Two Shorthanded Goals Highlight Darryl Sutter’s First NHL Hat Trick

On October 18, 1981, Darryl Sutter delivered the first hat trick of his NHL career, and he did it in memorable fashion. The Chicago Blackhawks forward scored three times against the Edmonton Oilers at Chicago Stadium, with two of the goals coming while his team was shorthanded.

The night began with the Oilers striking first when Wayne Gretzky opened the scoring just 1:36 into the game. Chicago answered quickly. At 3:21 of the first period, Sutter scored his first goal of the 1981-82 season on Edmonton goaltender Andy Moog, with assists from Tom Lysiak.

Later in the period, Sutter struck again. With Denis Savard serving a slashing penalty, Sutter tied the game 2-2 at 16:33 with a shorthanded goal. The tally, assisted by Doug Wilson and Keith Brown, showcased Sutter’s ability to create offense even while killing penalties.

The game remained tight into the third period before Chicago gained the edge. Rich Preston gave the Blackhawks a 6-5 lead late in regulation. Moments later, with Ted Bulley in the penalty box and Edmonton pulling Moog for an extra attacker, Sutter sealed the night in dramatic style. He fired the puck into the empty net, completing his hat trick and scoring his second shorthanded goal of the game.

Sutter was the most active Chicago shooter that night, leading all Blackhawks with eight shots among the team’s 44 attempts. Goaltender Tony Esposito stopped 30 of 35 Oilers shots to earn the victory. Doug Wilson also contributed a strong performance with a goal and two assists, while Gretzky paced Edmonton with four points on a goal and three assists.

For Sutter, it was the first of three hat tricks in his NHL career and a highlight moment during a season shortened for him by injuries.

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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Kurri and Gretzky Strike Shorthanded Lightning (Thanks to Lee Fogolin’s Penalty)

On December 21, 1983, the high-flying Edmonton Oilers hosted the Winnipeg Jets at the raucous Northlands Coliseum. In the heart of the 1983-84 season, goals came in bunches in Edmonton and this 7-4 Oilers victory was no exception. But two of those goals stood out for their rarity and timing.

Late in the first period, defenseman Lee Fogolin was sent off for slashing at 19:06. What followed was a stunning twist. Before the penalty expired, and before the period even ended, Edmonton struck twice while shorthanded.

At 19:33, Jari Kurri scored his 29th goal of the season, beating Jets netminder Brian Hayward with help from Wayne Gretzky. Just 15 seconds later, at 19:48, the roles reversed. Gretzky buried his 38th of the year, assisted by Kurri. Two shorthanded goals in 15 seconds, a remarkable display of opportunistic offense.

While the feat was extraordinary, it wasn’t unmatched in Oilers history. On November 12, 1988, Esa Tikkanen scored two shorthanded goals just 12 seconds apart against the Toronto Maple Leafs, an even faster pair.

Back on that December night in 1983, Gretzky wasn’t finished. With 19 seconds left in the game and Dave Hunter serving a roughing penalty, Gretzky scored his second shorthanded goal and third overall of the contest into an empty net. He finished the night with five points, while Kurri added four (two goals, two assists).

The Battle of Alberta: The Historic Rivalry Between the Edmonton Oilers and the Calgary Flames

A deep dive into one of hockey’s most intense rivalries — the Edmonton Oilers vs. the Calgary Flames, featuring unforgettable games, personalities, and playoff clashes.

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Bernie Nicholls Erupts For 4 Goals, 6 Points To Hand Oilers First Loss Of 1983-84

On October 20, 1983, at the Forum in Los Angeles, Bernie Nicholls delivered one of the most explosive performances of his career. The Los Angeles Kings were 0-5-1 entering their seventh game of the 1983-84 NHL season, while the Edmonton Oilers had stormed out to seven straight wins.

By the end of the night, Nicholls had flipped the script entirely. The Kings crushed the previously undefeated Oilers 7-2, powered by a four-goal, six-point masterpiece from Nicholls and a rock-solid performance in goal by Mike Blake.

A First Period Statement

Nicholls opened the scoring early, beating Andy Moog at even strength. He wasn’t finished. With Jari Kurri serving a slashing minor late in the period, Nicholls struck again on the power play at 18:29 to give L.A. full momentum heading into intermission.Two goals. One period. Statement made.

Short-Handed Dagger

Midway through the second period, Nicholls delivered the backbreaker, a shorthanded goal with just three seconds remaining on teammate Wes Jarvis’ penalty. It was a perfectly timed strike that stunned Edmonton and showcased Nicholls’ all-situations dominance.

Sealing It In The Third

At 14:54 of the third period, Nicholls buried his fourth goal of the night, his eighth of the young season, assisted by Jim Fox and Brian MacLellan. Fox enjoyed a huge night himself, scoring the game-winning goal and adding three assists for four points. MacLellan contributed a goal and two helpers. Nicholls, in turn, assisted on goals by both Fox and MacLellan to complete his six-point effort.

