#realcloutier

[vintagehockeycardsreport]

Real Cloutier stole the spotlight in the Quebec Nordiques’ first NHL game on October 10, 1979

The Nordiques lost 5-3 to the Atlanta Flames, but Cloutier scored all three Quebec goals, including the very first in franchise NHL history. His natural scoring touch, which had made him a WHA star, carried over in a big way that night.

All three goals were assisted by Marc Tardif, and although the Nordiques would struggle through their inaugural season, Cloutier’s debut hat trick remains a defining moment in team history.