The Detroit Red Wings, a franchise steeped in NHL history, have witnessed some remarkable goal-scoring feats over the years. A select few players have etched their names into the record books by joining the elusive 50-goal club. This exclusive group represents the pinnacle of offensive talent to don the Winged Wheel.
The first Red Wing to reach this milestone was Mickey Redmond. Acquired from the Montreal Canadiens, Redmond found his stride in Detroit, scoring 52 goals in the 1972-73 season, surpassing Gordie Howe's previous team record. "Mick" followed that performance with a 51-goal campaign the following year before injuries started to impact his career. Redmond currently serves as a color commentator for Red Wings games.
Danny Grant was next, who the Red Wings acquired from the Minnesota North Stars. Grant picked up the scoring slack with 50 goals in the 1974-75 season. Although he continued to post respectable numbers, he never reached the 50-goal mark again.
It wasn't until the 1984-85 season that another Red Wing joined the club, when John Ogrodnick set a then-franchise record with 55 goals. Playing alongside a young Steve Yzerman, Ogrodnick thrived in Detroit. Ogrodnick is now a member of the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association.
Steve Yzerman, the longtime captain and face of the franchise, reached the 50-goal mark five times between 1987 and 1993. His most impressive season came in 1988-89 when he scored 65 goals, a franchise record that still stands today. Under the guidance of coaches Jacques Demers and Bryan Murray, Yzerman was nearly on par offensively with legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
The 1993-94 season saw Sergei Fedorov join the 50-goal club with a remarkable 56-goal season. That same year, Ray Sheppard also reached the milestone with 52 goals.
Reaching 50 goals in a season is a testament to a player's skill, determination, and offensive prowess. It's a benchmark that separates the great players from the truly exceptional ones. The Detroit Red Wings' 50-goal club represents a legacy of offensive excellence, a reminder of the electrifying talent that has graced the ice in Hockeytown.
