Ralph Backstrom’s Rookie Heroics Seal Montreal’s Fourth Straight Stanley Cup

In the spring of 1959, a young Ralph Backstrom put a dazzling exclamation point on his rookie season and on another Montreal Canadiens dynasty run. The 1958-59 Calder Trophy winner stepped up in the Stanley Cup Final, delivering a four-point performance to clinch Montreal’s fourth consecutive championship.

Game Five of the final was played at the legendary Montreal Forum, with the Canadiens holding a 3-1 series lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Backstrom wasted no time making an impact. Just 4:13 into the first period, he scored his third goal of the playoffs on Johnny Bower, with assists from Bernie Geoffrion and Dickie Moore. Before the opening period ended, Montreal had stormed ahead 3-0 and Backstrom had assisted on the other two goals.

He wasn’t done yet. In the second period, Backstrom picked up another assist on Geoffrion’s late goal, stretching the lead to 5-1. Toronto tried to rally in the third with goals from Frank Mahovlich and Bert Olmstead, but Montreal held firm for a 5-3 victory. Marcel Bonin netted the Cup-winning goal, and Jacques Plante stopped 30 of 33 shots.

About Ralph Backstrom 

Ralph Backstrom played 1,032 regular season and 116 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1956-57 and 1972-73 with the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks. The six-time Stanley Cup champion was a 20+ goal scorer seven times. Between 1973-74 and 1976-77, Backstrom played 304 regular season and 38 playoff games in the WHA with the Chicago Cougars, Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics and New England Whalers.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Ralph Backstrom

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

1. Ralph Backstrom won the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in which season?

1957-58
1958-59
1959-60
1960-61

2. How many Stanley Cups did Ralph Backstrom win with the Montreal Canadiens?

Three
Six
Five
Four

3. After leaving the Canadiens, Backstrom later played in which rival league during the 1970s?

AHL
WHA
EHL
IHL

4. Which NHL team did Backstrom briefly play for after his long tenure in Montreal?

Buffalo Sabres
St. Louis Blues
Los Angeles Kings
Vancouver Canucks

5. Ralph Backstrom later became a successful hockey executive and coach. Which university team did he help build as head coach?

University of Minnesota
University of Denver
Boston University
Michigan State University

Johnny Bower’s Final NHL Shutout: A Vintage Performance in Philadelphia

On December 12, 1968, in the twilight of his remarkable career, Johnny Bower turned back the clock one last time. Playing at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, the veteran netminder stopped all 27 shots he faced to backstop the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 1-0 win over the Flyers. Ron Ellis provided the game’s lone goal, beating Bernie Parent for the decisive tally. Among the Flyers, Simon Nolet kept Bower busiest, firing five shots on goal.

Earlier that same 1968-69 season, Bower had recorded his final home shutout at Maple Leaf Gardens, a 2-0 victory over the Boston Bruins. In that contest, he turned aside 29 shots while Larry Mickey and Dave Keon did the scoring. Keon’s third-period shorthanded marker against Gerry Cheevers sealed the win, in a game that also featured a spirited scrap between Tim Horton and Derek Sanderson.

That season would be Bower’s last as a regular contributor, appearing in 20 regular-season and four playoff games while sharing duties with Bruce Gamble. The following year, he suited up for just a single game before retiring from the NHL.

Between 1953-54 and 1969-70, Bower appeared in 552 regular season and 74 playoff games with the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Known for his fearless play and famous poke check, “The China Wall” became one of hockey’s most beloved figures and, fittingly, his career ended as it had so often been defined: with a shutout.

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976, Johnny Bower’s final blanking of the Flyers remains a classic example of his enduring brilliance between the pipes.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Johnny Bower

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

1. Before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs, Johnny Bower began his NHL career with which team?

Chicago Black Hawks
New York Rangers
Detroit Red Wings
Boston Bruins

2. Bower was affectionately nicknamed “The China Wall.” What was the main reason for this nickname?

His unbreakable goaltending style
His time spent playing in China
His habit of wearing a mask made in China
His connection to the Great Wall through his ancestry

3. How many Stanley Cups did Johnny Bower win with the Toronto Maple Leafs?

Two
Three
Four
Five

4. What unique goaltending technique was Johnny Bower especially known for perfecting?

The butterfly style
The poke check
The stand-up save
The glove flash

5. In what year was Johnny Bower inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?

1970
1972
1976
1980

How Johnny Bower Stole Boston’s Christmas in 1966

On December 24, 1966, Maple Leaf Gardens played host to a special kind of Christmas story, one written by the legendary Johnny Bower between the pipes. Just ten days earlier, Bower had stymied the Boston Bruins with a 30-save performance in a 2-1 Toronto win. But on Christmas Eve, he was downright Scrooge-like, turning aside all 29 shots in a 3-0 shutout victory.

