Scoring 70 goals in a single NHL season is a feat reserved for the truly extraordinary. Throughout the history of the league, only a select group of eight players have achieved this remarkable milestone. Let’s take a closer look at the NHL players who’ve scored 70 or more goals in a season.
Wayne Gretzky:
Undoubtedly the greatest player to ever lace up a pair of skates, Wayne Gretzky’s dominance knew no bounds. Remarkably, “The Great One” accomplished the feat of scoring 70 or more goals not once, not twice, but four times in his illustrious career. The years of his achievements are as follows: 1981-1982 (92 goals), 1982-1983 (71 goals), 1983-1984 (87 goals), and 1984-1985 (73 goals). Gretzky achieved these milestones while dazzling fans with his extraordinary skill and vision on the ice, solidifying his status as a living legend.
Brett Hull:
Following in the footsteps of his father, Bobby Hull, Brett Hull carved out his own legacy as one of the most lethal goal scorers in NHL history. Hull achieved the remarkable feat of scoring 70 or more goals three times during his career. He accomplished this feat in the following seasons: 1989-1990 (72 goals), 1990-1991 (86 goals), and 1991-1992 (70 goals). Hull’s incredible knack for finding the back of the net made him a perennial threat and a nightmare for opposing goaltenders.
Mario Lemieux:
Mario Lemieux’s combination of size, skill, and finesse made him one of the most dominant players of his era. Like Gretzky, Lemieux achieved the milestone of scoring 70 or more goals multiple times in his career. He accomplished this feat in the following seasons: 1987-1988 (70 goals) and 1988-1989 (85 goals). Despite battling numerous injuries throughout his career, Lemieux’s scoring touch remained unparalleled, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
Alexander Mogilny:
A dynamic winger known for his blazing speed and deadly shot, Alexander Mogilny enjoyed a prolific career in the NHL. In the 1992-1993 season, while playing for the Buffalo Sabres, Mogilny joined the elite club of players who’ve scored 70 or more goals in a single season, tallying an impressive 76 goals. His electrifying performances on the ice captivated fans and solidified his place among the league’s premier goal scorers.
Phil Esposito:
A towering presence on the ice, Phil Esposito possessed a scoring touch that few could match. In the 1970-1971 season, while playing for the Boston Bruins, Esposito reached the coveted 70-goal mark, netting an impressive 76 goals. His ability to dominate in front of the net and capitalize on scoring chances made him a perennial threat and a driving force behind the Bruins’ success during his tenure with the team.
Teemu Selanne:
Known as the “Finnish Flash,” Teemu Selanne mesmerized fans with his speed, skill, and infectious enthusiasm for the game. In the 1992-1993 season, while playing for the Winnipeg Jets, Selanne announced his arrival in the NHL by scoring an incredible 76 goals, tying Alexander Mogilny’s mark for the season. Selanne’s electrifying rookie campaign remains one of the most memorable in NHL history, earning him Calder Trophy honors as the league’s top rookie.
Jari Kurri:
A key member of the powerhouse Edmonton Oilers teams of the 1980s, Jari Kurri formed a dynamic duo with Wayne Gretzky and played an integral role in the team’s success. In the 1984-1985 season, Kurri showcased his scoring prowess by lighting the lamp an impressive 71 times. His chemistry with Gretzky and ability to finish scoring chances with precision made him a vital cog in the Oilers’ championship machine.
Bernie Nicholls:
While perhaps not as well-known as some of the other names on this list, Bernie Nicholls left an indelible mark on the NHL with his remarkable scoring ability. In the 1988-1989 season, while playing for the Los Angeles Kings, Nicholls achieved the milestone of scoring 70 or more goals, finishing the season with an impressive 70 goals. His offensive prowess and knack for finding the back of the net made him a valuable asset for the Kings and earned him recognition as one of the league’s premier goal scorers.
Conclusion: These eight players stand as testaments to the incredible skill, determination, and passion that define the sport of hockey. Their remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the game and continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike. As the NHL continues to evolve, the legacy of these legendary goal scorers will endure as a timeless reminder of the magic that can unfold on the ice.
The only question now is Who will be the next player to hit 70? Our prediction….Auston Mathews of the Leafs.
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