Imagine a hockey game where a single player racks up eight points. Sounds rare, right? But here's the shocker: it's happened 15 times in NHL history, and each story is stranger than the last. From legendary players like Wayne Gretzky to forgotten defensemen like Tom Bladon, these games defy logic and rewrite records. And this is the part most people miss: while Darryl Sittler's 10-point game remains untouchable, the eight-point club is a bizarre mix of superstars and one-hit wonders. Let's lace up our skates and dive into the weird and wonderful world of NHL's eight-point games, where history is made, records are broken, and sometimes, even the most obscure players get their moment of glory.
This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of Darryl Sittler’s legendary 10-point game, a record that still stands today. But while the 10-point club remains exclusive, the eight-point club is surprisingly crowded, with 15 games by 12 different players. Each of these games has its own unique story, from Maurice 'Rocket' Richard's historic first in 1944 to Sam Gagner's unexpected explosion in 2012. Let’s explore these games chronologically, uncovering the players, the moments, and the quirks that make each one unforgettable.
The Original: Maurice 'Rocket' Richard (1944)
On December 28, 1944, Richard became the first player to score eight points in a game, a feat that came during his '50 in 50' goal campaign. He scored four goals and added four assists against the Detroit Red Wings, with his final point coming just 13 seconds before the end of the game. This performance set the stage for future eight-point games, though it would take 10 years for the next player to join the club.
The Next One: Bert Olmstead (1954)
Bert Olmstead, a Hall of Famer, achieved his eight-point game on January 9, 1954, against the Chicago Black Hawks. Playing alongside Richard, Olmstead recorded two points in the first period, three in the second, and three more in the third. This game marked the last time an eight-point performance would be seen for 23 years, bridging the gap between the early NHL era and the modern game.
The Defenseman You’ve Never Heard Of: Tom Bladon (1977)
Tom Bladon’s eight-point game on December 11, 1977, against the Cleveland Barons is one of the most unexpected in NHL history. A relatively unknown defenseman, Bladon scored four goals and added four assists, while also posting a +10 rating, an NHL record. This game remains a testament to the unpredictability of hockey.
The Big Period: Bryan Trottier (1978)
Bryan Trottier’s eight-point game on December 23, 1978, against the New York Rangers included a six-point second period, an NHL record. Trottier scored five goals and added three assists, showcasing his dominance in one of the most lopsided games in NHL history.
The Brother Act: Peter and Anton Stastny (1981)
On February 22, 1981, Peter and Anton Stastny each recorded eight points in a game against the Washington Capitals. This remains the only time in NHL history that two players, let alone brothers, achieved this feat in the same game. Their performance also stands as the rookie record for points in a single game.
The Great Eight from the Great One: Wayne Gretzky (1983)
Wayne Gretzky’s first eight-point game came on November 19, 1983, against the New Jersey Devils. Despite the Devils taking an early lead, Gretzky scored three goals and added five assists in a 13-4 rout. This game is also infamous as the 'Mickey Mouse Game,' highlighting Gretzky’s unparalleled ability to dominate.
The (Other) Great Eight from the Great One: Wayne Gretzky (1984)
Just two months later, on January 4, 1984, Gretzky recorded his second eight-point game, this time against the Minnesota North Stars. He scored two goals and added six assists in a 12-8 victory, becoming the first player to achieve eight points twice in a single season.
The Defenseman You Have Heard Of: Paul Coffey (1986)
Paul Coffey’s eight-point game on March 14, 1986, against the Detroit Red Wings made him the second defenseman to join the club. Coffey recorded two goals and six assists, becoming the first player to reach eight points without scoring a hat trick.
The Playoff Game: Patrik Sundström (1988)
Patrik Sundström’s eight-point game on April 22, 1988, against the Washington Capitals remains the only playoff game where a player achieved this feat. Sundström scored one goal and added seven assists, outperforming his brother Peter, who played for the Capitals and recorded zero points.
Super Mario 1: Mario Lemieux (1988)
Mario Lemieux’s first eight-point game came on October 15, 1988, against the St. Louis Blues. He scored two goals and added six assists, including all three goals in Rob Brown’s hat trick. This performance marked the earliest eight-point game in a season, occurring just four games in.
The One-Year Wonder: Bernie Nicholls (1988)
Bernie Nicholls’ eight-point game on December 1, 1988, against the Toronto Maple Leafs was part of his remarkable 1988-89 season, where he scored 70 goals and 150 points. Nicholls recorded two goals and six assists, though his season went largely unnoticed due to Wayne Gretzky’s presence in Los Angeles.
Super Mario 2: Mario Lemieux (1988)
Lemieux’s second eight-point game came on December 31, 1988, against the New Jersey Devils. He scored five goals in five different ways—even-strength, power-play, short-handed, penalty shot, and empty-net—a feat voted the greatest moment in NHL history.
Super Mario 3: Mario Lemieux (1989)
Lemieux’s third eight-point game, on April 25, 1989, against the Philadelphia Flyers, was a playoff performance for the ages. He scored four goals in the first period and added four assists, though he was held scoreless in the third until an empty-net goal in the final minute.
The Weirdest One of All: Sam Gagner (2012)
Sam Gagner’s eight-point game on February 2, 2012, against the Chicago Blackhawks is the most recent and perhaps the most unexpected. Gagner, who had just 22 points in 43 games prior, scored four goals and added four assists, all in the final two periods. He became the only player in NHL history to be involved in every one of his team’s goals in an eight-point game.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: Is the eight-point game becoming a relic of the past? With no player achieving this feat since 2012, it’s worth debating whether modern hockey’s emphasis on defense and goaltending has made such performances obsolete. What do you think? Could we see another eight-point game in the future, or is this a record that will stand forever? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