While Gerry Cheevers was nearly as sharp for Boston, stopping 27 of 30, the Leafs finally broke through midway through the second period when George Armstrong scored with help from Larry Hillman. Pete Stemkowski and John Brenneman added insurance tallies to seal the win for Toronto.

The NHL schedule showed little holiday spirit that year, the teams met again the very next day at Boston Garden. And once again, the “China Wall” was unbreakable. Bower stopped 35 of 37 shots in a 4-2 win, completing a remarkable back-to-back holiday sweep.

Jim Pappin scored twice for the Leafs, including the game winner, while Red Kelly chipped in a goal and two assists. The Bruins’ lone bright spots came from John McKenzie and J.P. Parise, who managed to sneak a pair past Bower. But for the most part, Christmas belonged to the old master in blue and white, Johnny Bower.

About Johnny Bower

Between 1953-54 and 1969-70, Johnny Bower played 552 regular season and 74 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs. The four-time Stanley Cup champion won the Vezina Trophy twice and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1976.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Johnny Bower

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

1. Before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs, Johnny Bower played parts of 11 NHL seasons with which team?
   A) Chicago Blackhawks
   B) New York Rangers
   C) Detroit Red Wings
   D) Montreal Canadiens
   


2. Johnny Bower won his first Vezina Trophy in which NHL season?
   A) 1957–58
   B) 1960–61
   C) 1964–65
   D) 1966–67
   


3. Bower shared goaltending duties with which other Leafs legend during Toronto’s 1967 Stanley Cup win?
   A) Bruce Gamble
   B) Terry Sawchuk
   C) Ed Chadwick
   D) Cesare Maniago
   


4. Known as “The China Wall,” Johnny Bower was famous for his fearless style and for perfecting which now-rare goaltending move?
   A) Butterfly save
   B) Poke check
   C) Stack the pads
   D) Two-pad slide
   


5. In what year was Johnny Bower inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
   A) 1973
   B) 1976
   C) 1979
   D) 1982
   

April 8, 1971: The Night Vic Hadfield Nearly Broke the PIM Record

Perhaps Jim Harrison said something about Vic Hadfield’s golf game. On April 8, 1971, Madison Square Garden played host to Game 2 of the Stanley Cup quarter-finals between the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Rangers were up 1-0 in the series, but Toronto fought back with a 4-1 victory and then things got really interesting.

After the goals came the gloves. Vic Hadfield piled up 34 penalty minutes before the night was over, at the time, the fourth-most in a single Stanley Cup playoff game (It still ranks among the top dozen today).

The all-time record of 42 minutes, held by Billy Coutu since 1923, is a bit of an outlier thanks to long-gone rules and two hefty misconducts. In the modern era, Hadfield was chasing Forbes Kennedy’s 38 minutes and John Ferguson’s 37, both set in 1969.

Hadfield’s trouble started midway through the second period. At 9:22, he tangled with Toronto’s Jim Harrison and earned an extra two minutes for high-sticking, his second trip to the box after a roughing call earlier. Then at 15:18 of the third, they went at it again, sparking a full-on melee that also pulled in Darryl Sittler and Brad Park. Hadfield picked up two ten-minute misconducts and a five for fighting, ending his night early.

Moments later, Park joined him in the dressing room when both he and Sittler were assessed game misconducts. Each finished with 27 penalty minutes.

On the scoresheet side of things, Toronto’s Paul Henderson led the way with two goals, while Dave Keon added a goal and an assist. Tim Horton scored the lone Rangers goal against his former team.

