“This Day in Hockey History – January 7th”

So many historical events happened in "The National" on January 7th, I can not possibly mention all of them. Of course, as almost everyday he took the ice, “The Great One" made his mark known on this day, twice.  Go figure.  The Flyers and Kings made the list twice as well.

1928 – The Habs Howie Morenz notched his 100th career goal to begin his hat trick in a 9-1 victory over the Maple Leafs.

1933 – According to one source, the first nation wide hockey broadcast was aired by the CBC (radio) on this day.  The Detroit Red Wings beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1.  Nineteen years later, the first airing of the iconic “Hockey Night in Canada” took place on October 11th, 1952. This was my Saturday night delight as a kid in the early 70s, while I anxiously awaited the end of the “Tommy Hunter Show" for the puck to drop.

1968 – “The Golden Jet", Bobby Hull scored twice against the Boston Bruins’ Gerry Cheevers, making him only the fourth player in league history to achieve 400 career goals. Chicago defeated Esposito and the Bruins by a score of 4-2.  He was dubbed “The Golden Jet" in a 1966 article because of his blonde hair and “lightning” speed.  The name had nothing to do with his time as a member of the WHL's  Winnipeg Jets. Did you see what I did there Jet’s fans. Chirp chirp.

1976 – In the LA Kings’ 5-2 win over the KC Scouts on January 7th, Bob Nevin achieved the 700 career points milestone in what would be his final NHL season.  He won the 1962 and ’63 Stanley Cup Championship with the Leafs in his 1128 game career, in which he also played for the NY Rangers and Minnesota North Stars.  The Kansas City Scouts moved to briefly become the Colorado Rockies, coached by Don Cherry in 1979-80.  They are now the New Jersey Devils.

1979 – My man and first goaltender idol, Bernie Parent achieved his 54th career shutout on January 7th in a 3-0 blanking of the LA Kings.  It would prove to be the last career shutout in this, his final season. This 1984 Hall of Fame inductee won two Vezina Trophies and a Con Smythe as MVP for his efforts in the Philadelphia Flyers’ back to back Cup conquests.  I was removed from the ice as a kid goaltenders because I wore my handpainted Bernie mask complete with Flyer logos on each side, just like Parent’s.  After dawning a cage mask, I was allowed to return to mind the net.

1980 – The longest undefeated streak in the history of North American sports, met it’s demise on January 7th against the Minnesota North Stars, as they ended the Flyers 35 game run without a loss. Bill Barber’s opening goal would be the only for Philly as MN scored seven unanswered.  One source only, cited the final score as 9-2. Sorry Hockey Writers but, the final was 7-1.   I guess there goes my chances of ever getting an article published with that great hockey news source.

1981 – Wayne Gretzky had two goals on two assists in a 6-3 victory over Washington to reach 200 points in just his 117th NHL game.

1984 – Gretzky had his 25th career hat trick and seventh of the season, also capturing his 5th consecutive 50-goal season in the Oliers 5-3 win against the Hartford Whalers.

1987 – Beloved St. Louis Blue, Bernie Federko was the first player in franchise history to score 300 career goals on January 7th versus the Hartford Whalers. 

1999 – In his second stint as a King, Luc Robitaille was the 27th NHL player in the history of the game to score 500 carrer goals. His two goals on this day helped LA to defeat the Buffalo Sabres 4-2.

2002 - No hockey piece would be complete without mentioning the three time, twice consecutive Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Defenseman, Dan Boyle was acquired by the Bolts for Tampa’s 2003, 5th round draft pick.  He helped the team win their first Cup before spending several years on the blue line for the San Jose Sharks.

2004 - Anyone that has ever partolled the paint at any level of the game,  would be remiss not to mention Brian Boucher's amazing underdog achievement.  This backup and once third stringer, would snatch his fouth consecutive shutout on January 7th, 2004 in service to the Arizona Coyotes. This short lived tie of Bill Durnan's 1949 accomplishment would be eclipsed by Boucher two days later, when set a new record gathering in his fifth consecutive shutout win. That record still stands.

That’s what happened on this day in hockey history, January 7th, in the greatest game on the planet.

By OutOfExile_IDR

Image courtesy of:
https://vintagesportsitems.com/products/copy-of-goalie-mask-bernie-parent-philadelphia-blazers-wha-1

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