The Fifth Liners

March 2nd 1918: Joe Malone of the Toronto Arenas becomes the first NHL scoring leader. He had netted 44 goals in 22 games in the first NHL season. His record would stand until 1944-45 when 50 goals were scored by Maurice "The Rocket" Richard. 1929: George Hainsworth (Montreal Canadiens) records his 20th shutout of the season. He  would end the season with a total of 22. 1929:  The Chicago Blackhawks were shut out for the eighth consecutive game.  1966: While playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Bobby Hull becomes the first NHL player to score 50 goals in two seasons. 1969: Phil Esposito becomes the first player in the NHL to score 100 points in a single season. Fellow legends Bobby Hull and Gordie Howe also eclipsed the 100 point mark during the same season.  2004: The Pittsburgh Penguins end a 14 game home winless streak with a 3-3 tie against the Islanders

February 20th 1971- Phil Esposito became the quickest NHL player to reach 50 goals in a season while at Boston Bruins. 1974- Mr Hockey himself, Gordie Howe comes out of retirement to play alongside his sons for the Houston Aeros! 1993- The New York Islanders retired the great goalie, Billy Smith 's #31 jersey 2004- Sergei Zubov  notches up his 600 point while playing for Dallas Stars 

Today Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe aka 'Mr Hockey' turns 85- as a player he made the Number 9 jersey his own and scored over 800 careers goals in 1,767 games, won 6 Hart Trophys and 4 Stanley Cups with the Red Wings between 1950 to 1955! To call this man a legend of the game would be an understatement and he proved an inspiration to many young hockey players including a certain Wayne Gretzky! From both of us here, many happy returns Mr Hockey! You're a true legend of the game.