Doug Gilmour’s Three-Point Night Leads Blues Past Maple Leafs in 1986

Long before becoming a fan favourite in Toronto, Doug Gilmour gave Maple Leafs fans a reason to groan on November 12, 1986. The St. Louis Blues forward scored twice and added an assist in a 4-2 victory over Toronto at the St. Louis Arena. His three-point performance contributed to a productive November in which he collected 21 points in 14 games, helping fuel his first 100-point NHL season.

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Highlights

• St. Louis defeated Toronto 4-2 on November 12, 1986, at the St. Louis Arena.

• Doug Gilmour scored twice and added an assist.

• Gilmour’s third-period power-play goal stood as the game winner.

• Jim Pavese matched Gilmour with three points, all assists.

• Mark Hunter recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick.

• Rick Wamsley stopped 36 of Toronto’s 38 shots.

• Gilmour collected 21 points in 14 November games during his first 100-point NHL season.

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Norris Division Rivals Meet in St. Louis

The matchup brought together two teams that would each finish the 1986-87 season with 32 wins. St. Louis eventually claimed the Norris Division title with 79 points, while Toronto finished fourth with 70. On this November evening, Gilmour made the difference, contributing to three of the Blues’ four goals against the team he would later captain.

After a scoreless first period, Steve Thomas gave Toronto the lead at 4:52 of the second, beating Rick Wamsley with assists from Rick Vaive and Al Iafrate. Gilmour answered exactly five minutes later, scoring his fifth goal of the season with help from Brian Sutter and Jim Pavese. Before the intermission, Gilmour assisted on Mark Hunter’s go-ahead goal, sending St. Louis into the third period with a 2-1 advantage.

Gilmour Delivers the Game Winner

At 6:57 of the third, Gilmour struck again on the power play. His sixth goal of the season, assisted by Hunter and Tim Bothwell, proved to be the game winner. Gilmour, Hunter and Sutter each registered five shots, combining for 15 of the Blues’ 36 shots on Toronto goaltender Ken Wregget. At the other end, Wamsley stopped 36 of 38 shots to earn the victory, with Thomas leading all players with eight shots on net.

Gilmour was not the only Blue to enjoy a memorable night. Pavese recorded three assists, matching Gilmour’s point total. Hunter contributed a Gordie Howe hat trick, combining his goal and assist with a first-period fight against Toronto’s Mike Allison.

A Breakthrough Season for Doug Gilmour

Gilmour finished the 1986-87 campaign with 105 points, reaching the century mark for the first time in his NHL career. It was also his only season with more than 40 goals. His three-point effort against Toronto was one more example of the offensive ability he was establishing in St. Louis, years before Maple Leafs fans would be cheering those performances themselves.

The Franchise: St. Louis Blues (A Curated History of the Blues)

A curated history celebrating the St. Louis Blues — their iconic players, historic moments, and lasting impact on hockey culture.

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Ivan Boldirev Scores Four as Golden Seals Outlast Blues 8-6

The California Golden Seals didn’t have many nights to celebrate in 1973-74, but Ivan Boldirev gave them one on January 9. Hosting the St. Louis Blues at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Boldirev scored four goals in an 8-6 victory. He accounted for half of California’s offence as the Seals earned just their ninth win in 40 games.

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Highlights

• California defeated St. Louis 8-6 on January 9, 1974.

• Ivan Boldirev scored four goals, including the game winner.

• The Seals erased a 4-2 deficit with four unanswered second-period goals.

• Boldirev’s fourth goal was his 14th of the season.

• Rick Kessell sealed the win with an empty-net goal with four seconds remaining.

• Reggie Leach added a goal and an assist.

• California earned its ninth victory in 40 games and finished the season with just 13 wins.

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A Bright Spot in a Difficult Season

California finished the season with a miserable 13-55-10 record and 36 points, placing last in the NHL and 20 points behind the next closest team. The struggles were reflected in the players’ numbers, with Reggie Leach finishing at minus-62 and Boldirev at minus-53. On this particular night, however, the Seals had enough scoring power to overcome their defensive troubles.

