November 19 in Hockey

# November 19 in Hockey History

November 19 stands as a significant date in NHL history, marked by extraordinary individual performances and career milestones that span nearly a century of professional hockey. From record-breaking offensive outbursts to the quiet achievement of longevity in the modern era, this date reflects the league's evolution and the enduring excellence of its players.

Early Brilliance: The Pre-Original Six Era

The earliest notable November 19 achievement dates to 1929, when Frank Fredrickson recorded a remarkable seven-point performance with 2 goals and 5 assists. This outstanding display of playmaking and scoring prowess demonstrated the offensive capabilities that defined hockey's earliest decades, establishing a benchmark for individual game excellence that would influence generations of players.

Notable Single-Game Performances

One of the most dominant individual performances recorded on November 19 occurred in 1983, when Edmonton Oilers forward Jari Kurri erupted for 5 goals and 1 assist in a game against the New Jersey Devils. This 6-point evening showcased Kurri's elite scoring ability during Edmonton's dynasty years of the 1980s, a period that redefined offensive hockey and established new performance standards across the league.

The Milestone Era: Career Achievements (1992-Present)

Beginning in the early 1990s, November 19 became increasingly associated with career milestone achievements. In 1992, defenseman Doug Wilson reached the 1000-game mark, joining an exclusive group of players who demonstrated exceptional durability and professional consistency. Three years later, on November 19, 1995, goaltender Don Beaupre reached his own 1000th career game—a remarkable accomplishment for a netminder, given the physical and mental demands of the position.

The 2010s and 2020s have seen a clustering of milestones on this date. In 2018, Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators reached 500 career games. The year 2019 proved particularly significant, with three separate career benchmarks achieved: Brad Marchand and Blake Comeau both reached 700 career games, while Tyler Seguin attained 600 career points—a mark reflecting sustained excellence across more than a decade of professional competition.

Recent years have continued this trend. On November 19, 2022, both Nick Holden (600 games) and Radek Faksa (500 games) reached their respective milestones. In 2024, Zemgus Girgensons achieved 700 career games, and most recently, in 2025, Alex Ovechkin reached 900 career goals—a historically significant achievement that placed him among the league's all-time elite goal-scorers.

Analysis and Significance

The concentration of milestones on November 19 reflects the randomness inherent in scheduling, yet the recurring nature of these achievements underscores a fundamental reality: NHL longevity remains exceptionally difficult to achieve. Whether through a single night of offensive brilliance or the accumulated value of a thousand-game career, November 19 consistently reminds us of the extraordinary demands and rewards of professional hockey excellence.

By the Numbers