Plus: Broadbent begins 16-game goal streak; Kings win last NHL game on Dec. 24
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THIS DATE IN HISTORY: Dec. 24
1949:The Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers stage one of the best goaltending duels in NHL history when
Bill Durnan
of the Canadiens and
Chuck Rayner
of the Rangers match saves for 60 minutes in
a 0-0 tie
at the Forum.
It's the 31st NHL shutout for Durnan and the 17th for Rayner, who combine for the only 0-0 tie in League history to be played on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
MORE MOMENTS
1921:
Punch Broadbent
of the Ottawa Senators begins his NHL-record 16-game goal streak by scoring at
7:00 of the third period
in a 10-0 win against the visiting Canadiens.
1966:Two former Canadiens,
Bernie Geoffrion
and
Donnie Marshall
, spoil Christmas Eve for their old team and help the Rangers win 4-3 at the Forum. Geoffrion
scores twice in the second period
and Marshall wins the game by beating
Charlie Hodge
with 33 seconds remaining in the third.
1969:
Ron Ellis
scores twice
in the first period, and the Toronto Maple Leafs roll to an 8-1 victory against the Los Angeles Kings at Maple Leaf Gardens. It's the last time Toronto plays on Christmas Eve; the Maple Leafs are 5-2-2 in nine Dec. 24 games.
1972: In the final NHL game ever played on Christmas Eve,
Serge Bernier
scores four goals
to help the Kings defeat the California Golden Seals 5-3 in Oakland. Bernier scores once in the first period and twice in the second, and then gets the game-winner at 7:34 of the third period.
Juha Widing
of the Kings scores the last Christmas Eve goal in NHL history when he beats Marv Edwards with 4:41 remaining in the third period.
Earlier that night,
Ed Giacomin
makes 24 saves to tie
Dave Kerr
's Rangers record with his 40th NHL shutout and
Pete Stemkowski
has four assists
in a 5-0 win against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden.
As a seasoned hockey historian and enthusiast, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intriguing historical events encapsulated in the provided article. My extensive understanding of the NHL's rich past allows me to delve into the details and nuances that make these moments significant.
The article touches upon various key events that occurred on December 24th throughout NHL history. Let's dissect the concepts and players involved in each significant incident:
1. December 24, 1949:
- Goaltending Duel:
- The Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers engage in an exceptional goaltending duel at the Forum.
- Bill Durnan of the Canadiens and Chuck Rayner of the Rangers showcase their skills, resulting in a rare 0-0 tie after 60 minutes.
- Durnan achieves his 31st NHL shutout, while Rayner secures his 17th shutout.
2. 1921:
- Punch Broadbent's Streak:
- Punch Broadbent of the Ottawa Senators embarks on an extraordinary 16-game goal streak, setting an NHL record.
- The streak begins with a goal at 7:00 of the third period in a 10-0 victory against the Canadiens.
3. 1966:
- Geoffrion and Marshall Spoil Christmas Eve:
- Former Canadiens Bernie Geoffrion and Donnie Marshall contribute to the Rangers' 4-3 victory at the Forum.
- Geoffrion scores twice in the second period, while Marshall clinches the win with a goal 33 seconds before the game ends.
4. 1969:
- Ron Ellis Dominates:
- Ron Ellis scores twice in the first period, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to an 8-1 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings.
- This game marks the last time Toronto plays on Christmas Eve.
5. 1972:
- Final NHL Game on Christmas Eve:
- Serge Bernier's four goals propel the Kings to a 5-3 victory against the California Golden Seals in the last NHL game played on Christmas Eve.
- Juha Widing scores the last Christmas Eve goal in NHL history during this game.
These historical moments showcase the diversity of events that have unfolded in the NHL on December 24th, emphasizing the league's rich history and the remarkable performances of players throughout the years.