About Vic Hadfield

Vic Hadfield played 1,002 regular season and 74 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1961-62 and 1976-77 with the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins. In 1971-72, he became the first player in Rangers history to score 50 goals in a season with exactly 50.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Vic Hadfield

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

1. Vic Hadfield spent the majority of his NHL career with which team?

Chicago Blackhawks
New York Rangers
Pittsburgh Penguins
Boston Bruins

2. Hadfield was part of the Rangers’ famous “GAG Line.” What did “GAG” stand for?

Goal-A-Game
Great and Gritty
Goaltenders Always Guessing
Grind-And-Goal

3. In the 1971–72 season, Vic Hadfield became the first Rangers player to reach what major milestone?

50 goals in a season
100 career power play goals
1,000 career points
10 hat tricks in one season

4. After leaving the Rangers, Hadfield finished his NHL career playing for which team?

Buffalo Sabres
Pittsburgh Penguins
Los Angeles Kings
St. Louis Blues

5. Which best describes Vic Hadfield’s playing style?

Defensive specialist and shot blocker
Tough, skilled power forward with scoring touch
Pure finesse playmaker
Enforcer with limited offensive output

Wendel Clark Erupts For 4 Goals In Early-Season Shootout vs Buffalo

For Toronto Maple Leafs power forward Wendel Clark, the 1986-87 NHL season began with fireworks. After scoring once in the season opener against Montreal, Clark exploded for four goals in Game 2, all against Buffalo Sabres goalie Darren Puppa, marking the first four-goal game of his career.

Unfortunately, his hot streak didn’t last. Following this dominant night, Clark managed just one goal over his next seven games. But for one October evening, the Leafs’ young leader was unstoppable.

The game opened with Mike Foligno putting Buffalo ahead early on Ken Wregget, but Clark answered with two quick goals. Foligno tied it again with his second, only for Wendel to complete the hat trick before the end of the first period. Gilbert Perreault’s late goal made it 3-3 after a wild opening frame.

The scoring show continued through the second and third. Despite Clark’s heroics, the Leafs trailed 5-4 after two periods, with Wilf Paiement (a former Leaf himself) scoring twice for Buffalo and Steve Thomas cutting the gap for Toronto. Clark’s fourth goal at 9:44 of the third tied things up 5-5 and that’s how it stayed, as overtime solved nothing.

It was a night for offense, not defense:

• Gary Leeman assisted on all four Clark goals for a four-point performance.

• Paiement and Perreault both finished with three points for the Sabres.

• Goaltending struggled on both ends: Puppa allowed five on 25 shots, Wregget five on 23.

About Wendel Clark

Wendel Clark played 793 regular season and 95 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1985-86 and 1999-00 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. The often injured Clark had a career year in 1993-94, scoring 46 goals in just 64 games.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Wendel Clark

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

1. What year was Wendel Clark selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL Draft?

1983
1984
1985
1986

2. Which position did Clark originally play before converting to forward in junior hockey?

Defense
Center
Left Wing
Goaltender

3. In what season did Clark first serve as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs?

1988-89
1991-92
1993-94
1995-96

4. Which team did Wendel Clark join after being traded in the blockbuster deal that brought Mats Sundin to Toronto?

Detroit Red Wings
Quebec Nordiques
New York Islanders
Chicago Blackhawks

5. Wendel Clark retired with 330 career NHL goals. How many of those came in a Leafs uniform?

260
195
275
305

The Night Rick Martin Mixed Goals and Grit Against Toronto

Rick Martin was closing in on his second straight 50-goal season for the Buffalo Sabres when they faced the Toronto Maple Leafs at Maple Leaf Gardens on March 16, 1975. Known for his world-class shot and smooth skating, Martin put on a show, scoring his 45th, 46th, and 47th goals of the 1974-75 campaign. He also added an assist on a Fred Stanfield goal for a four-point night.

But Martin didn’t stop at scoring. In the third period, he dropped the gloves with Lanny McDonald, completing a rare Gordie Howe Hat Trick, goal, assist, and fight. McDonald, frustrated after Toronto’s long night, had already tangled with Jim Schoenfeld earlier in the game.

The Sabres dominated from start to finish, jumping out to a 5-2 lead in the first and cruising to an 11-3 victory. Toronto’s Gord McRae was pulled early in the second after allowing six goals on 15 shots, replaced by Doug Favell, who faced another 31 shots and gave up five more.

While Martin’s performance was stellar, linemate Gilbert Perreault stole some of the spotlight with a six-point night, three goals and three assists on eight shots. Stanfield also shone with a goal and four helpers, while Rick Dudley and Peter McNab each chipped in four points.

For Toronto, Dave Keon, Jim McKenny, and Blaine Stoughton managed to score, but Buffalo’s Gerry Desjardins stood tall, stopping 29 of 32 shots for the win.

