Sittler's Magical 10-Point Game & Milbury's Worst Moves
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", the best NHL goalies of the 1990s, a history of rinkside advertising, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
In today’s edition, we have a couple “Today in Hockey History” posts, a look back at Darryl Sittler’s legendary 10-point game, the best goalies of the 1990s, Mike Milbury’s worst moves as a general manager, and more.
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Today in Hockey History: Feb. 9
The National Hockey League not only added its most famous individual trophy on this date, but it also announced that it would double in size. All-time greats in both Montreal and Anaheim made franchise history, and some impressive streaks were also extended. Let’s fire up the THW time machine and look back at all the best moments from Feb. 9.
Darryl Sittler’s Magical 10-Point Game
Records are made to be broken. But, more than 40 years after Darryl Sittler set the record for most points scored in a single game, it has yet to be matched, much less broken. Sittler’s name literally covered the scoresheet as he piled up six goals and four assists in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 11-4 rout over the Boston Bruins on Feb. 7, 1976, at Maple Leaf Gardens.
Top 10 Worst Mike Milbury Moves
Mike Milbury has long been a flamboyant and interesting figure in the NHL. From his time as a player, when he jumped into the MSG stands and beat a fan with his own shoe, to his most recent role as an NBC Sports analyst, where his comments have often gotten him into hot water, Milbury always seems to find his way into the headlines. (from ‘Over the Glass and Into Hockey Lore, New York Times, 12/12/2009) His attention-grabbing acts weren’t limited to a player or as an analyst.
Even though he, along with owners Charles Wang and Sanjay Kumar, helped the Islanders get back to the playoffs in the early 2000s, the team was constantly put in a bad position due to Milbury’s tinkering. Here’s a look at some of Mad Mike Milbury’s worst transactions from the late ’90s to the mid-2000s.
Today in Hockey History: Feb. 8
Some of the biggest names in the history of the National Hockey League accomplished feats on this date no other player ever had before. Also, fans in the Windy City have had plenty to cheer about through the years. So, let’s take our daily trip back in time to relive the best moments Feb. 8 has had to offer.
Best NHL Goalies of the 1990s
The 1990s was an amazing decade of growth and excitement for the National Hockey League. With the European influence on the game leading to a faster, more wide-open style of play, the goaltenders had to make plenty of adjustments. The decade had no shortage of great netminders, including some of the greatest to ever play the position.
A Brief History of Rinkside Advertising
Attend any NHL game today and you’ll be bombarded by colorful ads from large corporations. From arena sponsorship signage to dasher board and on-ice advertising, there’s no avoiding it; and there’s more every year.
There’s a long history of advertising in hockey. Here we’ll look specifically at advertising and sponsorships around the arenas–on the boards, sections, and naming rights.