Gretzky Held (Mostly) In Check

Wayne Gretzky managed just a single goal against Kings netminder Mike Blake, who turned aside 36 of 38 shots in a busy, confident performance. Ironically, just five years later, Nicholls and Gretzky would become teammates in Los Angeles and combine for a staggering 318 points during the 1988-89 season.

Bernie Nicholls: From Flood Lights To Bright Lights

The story of Bernie Nicholls — from grassroots hockey under the floodlights to NHL stardom and scoring success.

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Crazy 8’s on Long Island: Mike Bossy Scores Four in Historic 8–8 Tie With Oilers

On March 3, 1981, the Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders delivered one of the wildest offensive showcases in NHL history. Sixteen total goals lit up the Nassau Coliseum scoreboard as the two clubs skated to an 8-8 tie, the NHL’s first 8-8 draw in 45 years.

The last time a game ended with that score was February 16, 1936, when the Montreal Maroons and New York Americans battled to a similar deadlock. Nearly half a century later, two teams that helped usher in hockey’s modern offensive era revived the rare result.

Mike Bossy was at the center of the madness. The Islanders’ superstar scored four goals on just four shots, netting goals No. 58 through 61 of his remarkable 1980-81 season. Despite the goal explosion, Edmonton goaltender Eddie Mio faced only 24 shots, while Islanders netminder Billy Smith was tested far more frequently, turning aside shots among the 41 he faced.

After forty minutes, New York appeared to be in control, holding a 6-4 lead. But the Oilers exploded in the third period. In a blistering 4:09 span, Edmonton scored four times to seize an 8-6 advantage. Wayne Gretzky tallied his second goal of the night, his 44th of the season, as part of a four-point performance. He was joined on the scoresheet by Glenn Anderson, Jari Kurri, and Mark Messier, each finishing the night with four points.

The Islanders weren’t finished.

Just 47 seconds after Kurri gave Edmonton its two-goal cushion, Bossy struck again to pull New York within one. With time winding down, Anders Kallur completed the comeback, tying the game at 18:14 of the third period with helpers from Héctor Marini and Wayne Merrick.

Bossy also added an assist earlier in the game on Steve Tambellini’s second-period goal, giving him a five-point night in one of the most unforgettable regular-season games of the era. The final horn sealed an 8-8 tie, a fitting result for a night that perfectly captured the free-wheeling, high-octane style that defined early-1980s NHL hockey.

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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Grant Fuhr’s Rare Two-Assist Period Fuels Record-Setting 1983-84 Season

During the high-flying 1983-84 NHL season, Edmonton Oilers goaltender Grant Fuhr etched his name into the record books in a way few netminders ever have. That year, Fuhr set what remains the NHL record for most points by a goaltender in a single season, finishing with 14, all assists.

One of the most memorable moments of that historic campaign came on November 6, 1983, when Fuhr recorded two assists in the same period during a wild Oilers road game against the Winnipeg Jets at Winnipeg Arena.

In true 1980s fashion, defense was optional. A total of 13 goals were scored, with Edmonton skating away with an 8-5 victory.

Despite the final score, Winnipeg actually held a 5-4 lead deep into the third period. At 12:39 of the frame, Wayne Gretzky tied the game with his 18th goal of the season, assisted by Jari Kurri and Grant Fuhr, who earned his first helper of the night.

The decisive moment came in dramatic fashion. With just eight seconds remaining in regulation, Gretzky struck again, this time with assists going to Fuhr and defenseman Randy Gregg. The goal sealed the win and gave Fuhr two assists in the same period, a rare feat for a goaltender in any era.

Fuhr’s night wasn’t limited to offense. He also stopped 28 of 33 shots and even picked up a high-sticking minor penalty in the second period. Gretzky dominated the scoresheet, finishing with four goals and three assists for a seven-point performance. Winnipeg goaltender Doug Soetaert made 28 saves in the loss.

By season’s end, Fuhr’s 14 assists shattered the previous NHL record of eight, set by Mike Palmateer with the Washington Capitals just three years earlier. Before Palmateer, the mark had belonged to Gilles Meloche, who recorded six assists with the California Golden Seals in 1974-75. Interestingly, two of those six were in a single period. More on that game here: Gilles Meloche 2 Assist Period.

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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A Rare Gordie Howe Hat Trick from Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky’s legacy is filled with scoring records, championships, and unmatched vision on the ice but on one rare night in 1982, he paid homage to his idol, Gordie Howe, in the most unexpected way. Despite winning the Lady Byng Trophy five times and never topping 59 penalty minutes in any season, it was that very 59-PIM year, 1982-83, when Gretzky recorded his only Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

The date was December 22, 1982. The Edmonton Oilers hosted the Minnesota North Stars at Northlands Coliseum in a matchup of two of the NHL’s top teams. Despite Minnesota holding a slight edge in the standings, the Oilers erupted for an 8-2 victory and Gretzky was in the middle of everything.

In the first period, “The Great One” dropped the gloves with Neal Broten, drawing an extra roughing minor. Minutes later, Gretzky set up Glenn Anderson for Edmonton’s third goal of the game. The scoring touch continued early in the second period as Gretzky buried his 27th goal of the season past Don Beaupre, officially completing the Gordie Howe Hat Trick just 2:27 into the frame. He later added another assist on Mark Messier’s 22nd of the year, finishing the night with a three-point performance.

