and added three assists for a remarkable six-point performance. Two of those assists came on goals by his older brother Maurice, while another set up Jean-Guy Talbot. Maurice answered with two goals and two assists, helping set up Henri's first goal and a tally by Dickie Moore to finish with four points. After just five games of the 1957-58 season, both Richard brothers had already scored six goals.

The Canadiens received plenty of support throughout the lineup. Dickie Moore and Hall of Fame defenseman Doug Harvey each chipped in three-point nights, while Claude Provost scored what proved to be the game-winning goal midway through the second period. Provost beat Toronto goaltender Ed Chadwick at 10:25 of the middle frame, with assists from Phil Goyette and Harvey, giving Montreal a 4-3 lead before the Canadiens pulled away with five unanswered goals.

For Toronto, the loss dropped the club to 0-3 to begin the 1957-58 campaign. Fortunately for the Maple Leafs, the rough start didn't last much longer. Just two nights later, they welcomed the unbeaten Boston Bruins to Maple Leaf Gardens and responded in emphatic fashion with a stunning 7-0 victory. Ed Chadwick earned the shutout, while Brian Cullen and Billy Harris each recorded hat tricks to give Toronto its first win of the season in memorable style.

The October 17 showdown remains one of the greatest family performances in Montreal Canadiens history. Few sibling duos have ever dominated an NHL game the way Maurice and Henri Richard did, combining skill, scoring touch and playmaking brilliance to overwhelm one of hockey's fiercest rivals.

Henri Richard: La légende aux 11 Coupes Stanley

L’histoire autorisée du légendaire numéro 16 du Canadien de Montréal, racontée par son fils Denis Richard, retraçant sa carrière, ses 11 Coupes Stanley et les moments marquants de la vie du « Pocket Rocket ». :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

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Brian Cullen And Billy Harris Deliver Twin Hat Tricks As Maple Leafs Crush Bruins 7-0

The Toronto Maple Leafs couldn't have asked for a better remedy after opening the 1957-58 NHL season with three consecutive losses. On October 19, 1957, a packed Maple Leaf Gardens crowd watched the Leafs completely dominate the Boston Bruins in a 7-0 victory that finally put Toronto in the win column. Goaltender Ed Chadwick was flawless, turning aside all 30 Boston shots, while Brian Cullen and Billy Harris each recorded memorable hat tricks.

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Highlights

• The Maple Leafs snapped an 0-3 start with a dominant 7-0 victory over the Bruins.

• Brian Cullen scored the first hat trick of the night, including the game-winning goal.

• Billy Harris matched Cullen with a hat trick of his own in the third period.

• Ed Chadwick earned a 30-save shutout against Boston.

• Ron Stewart added a shorthanded goal just 24 seconds into the second period.

• Barry Cullen assisted on two of his brother Brian's three goals.

• The game remains one of the rare occasions in NHL history where two teammates recorded hat tricks in the same game.

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Cullen opened the scoring late in the first period, converting a power-play opportunity at 18:06. George Armstrong and Bob Pulford set up the goal, which proved to be the eventual game winner. Although the Leafs would score six more times, Boston never seriously threatened Chadwick, who was in complete control from start to finish.

Toronto buried the Bruins in the second period. Ron Stewart struck just 24 seconds into the frame with a shorthanded goal before Brian Cullen added his second of the night at 17:19. His brother, Barry Cullen, and defenseman Bob Baun picked up the assists. Barry would also help set up Brian's third goal in the final period, giving the Cullen brothers a special family connection on an unforgettable evening.

Not to be overshadowed, Billy Harris took over in the third period. He scored twice within 30 seconds early in the frame before completing his own hat trick with only 22 seconds remaining in regulation. Remarkably, Toronto had two different players score three goals in the same game, accounting for six of the club's seven goals in one of the most lopsided wins of the season.

Despite their explosive performances that night, neither player went on to challenge the league's scoring leaders. Harris finished the season with 16 goals, while Cullen enjoyed the finest offensive campaign of his NHL career, scoring a personal-best 20. Even so, their unforgettable outburst against Boston remains one of the more unique offensive performances in Maple Leafs history, proving that sometimes one spectacular night can leave a lasting place in franchise lore.

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

Dive into unforgettable tales from NHL history — the biggest moments, legendary players, and classic rivalries.

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Pete Stemkowski: A Gordie Howe Hat Trick Beside Mr. Hockey Himself (1968)

When the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings pulled off a blockbuster trade on March 3, 1968, it reshaped both franchises. Heading to Detroit was Pete Stemkowski, along with Carl Brewer, Frank Mahovlich, and Garry Unger. In return, Toronto received Paul Henderson, Norm Ullman, Floyd Smith, and Doug Barrie.

• Massive March 3, 1968 trade sends Pete Stemkowski from Toronto to Detroit
• Game played at Detroit Olympia early in the 1968–69 NHL season
• Stemkowski records an assist on Gary Bergman’s first-period goal
• Drops the gloves with rugged forward Reg Fleming just 44 seconds later
• Adds another assist on Alex Delvecchio’s game-tying goal
• Scores his first goal of the season in the third period
• Completes a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist, fight)
• Shares the ice with Gordie Howe during the milestone performance
• Finishes the season with a career-high 21 goals
• Goes on to record five 20+ goal seasons in his NHL career

Stemkowski finished the 1967-68 season with Detroit, but it was clear early in the following year that he was ready to elevate his game. Just three games into the 1968-69 season, the Red Wings hosted the New York Rangers at the historic Detroit Olympia and Stemkowski made sure his presence was felt.

