Today in hockey history, a team’s first penalty shot, an individual does some work on the PK, an Original Six franchise retires its first jersey, a great moment for Gordie Howe and his family, and player makes a team wish that penalties didn’t exist.
March 9, 1973 – In a 5-2 Canucks win over the Sabres, Andre Boudrias scored on the first penalty shot ever awarded to a Vancouver player. It took the Canucks nearly three full seasons to be awarded their first penalty shot. Conspiracy!
March 9, 1975 – In a 5-2 Bruins win over the Atlanta Flames, Boston’s Gregg Sheppard scored two shorthanded goals in 21 seconds! Nice work.
March 9, 1977 – Rod Gilbert became the first player in Rangers history to have his jersey retired, as his #7 was raised to the rafters in a ceremony before a 6-4 Rangers win over the Minnesota North Stars. Through 19 NHL seasons, Gilbert played his entire 1,065-game career with the Rangers (team record), scoring 406 goals and 1,021 points with the team, both of which are records.
March 9, 1980 – NHL history was made when Hartford’s Gordie Howe skated on the same line with not one, but two of his sons (Mark and Marty) in a 1-1 Whalers tie against the Bruins. It was a great moment in his final NHL season that really highlighted Gordie’s longevity, a season in which he played in all 80 games at age 52.
March 9, 1991 – If you thought two shorthanded goals in a 21-second span is impressive, try this one: Calgary’s Theoren Fleury scored three shorthanded goals in an 8-4 win at St. Louis, an NHL record. Needless to say, the Blues declined every powerplay for the rest of the season.
Source: Hockey Hall of Fame
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