Today in hockey history, January 23rd has been a stage for remarkable displays of skill and memorable milestones. Let's explore some of the standout moments that have occurred on this day.
In 1934, Murray Murdoch, a forward for the New York Rangers, showcased remarkable durability by playing in his 400th consecutive game, a testament to his consistency in the physically demanding NHL. The Rangers celebrated Murdoch's milestone with a 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Murdoch set a precedent with 508 consecutive games.
January 23, 1944, witnessed an offensive explosion by the Detroit Red Wings, who set an NHL record by scoring 15 goals in a single game. Their 15-0 victory against the New York Rangers set records for consecutive goals and total points (37). Ten different players contributed to the score sheet, with Syd Howe achieving a hat trick in the most lopsided game in NHL history.
Jean Beliveau, the Montreal Canadiens star, became the first hockey player to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated on January 23, 1956,.
Wayne Gretzky reached a personal milestone on January 23, 1983, achieving his 400th career assist in just 290 NHL games. He marked the occasion with a goal and three assists in the Edmonton Oilers' 8-6 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. In the same night, Phil Housley, a rookie defenseman, celebrated his first NHL hat trick as the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-2.
Looking at more recent events, on January 22, 2026, the Columbus Blue Jackets emerged victorious against the Stars with a 1-0 score. Other games included the Sabres winning against the Canadiens 4-2, and the Bruins defeating the Golden Knights 4-3. Several Checkers skaters are entering the weekend "riding hot streaks". Jack Devine has accumulated eight points over his five-game point streak, while Ben Steeves has nine points over his last six games. Noah Gregor and Jack Studnicka have been added to the Charlotte roster.
The ECHL saw the Adirondack Thunder face the Greensboro Gargoyles. Joel Teasdale leads Trois-Rivières against the Mariners with four goals.
These are just a few of the many memorable hockey moments that have occurred on January 23rd, showcasing the rich history and exciting nature of the sport.
