NHL History: April 4th Legends & Milestones

0:00It's April 4th. I'm Corey with The Story. This is NHL News today, driven by AI and Built for Fans. April 4th packs a punch in NHL history, loaded with records and farewells. Back in 1971, Phil Esposito dropped his 7 hat trick of the season, embossed in 7-2 blow-out over Montreal, hitting 76 goals, both league marks at the time. Bobby Orr wrapped up with a record, 102 assists, and top defense stats. At night, Mark Jean-Bellevaux's final regular season game after 1,125 with the Canadians and Gordy Howes last with Detroit in his 1,687th. Gold tending gym, Shine Bright 2. Bernie Pairn snagged his 12 shut out in 1974 for Philly, plus records for starts and wins. Kim dried and played his last regular game in 1979, first goalie with 30 wins in each of his first seven seasons. Tony Esposito hit 30 wins for seven straight years in 1976.

1:02Legends left marks in playoffs and streaks. Maurice Richard debuted in the Stanley Cup final on April 4th, 1944, with an assist on the winner. Chicago Snap Montreal's 5 cups in a row in 1961, behind Glen Hall's shut out. Larry Robinson stressed his playoff streak to 18 straight in 1990, a record later massed by Nicholas Lidstrom. Fast forward to recent fire. Mangretsky broke his own points record with 214 in 1986. Austin Matthews noshed his 4th hat trick of 2021-22, joining Leafs Greates. Nathan McKinnon hit 100 points first time in 2023, plus overtime goals lead for Colorado. Roman Josie and Brad Martian hit career milestones this year on the same date. These moments remind us hockey's timeline stays electric, legend stacking bricks that still hold up the game today.