Across his brilliant career, Gretzky totaled only 577 penalty minutes in 1,487 regular-season games, astonishing for a player logging that much ice time and attention. His five Lady Byng Trophy wins rank second all-time, behind only Frank Boucher. But on that December night in 1982, Gretzky showed he could honour Howe’s toughness and spirit while still being the NHL’s most dazzling playmaker.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: History of the Gordie Howe Hat Trick

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

1. What three elements make up a Gordie Howe Hat Trick?

Two goals, one assist, and a fight
One goal, one assist, and a fight
Three assists and a penalty
Goal, fight, and game-winning goal

2. Despite the name, how many career Gordie Howe Hat Tricks is Gordie Howe widely credited with?

15
25
2
7

3. Which player is often cited as having the most Gordie Howe Hat Tricks in NHL history?

Rick Tocchet
Cam Neely
Jarome Iginla
Brendan Shanahan

4. Which era saw the Gordie Howe Hat Trick become especially common due to the mix of scoring and physical play?

1950s
1980s–1990s
Early 2000s
Post-2010 era

5. The Gordie Howe Hat Trick is often viewed as a symbol of what traditional hockey quality?

Toughness and all-around play
Defensive responsibility
Goaltending excellence
Special-teams dominance

Mike Krushelnyski’s Surprise Heroics: The Forgotten Star of the Oilers’ First Playoff Battle with Vancouver

On April 9, 1986, history was made at Northlands Coliseum as the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks faced off for the first time ever in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Most fans expected Wayne Gretzky to lead the charge, but on this night, it was Mike Krushelnyski, the unheralded forward known as Krusher, who turned out to be the difference-maker in Edmonton’s 7-3 win.

Coming off a tough, injury-shortened 1985-86 season, Krushelnyski had seen his numbers drop from the 43-goal career high he posted the year before. With just 16 goals and 24 assists in 54 games, few were predicting playoff heroics from him. But playoff hockey always has its surprises.

Krushelnyski scored the game-winning goal just 4:27 into the third period on the power play, assisted by Paul Coffey and Mark Messier. He wasn’t done yet. Just five minutes later, he struck again, this time with helpers from Messier and Mark Napier. Messier himself had a strong night, recording three assists, while Gretzky was limited to a single goal.

The Oilers went on to sweep the best-of-five Smythe Division semifinal, marking a short but memorable chapter in their dynasty years. It was also the final series that saw Cam Neely in a Vancouver uniform, he’d be traded to the Boston Bruins that summer, where he’d become a legend of his own.

About Mike Krushelnyski 

Betwen 1981-82 and 1994-95, Mike Krushelnyski played 897 regular season and 139 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings. He reached the 20 goal plateau five times, topping out with a career best 43 in 1984-85 with the Oilers.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Mike Krushelnyski

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

1. Before joining the Edmonton Oilers, which NHL team did Mike Krushelnyski play for?

Toronto Maple Leafs
Detroit Red Wings
Boston Bruins
Los Angeles Kings

2. Krushelnyski was part of the blockbuster trade that sent which superstar to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988?

Mark Messier
Jari Kurri
Wayne Gretzky
Paul Coffey

3. How many Stanley Cups did Mike Krushelnyski win during his time with the Edmonton Oilers?

One
Two
Three
Four

4. Krushelnyski once scored one of the strangest goals in playoff history — while falling to the ice — to eliminate which team in overtime?

Calgary Flames
Los Angeles Kings
Chicago Blackhawks
Winnipeg Jets

5. After retiring as a player, Krushelnyski briefly served as a coach in the NHL. Which team did he work for as an assistant coach?

Boston Bruins
Detroit Red Wings
Edmonton Oilers
Toronto Maple Leafs

Dale Hawerchuk’s Four-Point Night Not Enough Against the Mighty Oilers

On January 4, 1985, the Winnipeg Jets rolled into Edmonton’s Northlands Coliseum for what turned into one of the most memorable regular season games of the year, at least for Dale Hawerchuk.

By the early minutes of the third period, Hawerchuk had almost single-handedly lifted Winnipeg to a 4-3 lead, scoring three of the team’s goals and setting up another by Perry Turnbull. Unfortunately for the Jets, this was 1985 Edmonton, the era of Gretzky, Kurri, Coffey, and constant comebacks. The Oilers roared back with four unanswered goals to win 7-4.

Hawerchuk was unstoppable early, scoring his 22nd and 23rd of the 1984-85 season in the opening frame, both assisted by Paul MacLean. After two periods, it was literally Hawerchuk 3, Oilers 3. When he netted his 24th goal early in the third, Winnipeg briefly believed they could steal one from the defending Stanley Cup champs.

The Oilers’ offense, however, had other plans. Wayne Gretzky posted three quiet assists, while Jari Kurri and Jaroslav Pouzar each scored twice. Edmonton outshot Winnipeg 42-25, keeping goaltender Andy Moog largely untested while bombarding Brian Hayward at the other end.