About Rick Martin

A fifth overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres at the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, Rick Martin played 685 regular season and 63 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1971-72 and 1981-82 with the Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings. He was the first in Buffalo franchise history to record a 50 goal season.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Rick Martin

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

1. Rick Martin was part of one of the NHL’s most famous lines with the Buffalo Sabres. What was the trio called?

• The French Connection
• The Production Line
• The Triple Crown Line
• The Legion of Doom

2. How many times did Rick Martin score 50 or more goals in a single NHL season?

• Once
• Twice
• Three times
• Four times

3. Martin was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft. What overall pick was he?

• 3rd overall
• 4th overall
• 5th overall
• 6th overall

4. In which season did Rick Martin post career highs of 52 goals and 95 points?

• 1973-74
• 1974-75
• 1975-76
• 1976-77

5. Rick Martin’s NHL career was cut short due to injury while playing with which team?

• Buffalo Sabres
• Los Angeles Kings
• Montreal Canadiens
• Toronto Maple Leafs

Derek Sanderson’s 6-Point Explosion vs Toronto Previews 1969 Playoffs

On March 16, 1969, the Boston Bruins sent a loud and clear message to their upcoming playoff opponents, the Toronto Maple Leafs. After falling 7-4 in Toronto the night before, the Bruins turned the tables at Boston Garden, hammering the Leafs 11-3 in their final regular-season meeting.

At the center of the offensive onslaught was Derek Sanderson. The flashy forward piled up six points, including a natural hat trick in the second period. He also added three assists, two on goals by Garnet “Ace” Bailey and one on Wayne Cashman’s tally. All of Sanderson’s goals came against starter Bruce Gamble, who was pulled after 40 minutes in favor of Al Smith.

The Bruins dominated in every facet, firing 51 shots on goal. Sanderson and Bobby Orr led the team with eight shots each, though Orr was surprisingly kept off the scoresheet. Ace Bailey and Phil Esposito matched the production with five-point nights, while Ken Hodge and Cashman each added four. Gerry Cheevers faced 30 shots and gave up three goals, with Norm Ullman scoring twice for Toronto.

This rout foreshadowed the playoff beatdown to come. Boston outscored Toronto 17-0 in the first two games of their quarter-final series and swept the Leafs in four straight. Sanderson carried his hot hand into the postseason, scoring eight goals in just nine playoff games before the Bruins fell to the Montreal Canadiens in the semi-finals.

About Derek Sanderson

Derek Sanderson played 598 regular season and 56 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1965-66 and 1977-78 with the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks and Pittsburgh Penguins. The 1967-68 Calder Trophy winner won two Stanley Cup championships with Boston.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Derek Sanderson

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

1. Which NHL team did Derek Sanderson debut with in 1965-66?

New York Rangers
Boston Bruins
Philadelphia Flyers
Chicago Black Hawks

2. In which season did Sanderson win the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year?

1966-67
1967-68
1968-69
1969-70

3. Derek Sanderson is perhaps best known for his role centering which legendary Bruins line?

The French Connection
The Big Bad Bruins' "Orr-Esposito-Sanderson" unit
The Kraut Line
The Legion of Doom

4. Sanderson made headlines in 1972 when he signed with which WHA franchise for a record contract?

Winnipeg Jets
Philadelphia Blazers
Houston Aeros
Quebec Nordiques

5. How many Stanley Cups did Derek Sanderson win with the Boston Bruins?

One
Two
Three
Four

Gary Sabourin Scores Four Goals For The California Golden Seals Against His Former Team

On November 7, 1975, the California Golden Seals pulled off a wild 7-5 win over the New York Rangers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena and the unlikely star of the night was Gary Sabourin.

Not Bobby Orr, but the other guy from Parry Sound, Ontario. Sabourin, once a Rangers prospect, lit up John Davidson and the Blueshirts for four goals, recording his second NHL hat trick (and then some).

Just a year earlier, Sabourin had scored only five goals in 55 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs. By his 15th game as a Seal, he had already surpassed that mark. He opened the scoring at just 1:01 of the first period with his fifth of the season, set up by Bob Girard and Ralph Klassen. A few minutes later, he struck again, once again thanks to Girard, this time with Rick Hampton adding an assist.

In the second period, after Al MacAdam and Rick Middleton traded goals, Sabourin completed his hat trick at 11:02 with Klassen picking up another helper. Early in the third, at 1:03, Sabourin buried the eventual game-winner, assisted by Klassen and former Ranger Jim Neilson. Sabourin, MacAdam, and Dennis Maruk paced the Seals with six shots each, while Phil Esposito and Rod Gilbert each had three-point nights for New York.

Goaltender Gilles Meloche backstopped the Seals with his usual heavy workload, stopping 31 of 36 shots, including six from Esposito.

