During the NHL’s hiatus, we at the Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for March 14.
Today in Hockey History: March 14
Howe, Mullen Hit 500 Mark
1962: The great Gordie Howe becomes only the second player in NHL history to record 500 career goals. Mr. Hockey reaches that mark in a 3-2 loss by the Detroit Red Wings to the New York Rangers. Only Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice Richard had eclipsed 500 goals prior to Howe.
The legendary Detroit forward would finish with 801 career goals and add 174 more goals from his time with Houston Aeros and New England Whalers of the WHA. Howe ended up 975 professional goals in his storied career.
1997: Pittsburgh Penguins forward Joe Mullen also reached the 500-goal mark on this date. He became the first American to make the milestone in the Pens’ 6-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
Mullen would retire at the end of the season with 502 goals and 561 assists to get 1,063 points in 1,062 career games. He is still the seventh highest-scoring U.S.-born player as Brett Hull leads the way with 1,391 points.
Other Notable Events
1965: Habs legend Jean Beliveau notched his 350th career goal in a 6-4 win over the Rangers. He became the third player in franchise history to record at least 350 goals.
1971: Future Hall of Famer Ken Dryden makes his NHL debut for Montreal in a 5-1 victory over Pittsburgh. Dryden made 35 saves in the win and would get the Conn Smythe Trophy before he would win the Calder Trophy for best rookie.
1980: Guy Lafleur is the fourth Habs player to score 400 goals with the club in a 4-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets. The Flower became the youngest player to that milestone.
1986: Edmonton Oilers defenceman Paul Coffey tied Tom Bladon’s record of eight points by a blue-liner in a single game. Coffey logged two goals and six assists for an eight-point effort against the Red Wings. The game ended with a 12-3 victory for the Oilers.
1991: Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings’ surpasses Coffey’s record with 18th game in a row with an assist. Los Angeles would lose 6-3 to the Chicago Blackhawks.
2001: Ron Francis becomes the first player in Carolina Hurricanes (Hartford Whalers) history reach 1,000 career points for his career. Carolina would lose 6-3 to Montreal.
2016: Kings’ goalie Jonathan Quick sets the American record for shutouts with 41 in a 5-0 win over the Blackhawks.
Happy Birthday to You
1944: Vaclav Nedomansky (Hockey Hall of Famer)
1992: Erik Gustafsson
1993: J.T. Miller
1994: Frank Vatrano
1998: Tyson Jost
