Remember When: Mike Gartner’s 600th career goal

In the dynamic realm of hockey, the sport offers a plethora of highlights that linger in our memories. The New York Rangers, a team with a rich history, have contributed numerous moments that resonate with many fans. In this feature titled “Remember When,” we delve into some of these moments—some noteworthy, others less so.

In this particular installment of “Remember When,” we revisit the memorable night of December 26th, 1993, when Rangers forward Mike Gartner showcased his scoring prowess by netting his 600th and 601st career goals against the New Jersey Devils.

Gartner made history by becoming the sixth player in NHL history to reach the 600-goal milestone. The momentous occasion occurred at 6:16 of the third period, contributing to New York’s impressive 15-game home unbeaten streak. Gartner capitalized on a two-on-one break with Alexei Kovalev, receiving Kovalev’s goal-mouth pass and expertly stuffing the puck behind Devils goaltender Chris Terreri for goal number 600.

The applause had barely subsided at Madison Square Garden when Gartner swiftly added to his tally, scoring his 601st goal at 7:23. Kovalev once again played a crucial role, delivering a pass that set up Gartner’s quick and precise wrist shot from the top of the left circle. This beat Terreri high on the stick side, showcasing Gartner’s scoring prowess.

The game’s dynamic shifted dramatically after a scoreless first period, with New York seizing a commanding 5-0 lead during an eventful second period featuring a total of eight goals. Gartner’s heroics were highlighted during a rapid-fire sequence in which the Rangers scored three goals within a span of 2:11.