Any hockey fan knows that when we mention Mr. Hockey we are talking about hockey legend Gordie Howe. However, you wouldn't be wrong to call him Mr. Christmas either because, as we shall see, he was particularly effective when playing on Christmas Day.
According to the NHL's Twitter account, Howe is the leader in goals, assists and points on Christmas Day. He is also, along with Frank Mahovlich, one of only two players to have more than ten goals (12) on December 25th.
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It was also on December 25th in 1956 that Howe had his best scoring night of his NHL career. On that day, the legend had six points (three goals, three assists) for the Detroit Red Wings in an 8-1 win over the New York Rangers at Olympia Stadium . Two of the three goals came in the third period as the Red Wings scored on six occasions. It was Howe's 12th career hat trick.
These records on Christmas Day only add to the legend of Mr. Hockey. He is still considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time and will be for many, many years to come.
By the way, December 25th 1971 was the last time the NHL played games on Christmas Day. Future collective bargaining agreements have always spelled out that players get to spend Christmas Day with their families.
