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Today in Hockey History: Steve Yzerman, Joe Nieuwendyk Each Score 500th Goal

Hockey is finally back! Normally we’d be 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 January 17th, featuring both Steve Yzerman and Joe Nieuwendyk.

Today in Hockey History

Steve Yzerman, Joe Nieuwendyk Each Net Goal 500

A pair of Hall of Famers reach the 500-goal mark on this date in hockey history. Both were key players throughout the 80s and 90s.

1996: The Detroit Red Wings captain nets No. 500 in a 3-2 win over the rival Colorado Avalanche. He joins Gordie Howe as the only member of the Red Wings to get 500.

2003: Nieuwendyk scores his 500th NHL goal in the New Jersey Devils‘ 2-1 win against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Other Notable Events

1932: New York Americans goalie Roy Worters becomes the fifth goalie to get 50 career shutouts. He gets the milestone in a 4-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

1959: Howe is pressed into service as a defenceman due to injuries on the Red Wings. Detroit boss Sid Abel moves Howe from right wing in a 2-1 loss to Toronto.

1962: Chicago Black Hawks goalie Glenn Hall is honoured for his 500th consecutive start before a game with the Montreal Canadiens. However, the Habs get the last laugh with a 7-3 victory in Chicago.

1973: The Philadelphia Flyers name 23-year-old forward Bobby Clarke as the team’s new captain. He succeeds Ed Van Impe in the role and serves through the 1978-79 season and again in 1982-84.

1981: New York Islanders forward Mike Bossy gets his then record eighth hat hat trick of the season. Bossy gets three goals in a 6-4 win over the Washington Capitals for his 48th goal of the season.

2011: Boston Bruins defenceman Zdeno Chara gets his first career hat trick in his 13th career season. He scores three goals in a 7-0 Boston shutout of Carolina.

2018: The NHL and Bruins honor hockey pioneer Willie O’Ree to mark the 60th anniversary of his League debut. O’Ree became the first black hockey player to play in the NHL in 1958.

2019: New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist makes 43 saves to tie Terry Sawchuk on the all-time wins list. Lundqvist gets his 445th victory in a 4-3 win over the Blackhawks at Madison Square Garden.