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 25th, featuring Gordie Howe.
Merry Christmas to those that celebrate.
Today in Hockey History
Gordie Howe Has Six Point Christmas
1956: The Detroit Red Wings great gift wraps a six-point night in an 8-1 win over the New York Rangers. Howe gets three goals and three assists in Detroit. Mr. Hockey closes the third period with two goals as part of a six-goal frame.
The hat trick is the 12th of his career and the best offensive game of his career. It’s the first six-point night of his career.
Other Notable Events
1930: The Detroit Falcons, who become the Red Wings in 1932, defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs, 10-1. It’s the most goals scored by one team in a Christmas game. The two-team high is between the Boston Bruins 8-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1970.
1965: Henri Richard dishes out three assists in the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 win over Detroit. It’s the last Christmas Day game played at the Montreal Forum.
1968: Alex Delvecchio passes Maurice Richard for third place on the all-time scoring list. He gets two assists in a 6-3 loss to Pittsburgh. Delvecchio gets his 967th point and only trails Howe and Jean Beliveau.
1971: The Rangers beat the Minnesota North Stars, 2-1, to move to 25-11 with two ties. New York finishes with the best record on Christmas Day.
The California Golden Seals win the last NHL game played on Christmas Day, 3-1, over the Los Angeles Kings at the Great Western Forum. Stan Gilbertson scores an empty-net goal for the Golden Seals, which is the final goal scored on Christmas Day.
Happy Birthday to You
1933: Larry Cahan
1965: Dmitri Mironov
1968: Jim Dowd
1970: Stu Barnes