That four-goal performance helped Sabourin finish the season with 21 goals, the fifth and final time he would hit the 20-goal mark in his career. Twice, with the St. Louis Blues, he topped out at a career-high 28 goals. Sadly, his NHL journey wrapped up shortly after, with just 33 games for the Cleveland Barons in 1976-77 before calling it a career.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Gary Sabourin

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

1. Gary Sabourin scored four goals in one game for the California Golden Seals in 1975. Which team was the opponent?

2. Sabourin twice reached his career-high in goals during a season. How many goals did he score in each of those peak years?

3. Which team did Gary Sabourin spend the majority of his NHL career with?

4. Sabourin’s final NHL season came in 1976-77, when he played 33 games for which franchise?

5. Gary Sabourin was born in Parry Sound, Ontario — the same hometown as which Hockey Hall of Famer?

Gerry Cheevers’ 40-Save Shutout And Wild Brawl Highlight Boston's 10-0 Playoff Win

On April 2, 1969, the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs opened their playoff series with one of the wildest games in Stanley Cup history. The Bruins dominated from start to finish, crushing Toronto 10-0, but the storyline was far more than just the score.

Goaltender Gerry Cheevers stood tall in net, stopping all 40 shots sent his way. While it might seem like a goalie in a 10-0 win would have little to do, Cheevers was busy all night and even got into a fight with Toronto’s Forbes Kennedy late in the game.

Key Highlights From Game 1

• The 10-0 victory remains the second-highest scoring shutout in Stanley Cup playoff history, behind Montreal’s 11-0 win over Toronto in 1944.

• Phil Esposito had a monster night, scoring four goals and adding two assists for six points. His four-goal game still ties him for sixth on the all-time playoff list.

• Toronto’s Forbes Kennedy racked up 38 penalty minutes, the sixth most ever in a single NHL playoff game.

• Pat Quinn delivered a brutal hit that knocked young Bobby Orr out of the game.

• Including the regular season finale, Toronto suffered three straight shutouts, with Boston taking Game 2 by a 7-0 score.

The Chaos Unfolds

The mayhem peaked at 16:14 of the third period after a whistle in the Boston zone. Kennedy tried to take on nearly the entire Bruins roster, including Cheevers. Things crossed the line when he punched linesman George Ashley and then attacked John “Pie” McKenzie, who held his own in the scrap. That game turned out to be Kennedy’s last in the NHL.

Meanwhile, Esposito fired 13 of Boston’s 51 shots at Toronto’s goaltending duo of Bruce Gamble and Johnny Bower, who were left shell-shocked. Esposito continued his hot streak with three more points in Game 2 and scored again in Game 4 as Boston swept the Maple Leafs out of the postseason.

About Gerry Cheevers

Between 1961-62 and 1979-80, Gerry Cheevers played 418 regular season and 88 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. He also appeared in 191 regular season and 19 playoff games in the WHA with the Cleveland Crusaders between 1972-73 and 1975-76. The two-time Stanley Cup champion was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Gerry Cheevers

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

1. With which NHL team did Gerry Cheevers win two Stanley Cups?
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Boston Bruins
   Cleveland Barons
   
2. Cheevers was famous for his goalie mask, decorated with what design?
   Flames
   Stitches
   Shamrocks
   
3. Gerry Cheevers also played in the WHA. Which team did he join?
   Cleveland Crusaders
   Winnipeg Jets
   Quebec Nordiques
   
4. In what year was Gerry Cheevers inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
   1985
   1990
   2001
   
5. Which unique distinction did Cheevers’ Bruins hold in the early 1970s?
   Highest-scoring team in NHL history
   Longest unbeaten streak ever
   Most consecutive shutouts
   

Bill Collins Torches Leafs with Back-to-Back Hat Tricks in 1970

When the Minnesota North Stars reached game 59 of the 1969-70 season, Bill Collins had just 13 goals to his name. That all changed on March 1, 1970, when the Toronto Maple Leafs came to town.

At the Met, Collins exploded for a hat trick, his 14th, 15th, and 16th of the season, all against Leafs netminder Bruce Gamble. Minnesota dominated the night with an 8-0 blowout, outshooting Toronto 40-41. Cesare Maniago was rock-solid, turning away all 41 shots for the shutout. Bill Goldsworthy and J.P. Parise chipped in with two goals and two assists each, but Collins set the tone with his relentless play and seven shots on goal.