For Dale Hawerchuk, that 1984-85 campaign would become his finest. He hit the 50-goal mark for the only time in his career and racked up 130 points, finishing third in NHL scoring, behind only Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky’s unreal 208-point season.

About Dale Hawerchuk 

Dale Hawerchuk played 1,188 regular season and 97 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1981-82 and 1996-97 with the Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers. He was the first overall pick by the Jets at the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. In 2001, Hawerchuk was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Dale Hawerchuk

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

1. In what year did Dale Hawerchuk win the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year?

1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84

2. Which team selected Dale Hawerchuk first overall in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft?

Winnipeg Jets
Quebec Nordiques
Buffalo Sabres
Toronto Maple Leafs

3. Hawerchuk reached the 100-point plateau several times in his career. How many seasons did he record at least 100 points?

3
6
4
5

4. Dale Hawerchuk was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in a blockbuster deal at the 1990 NHL Draft. Which future Hall of Famer was part of the trade going to Winnipeg?

Phil Housley
Dave Andreychuk
Pat LaFontaine
Mike Ramsey

5. Before joining the NHL, Hawerchuk starred in junior hockey with which OHL team?

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
Cornwall Royals
Peterborough Petes
Kitchener Rangers

Miroslav Frycer’s Four-Goal Night Leads Maple Leafs Past Gretzky’s Oilers in 1986 Shootout

The mid-80s Edmonton Oilers were an offensive juggernaut, capable of lighting up the scoreboard at will. In 1985-86, they scored eight or more goals in a game 15 different times, including one with 13 and two with 12. But on January 8, 1986, inside Maple Leaf Gardens, they were stunned by the Toronto Maple Leafs in one of the wildest games of the decade.

Toronto, a team that had managed just 10 wins in 37 games up to that point, outgunned Wayne Gretzky and company in an 11-9 upset victory. The unlikely hero was Miroslav Frycer, who delivered the game of his life. Frycer scored four goals, his 14th through 17th of the season, including the game-winner at 10:51 of the third period.

The Leafs weren’t relying on Frycer alone. Wendel Clark, Russ Courtnall, Dan Hodgson and Steve Thomas all chipped in with three-point performances to fuel the offensive explosion. Goaltender Tim Bernhardt, despite surrendering nine goals on 31 shots, earned the win, one of only four victories he posted in his 23 appearances that season.

Amazingly, the Oilers still had players who outproduced Frycer on the scoresheet. Wayne Gretzky recorded a hat trick and three assists, while Jari Kurri notched a goal and five helpers, both finishing with six points apiece. Paul Coffey also had a four-point night.

For Frycer, it was a career milestone. The game marked his only four-goal performance in 415 NHL games. The 1985-86 season would be his best overall, with career highs of 32 goals, 43 assists, and 75 points. Over his NHL career (1981-89), Frycer suited up for the Quebec Nordiques, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Edmonton Oilers, with Toronto acquiring him from Quebec in 1982 in exchange for Wilf Paiement.

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NHL Hockey Trivia: Miroslav Frycer

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

1. Miroslav Frycer scored the only four-goal game of his NHL career against which team in 1986?
   Detroit Red Wings
   Montreal Canadiens
   Edmonton Oilers
   Buffalo Sabres
   
2. Frycer was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1982 from which NHL team?
   Quebec Nordiques
   Detroit Red Wings
   New York Rangers
   Edmonton Oilers
   
3. What were Frycer’s career-high totals in points during the 1985-86 season?
   55 points
   65 points
   75 points
   85 points
   
4. Frycer played his final NHL season in 1988-89 with which team?
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Detroit Red Wings
   Quebec Nordiques
   Edmonton Oilers
   
5. How many total NHL games did Miroslav Frycer play in his career?
   315
   415
   515
   615
   

How Lanny McDonald Joined Hockey’s Elite 60-Goal Club

On March 16, 1983, the Calgary Flames had little to celebrate in Buffalo, dropping a 5-3 decision to the Sabres. But one goal that night would make history.

With just two minutes left in the second period, Lanny McDonald scored his 60th of the season against Bob Sauvé. It was a milestone that put him in rare company with legends like Phil Esposito, Mike Bossy, Wayne Gretzky, Guy Lafleur, and more. Despite Calgary’s loss, McDonald etched his name into the franchise record book.

That 60th goal was just the start of his historic finish. Over the Flames’ final eight games of 1982-83, McDonald added six more goals to close the season with 66, a single-season team record that still stands today.

Even with that total, McDonald trailed behind Wayne Gretzky’s remarkable 71-goal campaign, while Mike Bossy also joined the 60-goal club with an even 60.

McDonald carried his scoring touch into the playoffs, notching three goals and seven points in seven games. Paul Reinhart led the Flames in playoff scoring with six goals, as Calgary swept Vancouver before bowing out to the powerhouse Oilers in round two.

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. The 500 goal scorer was a Stanley Cup champion with the Flames in 1988-89. McDonald was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.

Quiz: The Career of 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 career-high 66 goals, setting the Calgary Flames single-season record?

