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Today in Hockey History: Edmonton Oilers Wayne Gretzky Scores First NHL Goal

We’re normally starting up another hockey season, but we’re in a different world. Last Word on Hockey is still 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 October 14, featuring Wayne Gretzky.

Today in Hockey History

Wayne Gretzky Gets First NHL Goal

1979: The young Edmonton Oilers centre gets his first NHL goal in a 4-4 tie with the Vancouver Canucks. Gretzky ties the game with a goal past Canucks goalie Glen Hanlon. The goal comes with 1:09 left in regulation as part of a two-point night.

Gretzky gets another milestone eight years to the day with his 545th goal. This marker moves him past Maurice Richard on the all-time list. However, Edmonton loses, 5-4, to the Calgary Flames.

Other Notable Events

1967: The Los Angeles Kings get a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers in their inaugural game. Brian Kilrea scores two goals, including the first one in Kings history.

1972: The Atlanta Flames and Buffalo Sabres play to a 1-1 tie in the first game played in the Southern United States. Ernie Hicke gets a first-period, power-play goal and Phil Myre stops 30 shots for Atlanta.

1979: The Flyers being the longest unbeaten run in league history with a 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Philadelphia has 25 wins and 10 ties to go 35 game without a loss.

The Winnipeg Jets are the first of the four WHA teams to beat an NHL club in a 4-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

1991: Mike Garter scores his 500th career goal in the New York Rangers 5-3 loss to the Washington Capitals. Gartner is the 16th player to get 500 goals, but the first to do so while with the Blueshirts.

1998: The New York Islanders are the first team since 1927 to shutout the same opponent four straight times. Tommy Salo makes 22 saves in the Isles’ 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2002: Mats Sudin is the first Swedish-born NHL goalie to score 400 career goals. Sundin gets a goal and an assist in a 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Mario Lemieux gets the game-winner to cap a four-point night.

2017: Two longtime coaches reach milestones on this night. Ken Hitchcock gets his 783rd victory to pass Al Arbour in the Dallas Stars 3-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Mike Babcock becomes the 16th coach in League history to have 600 wins as Toronto wins 4-3 over the Montreal Canadiens.