Boldirev’s first goal came late in the opening period, pulling California into a 2-2 tie. Floyd Thomson quickly restored the Blues’ lead, then scored again early in the second period to put St. Louis ahead 4-2. For a team accustomed to losing, the Seals appeared headed toward another disappointing result.

Four Unanswered Goals Turn the Game Around

Instead, California responded with four unanswered goals before the second intermission. Boldirev scored twice during the surge, completing his hat trick and helping the Seals turn a two-goal deficit into a 6-4 lead. He struck again at 11:36 of the third period, scoring his fourth of the night and 14th of the season. That goal made it 7-4 and ultimately stood as the game winner.

St. Louis refused to go quietly. The Blues scored twice, cutting California’s lead to 7-6 with 34 seconds remaining. Rick Kessell finally settled matters with an empty-net goal at 19:56. His first goal of the season secured an unusually productive night for the Seals and an 8-6 victory.

Boldirev and Leach Were Soon Moving On

Boldirev led California with eight shots on goal, while Leach recorded seven shots and contributed a goal and an assist. Both would be wearing different uniforms by the start of 1974-75: Boldirev moved to the Chicago Blackhawks, while Leach joined the Philadelphia Flyers. For one January evening in Oakland, though, they helped give Golden Seals fans a welcome break from a difficult season.

The California Golden Seals: A Tale of White Skates, Red Ink, and One of the NHL's Most Outlandish Teams

Discover the fascinating and unconventional story of the California Golden Seals — one of the NHL’s most memorable and unusual franchises.

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February 6, 1986: Andreychuk Makes Buffalo Sabres History

The Boston Bruins scored six goals at Boston Garden on February 6, 1986 and still couldn’t keep pace with the Buffalo Sabres. Dave Andreychuk supplied five goals and an assist in Buffalo’s 8-6 victory, becoming the first player in franchise history to score five times in a single game.

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Highlights

• Buffalo defeated Boston 8-6 at Boston Garden on February 6, 1986.

• Dave Andreychuk became the first Sabre to score five goals in a game.

• All five goals came against Doug Keans in the first two periods.

• His fifth goal, at 17:15 of the second period, was the game winner.

• An assist on Normand Lacombe’s goal gave Andreychuk six points.

• Tom Barrasso made 38 saves as Boston outshot Buffalo 44-21.

• Tage Thompson matched Andreychuk’s five-goal record on December 7, 2022.

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Buffalo Strikes Early at Boston Garden

Mike Foligno opened the scoring just 37 seconds into the game. Andreychuk then added two consecutive goals, giving Buffalo a 3-0 lead by 14:30 of the first period. Boston answered with two quick goals before the intermission, trimming the Sabres’ advantage to 3-2 and setting the stage for another busy period.

Three More Goals in the Second Period

Andreychuk completed his hat trick at 4:40 of the second, but his night was far from finished. He scored three times in the period, beating Bruins goaltender Doug Keans for all five of his goals through 40 minutes. His fifth, scored at 17:15, was his 24th of the 1985-86 season. It gave Buffalo a 7-4 lead and ultimately stood as the game-winning goal.

Boston coach Butch Goring replaced Keans with Pat Riggin for the third period after Keans surrendered seven goals on 17 shots. Riggin faced only four shots in relief, allowing Buffalo’s final goal to Paul Cyr. Andreychuk also assisted on a Normand Lacombe goal, bringing his personal total to six points.

Barrasso Handles the Heavier Workload

While Andreychuk turned seven shots into five goals, Tom Barrasso faced a much busier night in Buffalo’s net. The Sabres goaltender stopped 38 of Boston’s 44 shots, helping Buffalo win despite being outshot 44-21. Ray Bourque led the Bruins with seven shots but was unable to beat Barrasso.

Andreychuk’s performance established a Sabres single-game record that stood alone for more than 36 years. On December 7, 2022, Tage Thompson matched it with five goals against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The record may now be shared, but Andreychuk remains the first Sabre to reach that remarkable mark.

"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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