On April 6, 1980, Gordie Howe scored his 801st and last regular season goal of his NHL career at the Hartford Civic Center against the Detroit Red Wings. At 11:25 of the second period, Mr. Hockey scored his 15th of the 1979-80 NHL season on Detroit goalie Rogie Vachon, assisted by Ray Allison and Gordie Roberts.
It was the last game of the regular season for both teams. Hartford would qualify for the post season while Detroit would not. The Whalers were bounced in the opening round by the Montreal Canadiens and Howe record two points in the series on a goal and assist.
In that game against the Red Wings, Gordie had just one shot on net. He also assisted on the first goal of the game, scored by Ray Allison, for a two point night. Blaine Stoughton led the Whalers with two goals and an assist. His second goal of the game at 18:21 of the third was the game winner and his 56th of the season. That total tied him for the league lead with Charlie Simmer and Danny Gare.
Howe’s first NHL goal was scored on October 16, 1946 in his first NHL game. At Detroit Olympia, Gordie scored at 12:59 of the first period on Toronto goalie Turk Broda, assisted by Sid Abel and Adam Brown, giving the Wings a 2-1 lead. The game ended in a 3-3 tie and Howe also recorded his first minor penalty in the match.
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Bonus Trivia!
Quiz: NHL Hockey Trivia: Gordie Howe
1. Gordie Howe became the first player in NHL history to score 600 career goals. In what year did he reach that mark?
2. Howe’s final NHL goal was number 801 of his career. Which team was he playing for at the time?
3. Known as “Mr. Hockey,” Howe played in the NHL across how many different decades?
4. Howe won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP six times. Who is the only player to win it more?
5. Howe played his final NHL game in 1980 at age 52. Which team was the opponent that night?