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 23rd, featuring Wayne Gretzky.
Today in Hockey History
Wayne Gretzky Breaks Howe’s NHL Goal Record
1994: Number 99 broke the mark at 14:47 of the second period in the Los Angeles Kings 6-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Gretzky took a pass from Marty McSorley and beat goalie Kirk McLean to get goal No. 802.
The sellout crowd at the Great Western Forum erupted after The Great One finally beat Gordie Howe‘s mark. Gretzky finished his career with 894 career goals and 2,857 points and both records have yet to be approached.
Other Notable Events
1918: Alf Skinner of the Toronto Arenas is the first player to score a hat trick in the Stanley Cup Final. The Vancouver Millionaires beat Toronto, 6-4.
1939: Mel Hill of the Boston Bruins scored his second straight overtime-winner as the B’s beat the New York Rangers, 3-2, in the Stanley Cup semifinal.
1944: Maurice Richard of the Montreal Canadiens scored all five goals as the Habs beat the Leafs, 5-1, in Game 2 of the semifinal series.
1952: Bill Mosienko of the Chicago Blackhawks netted the fastest hat trick in history in the Hawks 7-6 win over the Rangers. He scores three goals in 21 seconds to help Chicago win.
1972: Gerry Cheevers extends his unbeaten streak to 31 games (24 wins, seven ties) in Boston’s 4-1 win against the Rangers.
1993: Teemu Selanne of the Winnipeg Jets posted two goals and two assists to set the rookie record for points with 111. The Jets would fall to the Leafs, 5-4. Selanne broke the record of 109 set by Peter Stastny in 1980-81.
2002: Brendan Shanahan scored his 500th career goal as the Red Wings blanked the Colorado Avalanche, 2-0. Shanahan is the 30th player to score 500 goals.
2015: Andrew Hammond of the Ottawa Senators is the first goalie to get a point in his first 15 starts. The Sens beat the San Jose Sharks, 5-2, as Hammond goes 14-0-1.
Happy Birthday to You
1932: Don Marshall
1940: Ted Green
1957: John Tonelli
1958: Bengt-Ake Gustafsson
1965: Darren Puppa
1965: Wayne Presley
1991: Erik Haula
