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 22nd, featuring Mike Bossy.
Today in Hockey History
Mike Bossy Scores in Five Seconds
1984: The New York Islanders forward ties Doug Smail‘s record for the fastest goal to start a game. He scores five seconds into the game to match the Montreal Canadiens forward mark.
Bossy would beat Doug Kearns in short order to give the Isles a quick lead at the Boston Garden. However, New York would need another goal from Bossy to force a 3-3 tie with the Boston Bruins.
Other Notable Events
1919: Newsy Lalonde is the first player to score four goals in a Stanley Cup Final game as the Habs beat the PCHA’s Seattle Metropolitans, 4-2, in Game 2.
1932: The New York Americans and Bruins use experimental rules in an 8-6 win for the Amerks. Both teams were eliminated from the post-season. The teams had the blue lines taken out in favour of just the centre red line.
1959: Dickie Moore of the Canadiens breaks Gordie Howe of the Detroit Red Wings record of most points in a season. Moore would get a goal and an assist in a 4-2 win over the New York Rangers. He’d earn a $1,000 bonus for winning the scoring title.
1962: Montreal great Jacques Plante is the second goalie to win 40 games three times in his career. Plante makes 28 saves as the Habs beat the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-1.
1970: Bruins Hall of Famer Bobby Orr gets two goals and two assists in a 5-0 win over the Minnesota North Stars. Orr is the first defenceman to score 30 goals in a season.
1984: Calgary Flames forward Lanny McDonald scores twice in six seconds. However, his hat trick wasn’t enough as Detroit beat Calgary, 6-4.
1992: Mark Messier is fourth Ranger to reach 100 points with a hat trick in a 6-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils.
1996: San Jose Sharks forward Jan Caloun scores his fourth career goal on his fourth shot in the Sharks’ 2-1 overtime win over the Flames.
2000: Pat Verbeek scores his 500th career goal as Detroit ties Calgary 2-2 at the Joe Louis Arena. He’s the 28th player to get 500 goals and the first to do so with 2,000 penalty minutes
Happy Birthday to You
1940: Dave Keon
1941: Bobby Leiter
1948: John Marks
1963: Pelle Eklund
1977: Tom Poti
1982: Mike Smith
