Fifty years ago, Darryl Sittler shattered records by scoring 10 points in a single game. He achieved this by netting six goals and four assists in the Toronto Maple Leafs' decisive 11-4 victory over the Boston Bruins on February 7, 1976, at Maple Leaf Gardens. This feat remains unmatched.
Context Before the Game
The Boston Bruins, coached by Don Cherry, were leading their division and on a seven-game winning streak. They held a significant advantage in the standings over the Maple Leafs. The Bruins' goaltending situation saw Dave Reece stepping in for an injured Gilles Gilbert. Gerry Cheevers was the backup.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs were struggling, with only one win in their last seven games. Captain Darryl Sittler, despite a shoulder injury, had been productive with five goals and 10 assists in his previous 17 games. His linemates had been frequently changed. Prior to the game, team owner Harold Ballard publicly criticized Sittler, questioning his role as a No. 1 center. Coach Red Kelly decided to place Sittler between wingers Lanny McDonald and Errol Thompson, a move that showed immediate promise in a prior game against Washington.
Previous Records
Before Sittler's performance, the record for most points in a single game was eight, held by Maurice Richard (5 goals, 3 assists in 1944). Bert Olmstead also achieved eight points in 1954.
The Record-Breaking Game
The game, televised nationally, saw Sittler's routine disrupted slightly. His wife, Wendy, was heavily pregnant, leading Sittler to grab a quick meal from Swiss Chalet before the game. He would later note that this specific meal seemed to bring him luck.
First Period
Sittler contributed two assists in the first period, setting up goals by linemate Lanny McDonald and defenseman Ian Turnbull. The Leafs led 2-1 after the first frame.
Second Period
Sittler was instrumental in the second period, amassing three goals (his first hat trick of the night) and two assists. His outburst gave him seven points, and he was unaware of the potential record until informed in the locker room. The Leafs had built a substantial 8-4 lead.
Third Period
Just 44 seconds into the third, Sittler tied the existing record with his fourth goal, bringing his total to eight points. At 9:27, another goal put him alone in new scoring territory, capturing national attention. He completed his second hat trick of the night with his sixth goal at 16:35, securing his historic 10-point performance.
After the Game
The team celebrated with a typical post-game meal at a favorite local spot, as they had another game the following night.
Owner's Reaction
In response to Ballard's earlier criticism, Sittler quipped about the owner's search for a center. Sittler later stated Ballard's comments did not motivate him, emphasizing his consistent effort. Ballard eventually presented Sittler with a silver tea service to commemorate the milestone.
The Legendary Line
The Sittler-McDonald-Thompson line remained together for over two years, proving to be a formidable offensive force, often supported by defensemen Borje Salming and Ian Turnbull. Sittler finished his Hall of Fame career with 484 goals and 1,121 points. McDonald also had a distinguished career, reaching 500 goals and 1,006 points.
The Goaltender's Perspective
Bruins coach Don Cherry maintained his policy of never pulling his goaltenders. He defended Dave Reece, stating Sittler was simply "hot" and that the team's defensive play wasn't providing enough support. Reece made 29 saves in the game. A humorous anecdote about Reece's distress after the game circulated. Reece never played another NHL game and later pursued a career as a high school guidance counselor. He has since embraced his place in hockey history.
An Enduring NHL Record
Teammates witnessed the historic night, with some noting the team's focus on the game rather than record-breaking potential. Ten players have since matched the eight-point mark, but Sittler's 10-point record stands. Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky are the only players to have recorded eight points more than once.
Sittler's Reflections
Sittler's game memorabilia, including the puck and jersey, were not preserved at the time. The stick he used was lost in a fire. He realized the magnitude of his achievement later, with the anniversary gaining significance over the years, particularly as it falls close to the anniversary of his father's passing.
He initially believed players like Gretzky and Lemieux would break his record. He speculates that future superstars like McDavid, Ovechkin, or Crosby might achieve it, acknowledging that changes in the game could influence scoring. Sittler, while happy for any player who breaks the record, still wishes to hold onto his historic mark after more than 40 years.
