The NHL has a rich history filled with memorable moments, and among those are the games that transformed into offensive explosions, lighting up the scoreboard with a flurry of goals. While defensive battles and tight checking are common, some contests have defied expectations, resulting in unforgettable high-scoring affairs. Here's a look at ten of the highest-scoring NHL games in the modern era (1967-present), showcasing the offensive firepower and occasional defensive lapses that led to these remarkable scores.
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Edmonton Oilers vs. Chicago Blackhawks (December 11, 1985) - 12-9 This game stands as the highest-scoring of the modern era, with a combined 21 goals. Wayne Gretzky, despite not scoring, contributed seven assists, tying an NHL record. Glenn Anderson and Jari Kurri each had hat tricks for the Oilers. The Oilers led 4-0 after the first, and the two teams combined for a record 12 goals in the second period.
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Montreal Canadiens vs. Quebec Bulldogs (March 3, 1920) - 16-3: Although predating the "modern era," this game is noteworthy as the highest-scoring game in NHL history, with the Canadiens setting a record for most goals scored by a single team.
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Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Chicago Black Hawks (February 20, 1977) - 10-8: This high-scoring match saw the Maple Leafs edge out the Blackhawks in a game filled with offensive highlights.
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Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota North Stars (October 7, 1983) - 10-9: This contest saw the Canucks secure a narrow victory over the North Stars in a game characterized by back-and-forth scoring. The North Stars initially led, but the Canucks rallied to tie the game, ultimately securing the win.
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Detroit Red Wings vs. Boston Bruins (March 16, 1944) - 10-9: Another game from before the modern era, this matchup between the Red Wings and Bruins produced a total of 19 goals, showcasing offensive talent from both sides. At the time, the 19 goals were a modern NHL record. Carl Liscombe scored a hat trick for the Red Wings.
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Buffalo Sabres vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (March 19, 1981) - 14-4: The Sabres dominated this game, scoring nine goals in the second period alone.
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Quebec Nordiques vs. Washington Capitals (February 22, 1981) - 11-7: Peter and Anton Stastny of the Nordiques had an outstanding performance, each recording eight points in the game. They remain the only two players to achieve this feat in the same game.
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Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Chicago Black Hawks (October 15, 1983) - 10-8: This was the second time these two teams met in a game totaling 18 goals, with the Leafs again emerging victorious. Denis Savard of the Blackhawks scored a hat trick.
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Winnipeg Jets vs. Philadelphia Flyers (October 27, 2011) - 9-8: Each of Winnipeg's nine points was scored by a different player.
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Washington Capitals vs. Florida Panthers (January 11, 2003) - 12-2: Since 2000, the Washington Capitals have recorded the most goals by a team in a single game, scoring 12 against the Panthers.
These high-scoring games remind us of the offensive brilliance that can unfold in the NHL. While not every game can produce such a high goal total, these contests remain etched in hockey history as examples of when everything clicked for the offenses and defensive play took a backseat.
