Unveiling the Most Goal-Rich Games in the NHL’s Rich History

In recent times, the National Hockey League (NHL) has witnessed an upsurge in offense, with the average goals per game and the number of 100-point scorers each season on an escalating trajectory. This article delves into the annals of NHL history, spotlighting the most high-scoring games ever played in the league.

Record-Breaking 21-Goal Feats

Two games hold the record for the most goals scored in an NHL match. The first of these was the Edmonton Oilers’ 12-9 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on December 11, 1985. The other 21-goal game was nearly a century ago when the Montreal Canadiens triumphed over the Toronto St. Patrick’s with a 14-7 scoreline on January 10, 1920.

The 20-Goal Spectacles

Two games in the NHL history books boast an impressive 20-goal tally. The Toronto Maple Leafs outscored the Edmonton Oilers 11-9 on January 8, 1986, and the Edmonton Oilers returned the favor against the Minnesota North Stars with a 12-8 win on January 4, 1984.

19 Goals Extravaganzas

Several games in the NHL have seen 19 goals hit the back of the net. Notable among them include the Vancouver Canucks’ 10-9 win against the Minnesota North Stars on October 7, 1983, and the Detroit Red Wings’ 10-9 victory over the Boston Bruins on March 16, 1944. The Montreal Canadiens also feature prominently in the 19-goal club, with their 13-6 and 16-3 wins against the Hamilton Tigers and Quebec Bulldogs, respectively.

The 18-Goal Thrillers

There have been a handful of 18-goal thrillers in the NHL as well, such as the San Jose Sharks’ 10-8 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 13, 1996, and the Detroit Red Wings’ 10-8 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on November 25, 1987. The Toronto Maple Leafs also notched up two 18-goal games, one against the Chicago Blackhawks (then known as “Black Hawks”) in 1977 and the other against the Buffalo Sabres in 1981.

The Highest Scoring NHL Playoff Game

The Los Angeles Kings hold the record for the highest-scoring game in NHL playoff history. They edged the Edmonton Oilers 10-8 in the first game of their 1982 division semifinal series on April 7, 1982, and eventually clinched the series 3-2.