On April 1, 1978 at Nassau Coliseum, Mike Bossy became the first NHL rookie to score 50 goals in a single season. The Washington Capitals were in town for a widely mismatched game against the New York Islanders. Yet, the Caps held their own through much of the game.
Guy Charron and Tom Rowe gave the visitors a 2-1 lead, a lead they held until more than halfway through the third period. But, Mike Bossy had different thoughts on what the outcome of the game might be. Bossy scored number 50 at 11:52 on Washington goalie Bernie Wolfe, assisted by Bryan Trottier and Denis Potvin.
Bossy wasn’t done. With the score tied 2-2 and Bryan Watson of the Capitals serving two or less for holding, Mike scored the game winner with just five seconds left on the clock. His 51st of the campaign came on his seventh shot, assisted by Clark Gillies and Denis Potvin. Bernie Wolfe did what he could, turning away 41 of 44 shots. Glenn Resch made just 16 saves in the win.
Mike would finish out the year with a then rookie record of 53 goals, breaking Rick Martin‘s mark of 44 set in 1971-72. Bossy’s total remains the second best for a rookie in NHL history behind Teemu Selanne’s 76 in 1992-93.
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