The record had stood for 36 years. In 1944–45, Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice "Rocket" Richard scored 50 goals in 50 games, setting a standard that came to define offensive brilliance in hockey. For nearly four decades, the mark had been approached but never equaled. Then came Mike Bossy.
By January 1981, Bossy was in the midst of a historic offensive season. The Islanders' right wing had scored at a blistering pace, but entering Game 50 of the season — a home game at Nassau Coliseum against the Quebec Nordiques — he still needed two goals to match Richard's mark. It seemed likely he would fall short. With less than five minutes remaining in the third period, Bossy had yet to score.
Then, with 4:09 remaining, he scored his 49th goal. Nassau Coliseum buzzed with anticipation. The building sensed history. With 1:29 left in regulation, Bossy found the puck, and fired. Goal number 50. The arena erupted.
Bossy had matched the Rocket's legendary mark, becoming only the second player in NHL history to score 50 goals in 50 games. The achievement was all the more remarkable for how it was accomplished — two goals in the final five minutes, under enormous pressure, in front of a home crowd that understood exactly what they were witnessing.
"I wanted it so badly," Bossy said after the game. "I'm glad it happened at home. These fans have been so great to me." The Nassau Coliseum crowd, already devoted to their team, loved Bossy all the more for that night.
He went on to score 68 goals that season. He finished with 573 career goals in just 752 games — a goals-per-game ratio surpassed only by Wayne Gretzky among prolific scorers. But January 24, 1981, the night of the 50th goal in the 50th game, stands as the defining individual moment of the Islanders' dynasty era. Fort Neverlose had a lot of great nights. That one was among the greatest.