Less than a week later, the two teams met again at Maple Leaf Gardens. And once more, Collins found his magic. This time he struck for another three goals, numbers 18, 19, and 20 on the year, with the first two coming shorthanded. Remarkably, he scored on all three of his shots, again at the expense of Bruce Gamble, who was pulled in favor of Marv Edwards after the second period. Minnesota rolled to an 8-3 win as Gump Worsley turned aside 44 of 47 shots.

Though Collins didn’t pick up a single assist in either game, that reflected his style during the 1969-70 campaign: pure goal-scoring. He finished the season with a career-best 29 goals, paired with just nine assists. It was the first of three seasons where he crossed the 20-goal mark, later tallying 21 with the Detroit Red Wings in 1972-73 and 22 with the St. Louis Blues in 1974-75.

About Bill Collins

After several years in the minors, Bill Collins got his NHL start after the Minnesota North Stars drafted him from the New York Rangers organization in the 1967 NHL Expansion Draft. Originally a prospect of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he was traded to the Rangers on February 22, 1964, along with Arnie Brown, Dick Duff, Bob Nevin and Rod Seiling for Andy Bathgate and Don McKenney.

Collins played 768 regular season and 18 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1967-68 and 1977-78 with the North Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Bill Collins

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

1. Which team did Bill Collins score consecutive hat tricks against in March 1970?

Detroit Red Wings
Toronto Maple Leafs
St. Louis Blues
Boston Bruins

2. Which Toronto goalie did Collins score his goals on during those games?

Johnny Bower
Marv Edwards
Bruce Gamble
Gerry Cheevers

3. How many goals did Bill Collins finish the 1969–70 season with?

21
25
29
33

4. How many of Collins' goals in the second hat trick were scored shorthanded?

0
1
2
3

5. Who recorded the shutout for Minnesota in the 8–0 game (stopping 41 shots)?

Gump Worsley
Cesare Maniago
Tony Esposito
Ken Dryden

Lanny McDonald’s Lone Hat Trick With The Colorado Rockies

On February 6, 1981, Lanny McDonald recorded his only hat trick as a member of the Colorado Rockies in a thrilling 6-4 home win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

McDonald was no stranger to multi-goal games, he tallied 18 career hat tricks, including eight with the Toronto Maple Leafs (one a four-goal outing) and nine with the Calgary Flames. But during his short stay in Denver, fans only got to witness one such performance.

In the first period, McDonald opened the scoring just 5:22 in, beating Pittsburgh’s Nick Ricci with help from Merlin Malinowski. After the Penguins tied it up, McDonald struck again in the second frame with his 24th of the season, assisted by Paul Gagné and WaltMcKechnie, giving Colorado a 3-2 edge.

His third goal sealed the night, coming unassisted into an empty net with just 41 seconds left in the game. Not only did McDonald complete the hat trick, but he also collected two assists on goals by Lucien DeBlois and Mike Gillis, finishing with a five-point night. He registered five of Colorado’s 23 shots, while Rockies goaltender Al Smith turned aside 30 of 34 Pittsburgh attempts for the win.

McDonald’s path to Denver began with a December 29, 1979 trade that sent him and Joel Quenneville to Colorado in exchange for Pat Hickey and Wilf Paiement. His Rockies tenure spanned 142 games over parts of three seasons before he was dealt to Calgary on November 25, 1981, in a trade that saw Don Lever and Bob MacMillan head to Colorado.

About Lanny McDonald

Lanny McDonald played 1,111 regular season and 117 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1973-74 and 1988-89 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Rockies and Calgary Flames. Originally a fourth overall pick by the Maple Leafs at the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft, McDonald was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Lanny McDonald

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

1. In which year did Lanny McDonald score his only hat trick as a member of the Colorado Rockies?
   1979
   1981
   1983
   
2. Which team did McDonald spend the majority of his NHL career with, including winning a Stanley Cup?
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Calgary Flames
   Colorado Rockies
   
3. How many career hat tricks did Lanny McDonald record in total?
   12
   18
   22
   
4. What was unique about McDonald’s goal-scoring in the 1982-83 season with Calgary?
   He scored 66 goals, setting a franchise record
   He scored 50 goals in 50 games
   He had more assists than goals for the only time in his career
   
5. In which year was Lanny McDonald inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
   1990
   1992
   1995
   

Bonus Round!

