Sports Statistics: Most Goals Scored in a Hockey Game

Did you know the highest‑scoring hockey game ever ended with 16 goals? That number still stands after a century of slap shots, power plays, and overtime thrills. If you love crazy stats, you’re in the right spot.

The Legendary Team Record

Back on December 26, 1920, the Montreal Canadiens crushed the Quebec Bulldogs 16‑3. It wasn’t a modern‑day shoot‑out; it happened when the NHL was still finding its footing. The Canadiens’ offense was relentless, and the Bulldogs couldn’t answer a single shot.

Why does that game matter today? It shows how scoring spikes can happen when rules, equipment, and strategy line up just right. Even with today’s faster players and tighter goaltending, matching 16 goals would feel like trying to beat the internet’s fastest meme.

Second‑Highest Totals and Individual Feats

The closest anyone has come is the Toronto Arenas’ 15‑goal outburst against the Ottawa Senators in 1918. That result still sits second on the all‑time list, proof that early hockey was a bit wilder than the polished product we see now.

On the individual side, the record belongs to Darryl Sittler. In a 1976 showdown, he netted six goals and added four assists for a 10‑point night. No one has matched that six‑goal haul in a single NHL game since—makes you wonder what a modern star would do with today’s training.

Since the 1970s, scoring has dipped. Defensive systems, better helmets, and elite goaltending keep the net tighter. That’s why a 10‑goal game today would be headline news in every sports column.

For fans tracking season stats, these historic outliers are useful benchmarks. They illustrate how a team’s offensive burst can swing a playoff seed or how a single player’s record night can boost a franchise’s brand.

Here’s a quick snapshot you can keep on your phone:

• 16 goals – Montreal Canadiens (1920) vs. Quebec Bulldogs
• 15 goals – Toronto Arenas (1918) vs. Ottawa Senators
• Individual record – 6 goals (plus 4 assists) by Darryl Sittler (1976)

Whether you’re a casual fan, a stats junkie, or a player looking for inspiration, knowing these extremes adds flavor to every game you watch. Next time the scoreboard climbs fast, you’ll have a historic frame of reference.

Got a favorite crazy hockey stat of your own? Share it with the Western Maine Hockey Hub community and keep the conversation rolling. The more we talk numbers, the richer the game becomes for everyone.