Sittler’s 10-Point Game with Maple Leafs Defies Time
The Toronto Maple Leafs will host a special celebration to honor Darryl Sittler for a remarkable achievement in hockey history. On Tuesday, during their game against the Buffalo Sabres at Scotiabank Arena, the team will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Sittler’s legendary 10-point game. This iconic record remains unsurpassed in the NHL, and the celebration will extend throughout the evening.
Honoring a Hockey Legend
At age 74, Sittler will be recognized with his No. 27 banner hanging from the arena rafters. Joining him will be several of his former teammates, including:
- Phil McDonald
- Thompson
- Dave “Tiger” Williams
- Inge Hammerstrom
- Claire Alexander
- Rod Seiling
- Pat Boutette
- Ian Turnbull
- Jack Valiquette
- Bob Neely
As current players wear special patches to mark the significance of the event, Sittler will share the moment with fans, teammates, and family. “To share it with the fans, my teammates, my family, it’s just special,” he expressed.
Career Highlights and Record Statistics
Sittler’s record-breaking game resulted in a staggering 10 points, comprising six assists and four goals. He ranks 68th on the NHL’s all-time points list with 1,121 points, achieved over the course of 1,096 games. This total includes:
- 484 goals
- 637 assists
His career spanned from 1970 to 1985 and saw him play for the Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, and Detroit Red Wings. His contributions to the sport earned him induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1989.
Enduring Legacy
Despite watching formidable talents like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux rise in the league, Sittler’s record remains intact. Eleven players have achieved an eight-point game, the nearest anyone has come to matching Sittler’s feat.
Sittler’s historic evening began with two assists in the first period, followed by a series of goals in the second. The excitement surged when he was informed that he was just one point away from breaking the then-NHL record held by Maurice “Rocket” Richard. “When Stan told us he was close to Rocket’s record, it was a big deal,” Williams recalled.
As fans gather to celebrate at the arena, chicken wings will be sold in honor of Sittler’s remarkable feat. They will be served in groups of ten to reflect the total points he earned in that unforgettable game. The Maple Leafs’ tribute not only honors Sittler’s legacy but also highlights the enduring significance of his record in the annals of hockey history.