The Rangers had to contend with more than one “Big Pete” that night. Pete Mahovlich contributed a goal and an assist, but the spotlight belonged to Stemkowski. Late in the first period, he set up Gary Bergman for the game’s opening goal against goaltender Ed Giacomin. Moments later, the intensity ramped up when Stemkowski dropped the gloves with tough guy Reg Fleming, earning five minutes for fighting in a spirited exchange.

After Bob Nevin scored twice to give New York the lead, Stemkowski answered again, this time setting up Alex Delvecchio to tie the game in the second period. By the third, with Detroit in control, Stemkowski capped his performance with his first goal of the season, assisted by Delvecchio and Bruce MacGregor.

The result? A classic Gordie Howe Hat Trick, a goal, an assist, and a fight, all while sharing the ice with Gordie Howe himself. Howe had a quieter night with a single assist, but the performance from Stemkowski showed he was ready to make his mark in Detroit.

That season, Stemkowski scored 21 goals, surpassing his previous career high of 13 set with Toronto in 1966-67. It was just the beginning of a productive stretch, as he would go on to record five 20-goal seasons in his NHL career, two with Detroit and three later with the Rangers.

The Franchise: Detroit Red Wings: A Curated History of Hockeytown

Explore the storied history of the Detroit Red Wings — legends, moments, rivalries, and the culture that made Hockeytown iconic.

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Toronto’s “Other Swede” Shines: Inge Hammarstrom’s 5-Point Night Powers Leafs Rout

When discussing Swedish pioneers in Toronto Maple Leafs history, Borje Salming is usually the first name that comes to mind. But during the same era, another Swede quietly carved out a strong NHL career: Inge Hammarstrom.

• Inge Hammarstrom records a career-best 5-point night (1 goal, 4 assists)
• Game played February 12, 1977 at Maple Leaf Gardens
• Toronto defeats the Washington Capitals in a dominant 10-0 rout
• Hammarstrom scores his 18th goal of the 1976-77 season
• Goal assisted by Darryl Sittler and Borje Salming
• Adds assists on goals by Sittler (2), Kurt Walker, and Lanny McDonald
• Bernie Wolfe allows 5 goals on 11 shots before being pulled
• Ron Low gives up 5 more goals on 26 shots in relief
• Mike Palmateer earns shutout with 30 saves
• Sittler and McDonald each post 4-point games (2 goals, 2 assists)
• Ian Turnbull contributes 4 assists
• Only Bob Neely and Palmateer held without a point
• Tiger Williams records a goal and a fight, just missing a Gordie Howe hat trick

Joining the Leafs in the 1973-74 season, Hammarstrom never enjoyed the same spotlight as Salming. Criticized at times for a perceived lack of physicality, he still produced consistently, including a 20-goal rookie season and three additional 20+ goal campaigns over his six-year NHL tenure.

On February 12, 1977, at Maple Leaf Gardens, Hammarstrom delivered the best performance of his career in a lopsided matchup against the Washington Capitals.

The game was effectively decided early. Capitals goaltender Bernie Wolfe surrendered five goals on just eleven shots in the first period before being replaced by Ron Low, who allowed five more over the remaining two periods.

Hammarstrom led the offensive charge with a goal and four assists for a five-point night. His lone goal, his 18th of the 1976-77 season, came late in the first period, assisted by Darryl Sittler and Salming. He went on to add helpers on two Sittler goals, as well as tallies by Kurt Walker and Lanny McDonald.

In goal, Mike Palmateer was flawless, stopping all 30 shots he faced to secure the shutout in the 10-0 victory.

Toronto’s offensive dominance didn’t stop with Hammarstrom. Sittler and McDonald each recorded four-point games with two goals and two assists, while Ian Turnbull contributed four assists. Only Bob Neely and Palmateer were held off the scoresheet.

Meanwhile, Tiger Williams nearly completed a Gordie Howe Hat Trick, registering a goal and a fight with Bill Riley, but falling just short of adding an assist.

The King (Borje Salming)

A compelling look at the life and legacy of Borje Salming — one of hockey’s most respected trailblazers and legendary defensemen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Catch 22: My Battles, in Hockey and Life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Shelf Trivia: The Toronto Maple Leafs

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

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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

A collection of the greatest Rangers stories ever told — insider tales featuring legends past and present.

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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.

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

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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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Toronto Maple Leafs Set NHL Playoff Record With Lightning-Fast Start vs. Atlanta (1979)

The Toronto Maple Leafs made NHL playoff history during the 1978-79 postseason, exploding out of the gate in Game 2 of their preliminary round series against the Atlanta Flames.

Game 1 of the best-of-three series had been a tight, physical affair. A brawl-heavy contest with limited offense saw Toronto skate away with a 2-1 win, thanks to two goals from Walt McKechnie. Game 2, however, was an entirely different story.

Toronto wasted no time rewriting the playoff record book.

Darryl Sittler opened the scoring just 4:04 into the first period, beating Atlanta goaltender Dan Bouchard with Pat Boutette picking up the lone assist. Only 12 seconds later, Sittler struck again, this time with help from Lanny McDonald.

Before the crowd could even settle, Ron Ellis made it 3-0 just 23 seconds after Sittler’s first goal, with Dan Maloney and Joel Quenneville earning assists.

Those three goals in 23 seconds established a new NHL playoff record for fastest three goals by one team. The previous mark had stood for 60 years, set by the Montreal Canadiens when they scored three times in 40 seconds against the Ottawa Senators. The closest any team has come since was the Anaheim Ducks in 2014-15, who managed three goals in 37 seconds.

The Maple Leafs went on to win the game 7-4 and sweep the series 2–0.

Toronto’s postseason run ended in the quarter-finals against Montreal, where the Canadiens swept the series. Despite the lopsided result, the matchup was far tighter than it appeared. Game 3 wasn’t decided until 5:25 into the second overtime, while Game 4 also required an extra period before Montreal finally closed the door.

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

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