1980-81
1981-82
1982-83
1983-84

2. Before joining the Calgary Flames, which NHL team did Lanny McDonald spend most of his early career with?

Toronto Maple Leafs
Colorado Rockies
Montreal Canadiens
New York Rangers

3. Which milestone did Lanny McDonald achieve during his final NHL season in 1988-89?

500th career assist
1,000th career point
1,500th game played
500th career goal

4. Lanny McDonald retired as a Stanley Cup champion. Which year did he win the Cup with Calgary?

1986
1987
1989
1990

5. Known for his iconic moustache, Lanny McDonald was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in which year?

1990
1992
1995
1997

Jari Kurri’s Historic 5-Point Game in the 1990 Stanley Cup Final

On May 18, 1990, Jari Kurri of the Edmonton Oilers delivered one of the most dominant individual performances in Stanley Cup Final history. In Game 2 against the Boston Bruins at the old Boston Garden, Kurri recorded 5 points, becoming the last NHL player to hit that mark in a final series game.

Kurri’s night included a hat trick and two assists in Edmonton’s 7-2 win. He scored the Oilers’ second, third, and final goals while setting up Craig Simpson and Esa Tikkanen in the second period.

Edmonton made the most of their opportunities early, scoring three times on just four shots against Boston starter Andy Moog. Backup Rejean Lemelin fared little better, surrendering four more goals on 18 shots.

The Oilers went on to defeat the Bruins 4-1 in the series, securing their only Stanley Cup championship without Wayne Gretzky. That spring also marked Kurri’s final playoff run with Edmonton before reuniting with Gretzky in Los Angeles two years later.

During the 1989-90 postseason, Kurri tallied 25 points in 22 games, finishing just behind Mark Messier and Craig Simpson (31 points each). Goaltender Bill Ranford earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, backstopping all 22 games with a 2.53 GAA and one shutout.

About Jari Kurri

Jari Kurri Played 1,251 regular season and 200 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1980-81 and 1997-98 with the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, Anaheim Might Ducks and Colorado Avalanche. Over the time, he scored 601 goals with a career high 71 in 1984-85. Kurri was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001.

NHL Hockey Trivia Jari Kurri

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

1. Jari Kurri was the first Finnish player to reach which major NHL milestone?

500 career goals 1,000 career points 1,500 career points 700 career goals

2. Which NHL team drafted Jari Kurri in 1980?

Los Angeles Kings Edmonton Oilers Colorado Rockies Winnipeg Jets

3. In the 1984–85 season, Kurri scored a career-high how many goals?

68 71 73 78

4. After leaving the Oilers, Kurri later reunited with Wayne Gretzky on which team?

New York Rangers Los Angeles Kings Colorado Avalanche Anaheim Mighty Ducks

5. In what year was Jari Kurri inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?

1999 2000 2001 2003

Wayne Gretzky’s 7-Assist Game: The Start of an Unmatched NHL Legacy

On February 15, 1980, a young Wayne Gretzky announced his arrival as a force in the NHL with a jaw-dropping seven-assist performance against the Washington Capitals. The game, played at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton, marked just the fifth month of Gretzky’s NHL career, but it was a clear sign of things to come.

The Edmonton Oilers dominated after allowing the first and final goals of the game, scoring eight unanswered in between to secure an 8-2 victory. Gretzky was instrumental, assisting on seven of those goals, tying a record first set in 1947 by Bill Taylor of the Detroit Red Wings.

While Gretzky would later be surrounded by Hall of Fame teammates like Mark Messier and Jari Kurri, this early standout night featured goals from Blair MacDonald (3), Bobby Schmautz (2), Brett Callighen, and Dave Semenko. MacDonald had a four-point game, and Semenko contributed a goal, two assists, and avoided the penalty box. This was unusual for the enforcer, who stayed clear of the only fight of the game between Colin Campbell and Mike Gartner.

Gretzky would tie this assist record two more times in his career, but no NHL player has ever recorded more than seven assists in a single game. This performance was an early chapter in a career that would fill the NHL record books and solidify “The Great One” as a hockey legend.

Most Assists In An NHL Game (Runner-Ups)

Gretzky and Billy Taylor remain the only players to record seven assists in a single game. However, there have six assist games recorded 27 times. Wayne is included in that group, as well, with a six assist game against the Los Angeles Kings in 1985. Mario Lemieux had three six assist games, one with an additional two goals and two with a single goal added.

Lemieux's eight point game came on October 15, 1988, just the fourth game of the 1988-89 season for Mario and the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the 9-2 win over the St. Louis Blues, the only goal had didn't figure on for the Pens was scored by Steve Dykstra in the first period. Lemieux assisted on all three Rob Brown hat trick goals, along with singles by Zarley Zalapski, Bob Errey and John Cullen.

The most recent player to record six assists in a game was Connor McDavid on February 13, 2024 against the Detroit Red Wings. In the 21^st century, just McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Kris Letang have accomplished the feat. Prior to Draisaitl in 2021, there was a 24 year gap since the last time, in 1997 by Eric Lindros.

