Today in Hockey History: December 30th marks several memorable milestones, showcasing remarkable individual achievements and significant team moments across the National Hockey League.
One of the most celebrated feats occurred on December 30, 1981, when Wayne Gretzky, playing for the Edmonton Oilers, etched his name in history by scoring five goals against the Philadelphia Flyers. This performance allowed Gretzky to reach the 50-goal mark in an astonishingly quick 39 games, a record that remains unmatched. His 1981-1982 season is still considered one of the most impressive offensive displays in NHL history.
Grant Fuhr, another Oilers legend, celebrated his first NHL shutout on December 30, 1983. Fuhr made 36 saves in a 2-0 victory against the Boston Bruins, marking the beginning of his impressive career shutout total of 25.
Gordie Howe, a Detroit Red Wings icon, also made history on this day. On December 30, 1954, Howe scored his 254th career goal in a 4-1 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This goal made him the highest goal-scorer in Red Wings history, surpassing his teammate Ted Lindsay.
In Vancouver, December 30, 1984, was a special day for Thomas Gradin, who became the first Canucks player to record 300 career assists. The game ended in a 7-7 tie with the Oilers, featuring a four-goal surge by Vancouver in the third period.
Martin Brodeur, a New Jersey Devils Hall of Fame goaltender, earned a shutout on December 30, 2006, in a 2-0 win against the New York Islanders. This was Brodeur's 86th career shutout, setting an NHL record for the most shutouts with a single team.
The St. Louis Blues also have fond memories from this date. On December 30, 1969, Glenn Hall recorded his 82nd career shutout in a 5-0 road victory against Montreal. The Blues reacquired Red Berenson on December 30, 1974, adding to the team's historical significance on this day.
More recently, on December 30, 2023, Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers continued to build his legacy. McDavid contributed to both of the Oilers' second-period goals in a 3-2 win against the Los Angeles Kings. This pushed him past Peter Stastny for sole possession of fourth place in all-time assists through 600 career games, trailing only Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr.
Yesterday, December 29, 2025, Sergei Bobrovsky of the Florida Panthers made 22 saves in a 5-3 victory over the Washington Capitals, earning his 446th career win and moving him past Terry Sawchuk into eighth place on the all-time goaltender wins list. Steven Stamkos of the Nashville Predators scored twice in a 4-3 win against the Utah Mammoth, bringing him within one goal of his 600th career goal. The Buffalo Sabres secured their ninth consecutive win by defeating the St. Louis Blues 4-2. Also, the Hurricanes defeated the Rangers 3-2 in overtime.
These events highlight the rich history and exciting moments that have occurred on December 30th in hockey, solidifying the date as one filled with remarkable achievements and unforgettable games.
