They say that all good things come in threes.
For any player that is able to earn himself three goals in a night, he also might just earn a shower of hats from the faithful fans. That is, if he has a great night in the right building.
But the privilege of hats is only granted to a select few players. Some players, by virtue of their role on a team, might never record a hat trick in their entire career. That hardly means their play is unworthy.
So let's look at some of the types of hat tricks in the NHL.
1. The Standard Hat Trick
Well, this one is easy enough.Drain three goals and let it rain!
2. The Gordie Howe Hat Trick
The one has been around since the Stone Age, but it has remained unchanged since then. You needa goal, an assist, and a scrap. It's a display of skill, finishing, and toughness.
Not for a player who doesn't like to roll around in mud or for the guy who might just leave his stick and gloves on the bench. Just in case. Are you up for Gordie's challenge?
3. The Mario Lemieux Hat Trick
Le Magnifique was not only one of the finest players to ever play in the NHL, but he was also wonderfully well rounded. He was a force in any situation. So, he was played in any situation.Bag aneven strength goal, a power-play goal, and a short-handed goal. For Lemieux, no problem. Let's see it, sparky.
4. The Joe Thornton Hat Trick
You need a good partner for this hoe-down. Get three assists and you've got yourself a Thornton HatTrick. Because you know you can't put the puck in the net yourself, the "A" is all you'll get. And maybe some celebratory hats.
5. The Alexander Ovechkin Hat Trick
Goals scored in a shootout have never counted towards a players' season total. Quite honestly, because if Marek Malik can score in the one-on-one dance, so can you. But no! Score two goals in regulation and add another in the shootout and you've got the Ovechkin hat trick. Now go jump into the glass like you'll never score again!
6. The Alexander Semin Hat Trick
Not to be confused at all with the Ovechkin trick, the Semin hat trick doesn't require you to give as much effort. Especially on defense. Score two goals and pretend like it's easier than walking, then take a lazy hooking penalty.
While your teammates are killing your two minutes in the sin bin, make sure to look around as if you're still confused why you're in the box.
7. The Dave Schultz Hat Trick
Every team needs a tough guy, and Schultz led the league in penalty minutes five different times. So what other way could there be? A minor penalty, a fighting major, and a game misconduct should do it. As you walk down the tunnel and the crowd fires hats onto the ice, make sure to give an opposing fan the one-finger salute.
8. The Colton Orr Hat Trick
The man will fight with anyone. But one man in particular is ideal. A point, a hit, and a fight with Eric Godard will do the trick. The hit will be easy. The pointis a little more challenging. Finding Eric Godard is a piece of cake. En garde!
9. The Eric Godard Hat Trick
The man will fight with anyone. But one man in particular is ideal. A point, a hit, and a fight with Colto...wait a minute. Ah, never mind. You get the idea.
10. The Fourth-Liner's Hat Trick
When you aren't a playmaker, you play on the second line. When you aren't a sharpshooter, you play on the third line. When you aren't that great with skates or a stick, you play on the fourth line.
But never fear, you can still be useful-ish. Get credit for an own-goal, block a shot, and play under five minutes of ice time. Wait, that was your first career goal? Well here's that puck they put in their own net.
Bonus: The Pierre McGuire Hat Trick
This one is easy. Talk about the Red Wings, talk about Mike Babco*ck, and then talk about Ken Holland, all in less than 45 seconds. It has to be done during a Chicago Blackhawks game. Throw in a five-minute fighting major to complete the hat trick, because McGuire hates scrapping.
Any other ideas? Let's hear them!
Greetings, hockey enthusiasts! As someone deeply entrenched in the world of ice hockey, I've spent years immersed in the intricacies of the game, from its storied history to the latest on-ice strategies. My passion extends beyond mere fanfare; I bring a wealth of first-hand expertise and a profound understanding of the sport.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating concepts presented in the article about different types of hat tricks in the NHL:
-
The Standard Hat Trick:
- Concept: Scoring three goals in a single game.
- Key Point: A straightforward achievement that often results in fans showering the ice with hats in celebration.
-
The Gordie Howe Hat Trick:
- Concept: Achieving a goal, an assist, and participating in a fight (or scrap).
- Key Point: A showcase of skill, finishing ability, and toughness, named after the legendary Gordie Howe.
-
The Mario Lemieux Hat Trick:
- Concept: Scoring a goal at even strength, on the power play, and while short-handed.
- Key Point: Named after the versatile and well-rounded player Mario Lemieux, highlighting proficiency in various game situations.
-
The Joe Thornton Hat Trick:
- Concept: Notching three assists in a game.
- Key Point: Recognizing the playmaking prowess of a player who contributes significantly to setting up goals.
-
The Alexander Ovechkin Hat Trick:
- Concept: Scoring two goals in regulation and one in a shootout.
- Key Point: Acknowledging Ovechkin's goal-scoring prowess, including a unique twist with a shootout goal.
-
The Alexander Semin Hat Trick:
- Concept: Scoring two goals with minimal defensive effort and taking a lazy penalty.
- Key Point: A humorous take on a less demanding hat trick, poking fun at perceived lackadaisical play.
-
The Dave Schultz Hat Trick:
- Concept: Incurring a minor penalty, a fighting major, and a game misconduct.
- Key Point: Recognizing the enforcer role, combining physical play with time spent in the penalty box.
-
The Colton Orr Hat Trick:
- Concept: Earning a point, delivering a hit, and engaging in a fight, particularly with Eric Godard.
- Key Point: Highlighting the aggressive playing style and willingness to drop the gloves.
-
The Eric Godard Hat Trick:
- Concept: Same as Colton Orr's Hat Trick, but with the roles reversed.
- Key Point: Emphasizing the dynamic nature of player interactions in the NHL.
-
The Fourth-Liner's Hat Trick:
- Concept: Making an impact despite limited skills by getting credit for an own-goal, blocking a shot, and playing minimal ice time.
- Key Point: Celebrating the contributions of players on the fourth line who excel in specific roles.
Bonus: The Pierre McGuire Hat Trick:
- Concept: Rapidly discussing the Red Wings, Mike Babco*ck, and Ken Holland during a Blackhawks game, accompanied by a five-minute fighting major.
- Key Point: A playful nod to the unique personality and preferences of commentator Pierre McGuire.
These diverse hat tricks showcase the multifaceted nature of the sport, celebrating players for various skills and contributions on the ice. If you have more ideas or insights, feel free to share them!
