Normally we’d be in the closing in on the mid-way point of the regular season, however, 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 December 24th, featuring Christmas Eve history.
Today in Hockey History
Christmas Eve Edition
1921: Harry Broadbent, who went by the name Punch Broadbent, started a 16-game goal-scoring streak in the Ottawa Senators 10-0 rout of the Montreal Canadiens. Charlie Simmer of the Los Angeles Kings holds the modern day record with 10 games in 1979.
1949: The New York Rangers and Montreal play to a scoreless tie at the Montreal Forum. Bill Durnan of the Habs gets his 31st career shutout while Chuck Rayner records his 17th for the Blueshirts.
1966: Bernie Geoffrion and Donnie Marshall haunt their old team as the Rangers beat the Canadiens 4-3. Geoffrion scores twice and Marshall nets the game-winner with 33 seconds left in regulation at the Forum.
1969: Ron Ellis scores twice as the Toronto Maple Leafs rout the Kings, 8-1. It’s the last time the Leafs play on Christmas Eve as they go 5-2-2 on that date.
1972: Serge Bernier scores four times in Los Angeles’ 5-3 win over the California Golden Seals. Juha Widing of the Kings scores the last NHL goal on Christmas Eve with 4:41 left in the third.
Ed Giacomin ties Dave Kerr’s team shutout record in a 4-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Pete Stemkowski hands out four assists in the win at Madison Square Garden.
1998: Toronto great Syl Apps passed away from a heart attack. The 1961 Hockey Hall of Famer was a three-time Stanley Cup champion and won Calder and Lady Byng Trophies.
Happy Birthday to You
1912: Herb Cain
1929: Red Sullivan
1963: Timo Jutila
1989: Matt Calvert