NHL Hockey Trivia: Colorado Rockies

1. In what year did the Colorado Rockies first take the ice in the NHL?
   1974
   1976
   1978
   
2. Before moving to Denver, what was the team’s original NHL identity?
   Kansas City Scouts
   Oakland Seals
   Cleveland Barons
   
3. Who was the goaltender most associated with the Rockies, appearing in over 150 games?
   Ron Low
   Chico Resch
   Michel Plasse
   
4. In 1979-80, who coached the Rockies for one memorable season before becoming an NHL legend elsewhere?
   Scotty Bowman
   Don Cherry
   Herb Brooks
   
5. What became of the Colorado Rockies franchise after the 1981-82 season?
   Folded
   Relocated to New Jersey as the Devils
   Merged with the Quebec Nordiques
   

Bob Nevin’s Final Goals as a Ranger Eliminate the Maple Leafs in 1971 Playoffs

Bob Nevin’s NHL journey began with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he played a key role in two Stanley Cup championships before being traded to the New York Rangers in a blockbuster February 22, 1964 deal. Alongside Dick Duff, Bill Collins, Arnie Brown, and Rod Seiling, Nevin was sent to New York in exchange for Don McKenney and Andy Bathgate, missing out on Toronto’s third straight Cup later that spring.

Fast forward to April 15, 1971. Nevin delivered a playoff performance Leafs fans would rather forget. In Game 6 of the quarter-final series, the veteran forward scored both New York goals in a 2-1 overtime victory, single-handedly eliminating his former team. His first came at 12:39 of the second period, beating Jacques Plante with help from Walt Tkaczuk and Vic Hadfield. After Jim McKenny tied it late in the third, Nevin struck again at 9:07 of overtime to clinch the series.

Nevin was unstoppable that series, netting all five of his playoff goals in the six games against Toronto, along with two assists for seven points. However, his scoring touch cooled in the semi-final against Chicago, where he managed just one assist as the Rangers fell in seven games.

Just three weeks later, Nevin was dealt to the Minnesota North Stars for Bobby Rousseau. He spent two seasons in Minnesota before finishing his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings and wrapping up his major league days with the WHA’s Edmonton Oilers.

Hockey Trivia: Bob Nevin

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

1. Bob Nevin began his NHL career with which team?
   New York Rangers
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Minnesota North Stars
   Los Angeles Kings
2. In which playoff year did Nevin score both New York goals in game 6 to eliminate the Maple Leafs?
   1967
   1971
   1973
   1975
3. Who was the Maple Leafs goaltender Nevin scored on for the Game 6 overtime winner?
   Jacques Plante
   Johnny Bower
   Bernie Parent
   Eddie Johnston
4. After leaving the Rangers, Nevin was traded to which team?
   Chicago Blackhawks
   St. Louis Blues
   Minnesota North Stars
   Philadelphia Flyers
5. Nevin ended his major league hockey career playing in which league?
   NHL
   WHA
   AHL
   IHL

3 Goals and 1 Fight: Wendel Clark’s Rookie Statement Game

On February 25, 1986, Toronto Maple Leafs fans witnessed a performance that would define the fiery rookie season of Wendel Clark, the franchise’s first-ever first overall draft pick.

Facing the higher-ranked New York Rangers at Maple Leaf Gardens, the Leafs quickly fell behind 2-0. But Clark and company stormed back in thrilling fashion to earn a 7-3 victory and the young forward played a starring role.

In a game that had everything, Wendel served five minutes for fighting after a heated scrap with RonGreschner. Just seconds after leaving the box, he netted his 24th goal of the season, the eventual game-winner, assisted by Russ Courtnall, who had a standout night himself with a goal and three helpers.

Clark wasn’t done. He added two more goals in the third period, his 25th and 26th of the season, both again set up by Courtnall to complete the hat trick. All seven Leafs goals were scored on John Vanbiesbrouck, with Clark’s third tally sending the goalie to the bench in favor of Glen Hanlon.

Clark wrapped up his 1985-86 rookie season with 34 goals and helped the Leafs win their first playoff series since 1979. He would finish second in Calder Trophy voting, just behind Gary Suter of the Calgary Flames.

About Wendel Clark

Wendel Clark played 793 regular season and 95 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1985-86 and 1999-00 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. He was originally a first overall pick by Toronto at the 1985 NHL Entry Draft.

Despite an injury plagued career that saw Wendel play just one full schedule, he totaled 330 regular season goals. Clark's career best came in 1993-94 when he scored 46 for the Maple Leafs in just 64 games.