1979-80 O-Pee-Chee NHL: Beyond Wayne Gretzky

The 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee hockey card series is forever known as the set that includes the Wayne Gretzky rookie card. Although not the most valuable hockey card in the history of the hobby, considering when it was produced and in what great numbers, the Gretzky card, at $800, is one of the most coveted treasures among collectors.

The complete set of 396 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee hockey cards is valued at around $1400. Just what cards other than the Gretzky rookie card account for the rest of the set’s value? It turns out, there is nothing enormously outstanding but still there are some important cards.

Gordie Howe

The next most valuable card in the series belongs to Gordie Howe. The 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee #175 of Howe with the Hartford Whalers is the final card ever produced of ‘Mr. Hockey’. The card is valued at $30. This is a far cry from his first card that came out three decades before. The 1951-52 Parkhurst Gordie Howe rookie card is valued at $3000.

Bobby Hull

Card number 185 belonged to another NHL legend in his final season. Bobby Hull of the Winnipeg Jets is valued at $25 on cardboard. Just like the Gordie Howe rookie card, the 1958-59 Topps Bobby Hull rookie card is also valued at $3000. Interestingly, the Topps version of the 1979-80 Bobby Hull card shows him as a member of the Chicago Black Hawks. In the end, Hull split his final season in the National Hockey League with the Jets and Hartford Whalers.

Mike Bossy

Mike Bossy’s great NHL career was just blossoming in 1979-80, only to be overshadowed by the accomplishments of Gretzky. The New York Islanders sniper was featured on card number 230. The card is valued at $20. 1979-80 was the third of Bossy’s ten seasons in the NHL. His career was cut short due to injury and he left the game surpassing the 50 goal plateau in every season but his last.

Barry Melrose

The next highest rated rookie card from the 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee series, behind Gretzky’s, is one for the trivia books. Believe it or not, the Barry Melrose rookie card, number 386, is valued at $10, $4 more than the next most valuable rookie. Melrose had played 178 games in the World Hockey Association with the Cincinnati Stingers over the three previous seasons. He came to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets and played a total of 300 regular season NHL games between 1979-80 and 1985-86 with the Jets, Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.

Only 2 To Win Both The Hart Trophy And George Leader Cup

The Hart Memorial Trophy has been awarded to the Most Valuable Player in the National Hockey League since the 1923-24 season. The George Leader Cup was awarded to the MVP of the Western Hockey League from 1948-49 to 1972-73. Of course, Wayne Gretzky has won the Hart Trophy more times than any other player. The George Leader Cup was dominated by Guyle Fielder who won the award five times. Just two players in the history of professional hockey have won both awards.

Walter ‘Babe’ Pratt

Babe Pratt played pro hockey from 1935-36 to 1951-52, in the NHL to 1946-47. In the NHL, he appeared with the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. Pratt also played in the CAHL, AHL and PCHL. Over his NHL career, he played 517 regular season games, scoring 83 goals and assisting on 209 for 292 points. In 63 Stanley Cup playoff games, he scored 12 goals and assisted on 17 for 29 points.

In 1939-40, Babe helped the New York Rangers to a Stanley Cup championship with a four games to two victory over the Maple Leafs. In 1944-45, he won his second and last Stanley Cup, this time with Toronto. The Maple Leafs took the full seven games to defeat the Detroit Red Wings. In 1966, Pratt was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

In 1943-44, Pratt was awarded the Hart Trophy in his first full year with the Maple Leafs. Playing the full 50 game schedule, Babe scored 17 goals and assisted on 40 for 57 points. It was his NHL career high for assists and points. The assist total tied him for seventh in the league. Toronto finished third with an even 50 points in 50 games. The Maple Leafs met their cruel demise in the opening round of the playoffs as the Montreal Canadiens easily won the series 4-1. The Habs outscored Toronto 23-6, including a game five 11-0 trouncing.

Pratt was awarded the George Leader Cup in two consecutive seasons, 1948-49 and 1949-50, the first two years the trophy was handed out. Both years, he was a member of the New Westminster Royals of the PCHL. After 1951-52, the PCHL would become the WHL.

In 1948-49, he scored 18 and assisted on 48 for 66 points in 63 regular season games. He tied for fifth in the league for assists. The Royals placed first in the five team North Division and first overall in the ten team league with 83 points in 70 games. New Westminster reached the finals before losing to the San Diego Skyhawks, four games to two.

The following season, Pratt played just 59 of the team’s 71 games, scoring eight goals and adding 29 assists for 37 points. Babe also acted as the team’s head coach. The Royals placed first overall in the PCHL, which had shrunk to just six teams. In a closely fought final series, New Westminster captured the championship with a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Monarchs. Each team scored 26 goals in the series. Two games were decided in overtime, including game seven.

Andy Bathgate

Bathgate won his Hart Trophy in 1958-59 as a member of the New York Rangers. He played the full 70 games, scoring 40 goals and totalling 88 points. He placed third in the NHL for goals, five behind the leader, Jean Beliveau of the Montreal Canadiens. He also placed third in points, eight behind leader Dickie Moore of the Canadiens. The Rangers finished fifth out of six and did not qualify for the post season.

