Gilbert Perreault’s First NHL Goal: The Moment That Launched the Buffalo Sabres

When the Buffalo Sabres entered the NHL in 1970, they needed a cornerstone. They found one immediately in Gilbert Perreault.

Selected first overall at the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, Perreault arrived with enormous expectations and wasted no time delivering.

A Historic First Goal

On October 10, 1970, the Sabres played their very first NHL game on the road against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the legendary Civic Arena (The Igloo).

With the game tied 1-1 heading into the third period, history unfolded.

At 11:26 of the final frame, Perreault scored his first NHL goal against goaltender Les Binkley. The goal came on the power play, with Greg Polis serving a tripping penalty, and was assisted by Kevin O'Shea and Gerry Meehan.

That single moment carried historic weight:

• First goal of Perreault’s Hall of Fame career (512 total)

• First power-play goal in Sabres history

• First game-winning goal in franchise history

Buffalo went on to win 2-1.

Crozier’s Early Backbone

While Perreault provided the spark, goaltender Roger Crozier was just as vital to the victory.

Facing heavy pressure, Crozier stopped 35 of 36 shots, backstopping the expansion Sabres to their first-ever win. Acquired from the Detroit Red Wings, he would serve as Buffalo’s primary goaltender during their formative years.

Reality Hits But a Star Emerges

Despite the dream start, expansion reality quickly set in.

The Sabres stumbled badly after opening night, enduring a brutal 1-11-1 stretch in which they were outscored 57-17 and shut out three times.

But even through the struggles, one constant remained: Perreault’s brilliance.

He finished his rookie season with 38 goals, capturing the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. His performance helped Buffalo avoid last place, finishing fifth in the seven-team East Division.

"Then Perreault Said to Rico…": The Best Buffalo Sabres Stories Ever Told

A collection of the greatest Buffalo Sabres tales — from unforgettable moments to iconic personalities in franchise history.

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Marcel Bonin’s Forgotten 5-Assist Night Powers Canadiens Rout in 1959

When fans reflect on the legendary late-1950s dynasty of the Montreal Canadiens, a handful of iconic names immediately come to mind: Jean Béliveau, Maurice Richard, Bernie Geoffrion, Jacques Plante, and Doug Harvey. But buried beneath that star-studded legacy is a lesser-known contributor who delivered a truly unforgettable performance: Marcel Bonin.

Bonin’s NHL career was brief, but impactful. While he only played a role in the final three championships of Montreal’s five straight Stanley Cups, he proved that even secondary names on a dynasty roster could shine brightly when given the moment.

That moment came on March 7, 1959, at the Montreal Forum, when the Canadiens hosted the Detroit Red Wings. On paper, it looked like a classic showdown. Detroit featured Hall of Fame talent including Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio up front, with elite netminder Terry Sawchuk between the pipes. Instead, the game turned into a one-sided explosion.

Montreal dominated from start to finish, steamrolling Detroit in a stunning 10-2 victory. While Bonin didn’t find the back of the net himself, he played a pivotal role in the offensive onslaught, assisting on five of the Canadiens’ ten goals.

Three of those helpers set up Béliveau, while the other two went to Dickie Moore. Bonin’s linemates were unstoppable. Béliveau recorded a hat trick and added four assists for a jaw-dropping seven-point night, while Moore chipped in with four assists of his own for six points.

It remains one of the most lopsided and offensively dominant games of the era and a night where Marcel Bonin, often overlooked in hockey history, quietly etched his name into the Canadiens’ dynasty 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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Terry O'Reilly’s Wild Night: Three Fights in One Playoff Game vs the Islanders

On April 19, 1980, Terry O'Reilly delivered one of the grittiest performances of his career, dropping the gloves three times in a single playoff game against the New York Islanders. It was a night that perfectly captured the raw intensity of playoff hockey in that era.

The Boston Bruins entered their quarter-final series as the favorite, finishing the regular season with 14 more points than the Islanders. But expectations quickly unraveled. Heading into Game 3, Boston already trailed the series 2-0, and things were only about to get tougher at Nassau Coliseum.

O’Reilly wasted no time making an impact. He assisted on the game’s opening goal, scored by Don Marcotte against Billy Smith, but it was his physical presence that defined the night. Midway through the first period, he squared off with the powerful Clark Gillies. Not once, but twice. The two heavyweights clashed again just minutes later in a rare back-to-back showdown.

By the third period, with the Islanders leading 4-2, O’Reilly found himself in yet another battle, this time against the feisty Garry Howatt. The altercation resulted in additional penalties and ultimately a game misconduct for “Taz,” bringing his night to an early end. Given the punishment he’d already absorbed, the early exit may have been a welcome relief.

When the dust settled, O’Reilly had racked up 31 penalty minutes in one game, an almost unthinkable number by today’s standards. In the modern NHL, multiple fights in a single game would likely result in suspensions. But in 1980, it was simply part of the battle.

Despite Boston’s 5-3 loss and a daunting 3-0 series deficit, O’Reilly wasn’t done. In Game 4, he returned with a more measured performance, just two minor penalties, but made a huge impact offensively, scoring the game-winning goal and adding two assists in a 4-3 victory to keep the Bruins alive. Still, the Islanders would close out the series in Game 5 and continue their march toward what would become a dynasty.

Boston Bruins: Greatest Moments and Players

A celebration of the iconic history of the Boston Bruins — from legendary players to unforgettable moments.

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