🦃 Best NHL Games Ever Played on Thanksgiving
1. 1960 – Gordie Howe Becomes NHL’s All-Time Leading Scorer
Game: Red Wings vs. Black Hawks
Why It’s Historic:
Gordie Howe earned his 1,220th NHL point, passing Maurice “Rocket” Richard and becoming the league’s all-time scoring leader. The milestone happened on Thanksgiving, making it one of the most iconic holiday moments in hockey history.
2. 1933 – The Infamous Eddie Shore–Ace Bailey Game
Game: Bruins vs. Maple Leafs
Why It’s Memorable:
Though tragic, this game is one of the most consequential in NHL history.
A hit by Eddie Shore on Ace Bailey resulted in a severe injury that ended Bailey’s career and led to the league’s first-ever All-Star Game (a benefit game for Bailey).
Thanksgiving 1933 remains one of the most talked-about nights from the Original Six era.
3. 1962 – The Big M Hits 300 Goals
Game: Maple Leafs vs. Rangers
Why It Matters:
Frank Mahovlich scored his 300th career goal on Thanksgiving, cementing himself as one of the elite scorers of the 1960s Leafs dynasty.
4. 1971 – Rangers 12, Bruins 1 (The “Thanksgiving Massacre”)
Game: Rangers vs. Bruins
Why It’s Famous:
One of the biggest blowouts between two powerhouse teams of the early ’70s.
New York shocked Boston with a 12–1 rout—a rare humiliation for Orr, Esposito, and the dominant Bruins of the era.
5. 1987 – Capitals 6, Oilers 3 (Upset of the Dynasty)
Game: Capitals vs. Oilers
Why It Stands Out:
A stacked Edmonton team led by Wayne Gretzky was stunned on Thanksgiving. The Capitals scored four in the third period to hand the Oilers one of their most surprising losses during their dynasty years.
6. 1992 – Gretzky’s Early Thanksgiving Magic (Kings vs. Sharks)
Game: Kings vs. Sharks
Why It’s Notable:
Not a marquee rivalry, but memorable because Wayne Gretzky hit a scoring surge that Thanksgiving week—part of his record-setting streak of 20 straight games with an assist during the season.
7. 2008 – “The Thanksgiving Classic” (Stars vs. Wild)
Game: Stars vs. Wild
Why People Still Talk About It:
A 3–2 OT thriller with big saves from Marty Turco and Niklas Backstrom. It’s widely remembered as one of the best modern Thanksgiving night games since the league rarely schedules them anymore.
