January 21st has been a significant date in hockey history, filled with milestones, memorable games, and remarkable achievements. Let's delve into some of the highlights that have occurred on this day throughout the years.

Early Milestones and Memorable Moments

On January 21, 1930, the Boston Bruins etched their name in the record books, becoming the first team in NHL history to reach the 100-goal mark in a single season. This was a testament to their offensive prowess and dominance during that era.

Goaltender Tony Esposito had a memorable January 21, 1981, winning his team-record eighth straight game, leading the Chicago Blackhawks to a 4-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. The Blackhawks' eight consecutive wins also tied a team record that was set in the 1971-72 season.

Gretzky's Ascent and Dionne's Milestone

January 21, 1985, saw Marcel Dionne score a goal in the first period, although his Los Angeles Kings ultimately succumbed to Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers in a high-scoring 8-7 affair. Four years later, on January 21, 1989, Gretzky had a goal and three assists in a game against the Hartford Whalers, pushing his career point total to 1,771. This achievement allowed him to surpass Dionne and become the second-highest scorer in NHL history. Gretzky reached this milestone in just 743 games, compared to Dionne's 1,343 games. That night also marked Gretzky's tenth straight season with 100 or more points, setting another NHL record.

Individual Achievements and Team Records

Denis Potvin, a prominent defenseman, scored the game-winning goal on January 21, 1986, in the New York Islanders' 7-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. This was his 270th career goal, tying him with Bobby Orr for the most goals scored by a defenseman in league history.

Defenseman Doug Wilson recorded his 800th NHL point on January 21, 1992, during the San Jose Sharks' 9-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Rookie Jeff Friesen scored his first NHL goal on January 21, 1995, a short-handed game-winner in a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Coaching Milestones

The 2018-19 season was significant for coaches, and on January 21, 2022, Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues became the first defenseman in team history to score on a penalty shot.

Recent Highlights

More recently, on January 21, 2023, Blake Wheeler, then with the Winnipeg Jets, achieved his 900th NHL point in a 5-1 win against the Ottawa Senators. In the same game, Nikolaj Ehlers scored his 167th goal, surpassing Frans Nielsen for the most goals by a Danish player in NHL history.

News from January 21, 2026

Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars had a three-point game on January 21, 2026, climbing the all-time points list among Finnish defensemen. The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their point streak to 14 games with a comeback win against the San Jose Sharks. Konsta Helenius scored his first NHL goal and added two assists for the Buffalo Sabres in a win against the Nashville Predators. Patrick Kane of the Detroit Red Wings is also nearing Mike Modano's U.S. points record.