In 1969-70, he was awarded the George Leader Cup as a member of the Vancouver Canucks of the WHL. Bathgate finished the regular season playing the full 72 game schedule. He scored 40 and added 68 assists for 108 points. Andy was fourth in goals and second in points, 19 behind Art Jones of the Portland Buckaroos. For Jones, a minor hockey legend, it was his fourth of six scoring titles in the WHL. The Canucks finished first in the seven team league with 102 points in 72 games. Vancouver won the championship with a four games to one victory over the Portland Buckaroos.

Andy Bathgate played in the NHL from 1952-53 to 1967-68 and returned for a year in 1970-71. Andy appeared with the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins. His only Stanley Cup victory came in 1963-64 as the Maple Leafs downed the Red Wings in seven games. In 1961-62, Bathgate tied Bobby Hull for the NHL lead with 84 points. However, Hull was awarded the Art Ross Trophy with more goals. Andy was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978.

In An NHL Without Wayne Gretzky And Mario Lemieux

There’s no question that the National Hockey League’s record books are dominated by Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. Between the two, they own the top 12 single season performances in total assists, the top 13 point totals and three of the top four goal totals. What if neither had existed? What would the record books look like today?

·         Steve Yzerman would hold the points record with 155 points

·         Bobby Orr would still hold the record for most assists in a season

·         Brett Hull would hold the record for most goals

Of course, the butterfly effect would be in effect and guys like Jari Kurri, Bernie Nicholls, Ron Francis, Jaromir Jagr and Paul Coffey, although stars, may not have had such great numbers without the help of the Great One and Super Mario. And, of course, this is purely hypothetical as time travel has not been invented yet.

Gretzky will most likely forever hold the record for goals, assists and points in a season. His 92 goals in 1981-82 are pretty much untouchable, although Brett Hull made a pretty good run at it in 1990-91. If the two greats had never played the game, the record for most goals in a single NHL season would belong to Hull at 86 while playing for the St. Louis Blues.

Following ten goals behind would be a trio of players at 76 goals. Phil Esposito owned the record before Gretzky with his 76 goal performance with the Boston Bruins in 1970-71, a mark that was at the time thought to be unbeatable. Alexander Mogilny of the Buffalo Sabres and Teemu Selanne of the Winnipeg Jets both scored 76 in 1992-93. Mogilny’s total is a Buffalo Sabres record. Selanne still holds the record for most goals by an NHL rookie.

Wayne Gretzky’s record of 163 assists in 1985-86 is 61 more than the next non-dynamic duo mark. Bobby Orr would be our record holder with the 102 assists he accumulated during the 1970-71 season. The 102 is still a team record and the most by any defenseman in NHL history. Orr is the only player other than Gretzky and Lemieux to top 100 assists in a single season.

Close behind with 97 assists is another Boston Bruin. Adam Oates achieved this total in 1992-93. Ironically, the third highest total belongs to Joe Thornton with 96. Joe played the first half of the 2005-06 season with the Bruins before being traded to the San Jose Sharks.

Take away the top thirteen point totals in NHL history, including Gretzky’s record 215 in 1985-86 and you’re left with Steve Yzerman as the leading man. Yzerman totaled 155 points in 1988-89 with the Detroit Red Wings. That was good enough for just third in the race for the Art Ross Trophy as Lemieux had 199 and Gretzky had 168.

Phil Esposito’s 152 points in that magic 1970-71 Boston Bruins season stands the test of time and would be the second best without the duo. Bring out the asterix for numbers three and four. Bernie Nicholls totaled 150 points in 1988-89 with the help of Wayne Gretzky and Jaromir Jagr had 149 in 1995-96 with the help of Lemieux. The next two on the list would be Pat Lafontaine with his 148 points with the Buffalo Sabres in 1992-93 and Mike Bossy with 147 with the New York Islanders in 1981-82.

Upsets Abound In 1981-82 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

The 1981-82 National Hockey League season was the end of an evenly distributed regular season schedule. Teams now played more games against teams in their own division than the other teams in the league. The Colorado Rockies were in their last season in Denver. The following season, the franchise relocated to East Rutherford, New Jersey to become the present day New Jersey Devils. It was also the year that the record for most goals in a single season was set at an unbeatable level with Wayne Gretzky of the Edmonton Oilers scoring 92.

1981-82 was also a year of playoff upsets. The New York Islanders were looking for their third Stanley Cup championship in a row. The Edmonton Oilers, led by Wayne Gretzky, were assured to challenge the Islanders for the ultimate prize. At least, that’s the way it should have played out.

Four of the eight first round matchups were upsets. The Quebec Nordiques ousted their provincial rivals, the Montreal Canadiens, three games to two. The Canadiens finished the regular season with 109 points and were first in the Adams Division. Quebec finished with 82 points and in fourth place in the Adams. That 27 point differential was wiped out in five short games.

In the Norris Division Semi-finals, the fourth place Chicago Blackhawks took out the first place Minnesota North Stars three games to one. Minnesota finished the regular season twenty-two points ahead of the Blackhawks with 94 to Chicago’s 72.

The other Norris Division Semi also ended with the underdog on top. The third place St. Louis Blues beat out the second place Winnipeg Jets in four games. This upset was not quite as dramatic as the Blues finished just eight points behind the Jets in the regular season.

