#1979nhl

[vintagehockeycardsreport]

Blair MacDonald’s Historic Hat Trick Launches Oilers Era

Blair MacDonald delivered a milestone moment for the Edmonton Oilers on October 19, 1979, scoring the first hat trick in the team’s NHL history. His three-goal night powered Edmonton to a 6–3 win over the Quebec Nordiques, marking their first NHL victory. MacDonald added an assist for a four-point night, while Wayne Gretzky chipped in two helpers. MacDonald went on to tie Marcel Dionne for the NHL lead in hat tricks that season with four. A historic performance in the Oilers’ earliest days.

[vintagehockeycardsreport]

Opening Night 1979: A Legend is Born at Boston Garden

🏒 Oct 11, 1979 – Boston Garden Seven teams passed on Ray Bourque at the ‘79 Draft. The Bruins didn’t—and opening night proved why.

✅ First NHL point (assist) just 40 seconds in ✅ First NHL goal, a powerplay rocket ✅ 4-0 Bruins win over the new-to-the-NHL Jets ✅ Shutout by Gilles Gilbert ✅ End-of-year haul: 65 points + Calder Trophy

🎯 They could’ve picked Bourque. Boston did.