Wendel Clark Rookie Game Trivia Quiz

The first set of trivia questions pertains to the content above. Following that, there's another short hockey trivia quiz for Wendel Clark's NHL career. 

There is much more NHL hockey trivia at our hockey trivia website!

1. How many goals did Wendel Clark score in the February 25, 1986 game against the Rangers?
   2
   3
   4
   5
   


2. Who did Wendel Clark fight in that game?
   Barry Beck
   Ron Greschner
   Ulf Samuelsson
   George McPhee
   


3. Which teammate assisted on all three of Clark’s goals that night?
   Russ Courtnall
   Gary Leeman
   Al Iafrate
   Steve Thomas
   


4. How many goals did Wendel Clark score in his rookie season?
   26
   34
   38
   40
   


5. Who won the Calder Trophy over Wendel Clark in 1985-86?
   Brian MacLellan
   Claude Lemieux
   Gary Suter
   Patrick Roy
   

Wendel Clark NHL Career Trivia Quiz

1. In what year was Wendel Clark selected 1st overall in the NHL Draft?
   1985
   1983
   1986
   1984
   


2. What position did Wendel Clark play for most of his NHL career?
   Left Wing
   Defense
   Center
   Right Wing
   


3. Wendel Clark was traded from the Leafs to which team in a blockbuster 1994 deal?
   Edmonton Oilers
   Quebec Nordiques
   New York Islanders
   Detroit Red Wings
   


4. What future superstar did the Leafs receive in return for Wendel Clark in 1994?
   Mats Sundin
   Joe Sakic
   Owen Nolan
   Mike Modano
   


5. How many times did Wendel Clark score 30 or more goals in an NHL season?
   1
   3
   5
   7
   

Red Kelly’s Hat Trick vs Canadiens Includes His Only NHL Penalty Shot

On January 31, 1963, the Toronto Maple Leafs stormed into the Montreal Forum and took down the Canadiens 6-3. The spotlight belonged to Red Kelly, who recorded a hat trick, highlighted by the only penalty shot goal of his entire 20-year NHL career.

The Canadiens jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period thanks to goals from Gilles Tremblay and Dickie Moore. But at 14:59 of the opening frame, Kelly sparked the comeback with a powerplay goal assisted by Billy Harris.

Red struck again midway through the second, tying the game 2-2 with his 13th of the season, set up by Bob Nevin and Frank Mahovlich. The Leafs then took over in the third:

• George Armstrong scored at 1:34 (assisted by Kelly),

• Dick Duff notched the game-winner at 6:17,

• and at 13:51, Red Kelly was awarded a penalty shot.

In a rare moment for the veteran center, he buried the puck behind Jacques Plante for his third goal of the game and 14th of the season. It marked the third hat trick of Kelly’s career, the only penalty shot goal he ever scored in his 1,316-game NHL tenure.

Kelly finished the night with four points and five shots on goal. That season, he would tally 20 goals and 40 assists in 66 games, with only four minor penalties, a model of sportsmanship. Despite that, he placed just fourth in Lady Byng Trophy voting, behind teammate Dave Keon.

About Red Kelly

Between 1947-48 and 1966-67, Red Kelly played 1,316 regular season and 164 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. The eight time Stanley Cup champion (four times each with the Red Wings and Maple Leafs) won the Lady Byng Trophy four times and was the Norris Trophy winner in 1953-54 as the NHL's top defenseman.

Immediately after retiring, Kelly became the first ever head coach of the Los Angeles Kings. He went on to stints as bench boss for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Red was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1969.

Red Kelly’s Hat Trick vs Canadiens – Trivia Quiz

You can find much more hockey trivia at our hockey trivia website!

1. How many goals did Red Kelly score in the January 31, 1963 game vs the Canadiens?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

2. Who was the goaltender Red Kelly scored his penalty shot goal against?

A) Charlie Hodge
B) Jacques Plante
C) Gump Worsley
D) Terry Sawchuk

3. How many penalty shots did Red Kelly score in his NHL career?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 1
D) 0

4. How many points did Red Kelly record in that game?

A) 2
B) 4
C) 3
D) 5

5. Who scored the game-winning goal for the Leafs in that 6–3 victory?

A) George Armstrong
B) Dick Duff
C) Bob Nevin
D) Frank Mahovlich

6. What trophy is associated with sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in the NHL?

A) Hart Trophy
B) Lady Byng Trophy
C) Norris Trophy
D) Selke Trophy

7. How many hat tricks did Red Kelly have in his NHL career?

A) 2
B) 4
C) 3
D) 5