Wayne Thomas played just ten games with the Montreal Canadiens in his rookie 1972-73 NHL season. His first game was played on January 14, 1973 at Pacific Coliseum against the Vancouver Canucks and he turned away 20 shots put his way for his first of ten career blanks in the NHL.
In that 3-0 win, Thomas got help up front by Frank Mahovlich, Jacques Lemaire and Pete Mahovlich, each scoring a goal in the 3-0 win. Bobby Schmautz and Jocelyn Guevremont of the Canucks gave Wayne the most trouble with three shots apiece.
Mike Palmateer didn’t get a shutout until his eight game in the NHL and then did the same the following match. More impressive is that Palmateer faced 62 shots combined in his first two games, allowing just a goal in each and getting the Toronto Maple Leafs a pair of wins.
Bernie Parent was close, getting his first NHL shutout in just his sixth game. He made 30 saves, helping the Boston Bruins to a 2-0 win over the Maple Leafs. In his first game, Parent allowed just two goals on 44 shots but was rocked in his second game, allowing eight on 36.
Wayne Stephenson was behind those three but still did quite well. His first shutout was in his 12th game. Like Bernie Parent, that first blank came against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He made 30 saves, giving his St. Louis Blues a 1-0 win.
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