The Edmonton Oilers expected run to a Stanley Cup championship ended prematurely against the Los Angeles Kings in the Smythe Division Semi-finals. The Kings finished the season winning just 24 games while losing 41 and tying 15 for just 63 points. The Oilers finished second overall to only the New York Islanders with a total of 111 points. The Kings took the series in five games. Their run would come to a halt in the next round, however, when they bowed out to eventual Stanley Cup finalist, the Vancouver Canucks.

The upsets continued in the following round. In the Adams Division final, fourth place Quebec beat out the second place Boston Bruins in seven games. In the Smythe Division, fourth place Chicago defeated third place St. Louis in six.

The magic would end for the Quebec Nordiques in the conference finals when they came up against the New York Islanders. The Islanders easily swept the Nordiques in four games. It would also come to an end for the Blackhawks as Chicago lost out to the Vancouver Canucks in five games.

Although Vancouver was always the top seed in each series until the finals when they lost out to the Islanders in four games, their run to the finals should be seen as an upset of sorts. Vancouver finished the season with a weak record of 30 wins, 33 losses and 17 ties. The only reason they ranked high is because they were in the weakest conference. They were seeded second in the Smythe and fourth in the conference. Their point total would have placed them eighth in the other conference.

The Oilers licked their wounds and came back strong the following season. The Islanders won their fourth consecutive Stanley Cup in 1982-83, the last for the franchise, but the Oilers would make it to the finals against New York this time. The following season, the Oilers won the Stanley Cup and would win it again in three of next four seasons. One dynasty had replaced another.

 

Evolution Of The NHL Scoring Record

Wayne Gretzky’s record for most points in a single National Hockey League season has stood for nearly three decades. Some say it’s unbreakable, but as with any record in professional sports, it will seem unbreakable until the day it’s broken.  Through time, the record stood at an ‘unbreakable’ level 16 times since the creation of the NHL in 1917-18.

Joe Malone of the Montreal Canadiens held the mark first for most points in a single National Hockey League campaign. All he had to do to accomplish this was lead the league in scoring in its inaugural season. Assists were not recorded in that first year but Malone’s total of 44 goals in 20 games was in itself a pretty amazing feat and set the standard. To put that amount into perspective, applying that goal scoring pace over the present day 82 game schedule would produce 180 goals.

Malone broke his own record two years later while playing for the Quebec Bulldogs. Playing four more games than in 1917-18, Joe added four more points for 48 in 1919-20. This record would stand until the 1927-28 season when Howie Morenz of the Montreal Canadiens would total 51 points. However, Morenz’s total was accomplished over a much longer 43 game games.

Outside of Boston Bruins fans, the name Cooney Weiland is not overly well known. However, Weiland, while playing for the Boston Bruins during the 1929-30 season, shattered Morenz’s record with 73 points in 44 games. That season, six players would better the 51 point plateau. As for Weiland, he would go on to a respectable eleven season NHL career but would never get higher than the 38 point mark again in his career.

Over a decade would pass before Weiland’s mark would be surpassed. With the aid of an expanded 50 game schedule, Doug Bentley tied the record with 73 points in 1942-43. The following season, Herb Cain of the Boston Bruins would increase the record by nine points to 82 in 48 games. Just three short years later, Cain would be sent down to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League where he would finish out his professional hockey career.

The legendary Gordie Howe would be next to set the mark. It would take Mr. Hockey 22 more games than Cain to add four points to the record. In 1950-51, Howe had an even 43 goals and 43 assists for 86 points. The following season, Howe would equal the mark and the season after that, 1952-53, Howe would increase the record by nine points to 95.

The record jumped just a single point in 1958-59 as Dickie Moore of the Montreal Canadiens would total 96 points in the same 70 games as Howe. The record would increase by the same increment in the mid 1960’s as teammates Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita of the Chicago Blackhawks would each get 97 points in 1965-66 and 1966-67 respectively.

The late 1960’s brought expansion to the NHL and doubling the size of the league overnight, increasing the length of the schedule and watering down the talent was catalyst to a new level of offense. Phil Esposito came into his own during the 1968-69 season and provided the Boston Bruins with 126 points. Two seasons later, Esposito would increase the record to 152 points, a number that most thought could never be broken.

Along came a kid from Brantford, Ontario, Canada and the league’s record books were never the same. Wayne Gretzky, in just his second season in the NHL, provided the Edmonton Oilers with 164 points. The following season, the impossible was accomplished with The Great One’s 92 goals, 120 assists and 212 points. The 212 points would be eclipsed by none other than Wayne Gretzky himself during the 1985-86 season when he had 215 in 80 games, but the 92 goals stands as an NHL record today.

Is the record breakable? Of course it is. The game has changed and the offensive numbers have dropped since the mid 1990’s but things can change on a dime. A simply amazing player could emerge. Rule changes could provide a more offensive game. Retraction or expansion could significantly affect the level of talent. Just as Joe Malone’s record was thought unbreakable ninety years ago, Gretzky’s might falsely be thought of as unbreakable today.