Today in Hockey History: Jan. 3
January 3rd has been the stage for numerous memorable moments in NHL history, filled with milestones, records, and unforgettable performances.
A Night of Firsts and Feats
On January 3, 1931, Nels Stewart of the Montreal Maroons etched his name in the record books by scoring two goals just four seconds apart, setting an NHL record for the fastest two goals by a single player. His pair of goals proved to be the difference-maker in a 5-3 victory over the Boston Bruins. In 1943, the Chicago Blackhawks provided a unique family moment in a game against the New York Rangers. Reg Bentley scored a goal assisted by his brothers Doug and Max, marking the first time in NHL history that three brothers accounted for all points on a single goal.
Decades of Dominance
January 3, 1970, marked a special night for two legends of the game, Gordie Howe and George Armstrong. Both players became the first in NHL history to play in four different decades. Howe celebrated the milestone with a four-assist performance in the Detroit Red Wings' 6-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Armstrong also had a night to remember, scoring two goals and adding an assist as his Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2.
Individual Brilliance
Defenseman Reed Larson had a career night on January 3, 1981, scoring his first NHL hat trick and adding an assist, although his Detroit Red Wings fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-4. He was the first Red Wings defenseman to score three goals in a game since Flash Hollett in 1944. A year later, on January 3, 1982, Rick Kehoe became only the second player in Pittsburgh Penguins history to reach 250 goals, scoring early in a 6-4 victory against the Hartford Whalers. Mike Bossy, on the same night, became the second player in NHL history to score at least 25 goals in each of his first 10 seasons.
Reaching Milestones
January 3, 1984, was a milestone night for Daniel Bouchard, who became the 15th goalie in NHL history to record 250 career wins, leading the Quebec Nordiques to a 9-5 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. In 1990, Guy Lafleur scored his 545th career goal on January 3, moving him past Maurice Richard for eighth place on the NHL's all-time goal-scoring list. Wayne Gretzky reached the 700-goal mark on January 3, 1991, becoming the fourth player in NHL history to do so.
