# September 21 in Hockey History
September 21 has produced several notable performances across NHL history, with a particular emphasis on individual offensive excellence during preseason contests and playoff competition. The date reflects a pattern of high-volume scoring efforts and significant competitive moments spanning from 2009 to the present day.
The 2024 Buffalo-Pittsburgh Preseason Showcase
The most recent September 21 event occurred in 2024, when the Buffalo Sabres faced the Pittsburgh Penguins in what proved to be an exceptional offensive display. Two Sabres forwards recorded identical three-goal performances on the same evening—a rare occurrence in professional hockey.
JJ Peterka registered 3 goals and 0 assists for 3 points in the contest, while Jesse Puljujarvi matched that output exactly with 3 goals, 0 assists, and 3 points. Both performances demonstrated the Sabres' offensive depth during preseason preparation, though the lack of assists for either player suggests a balanced attack rather than concentrated playmaking opportunities.
A Pattern of Three-Goal Performances
The significance of three-goal performances on September 21 extends beyond the recent Buffalo-Pittsburgh matchup. Historical data reveals a recurring pattern of individual hat tricks on this particular date across different eras and team matchups.
In 2017, Brandon Saad of the Chicago Blackhawks registered 3 goals and 0 assists for 3 points against the Detroit Red Wings. Similarly, Jussi Jokinen scored 3 goals with 0 assists for the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 2013 contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets. These parallel performances underscore how September 21 has consistently attracted high-volume individual scoring efforts.
The earliest documented three-goal effort on this date occurred in 2009, when Brian Gionta of the Montréal Canadiens scored 3 goals while adding 1 assist for 4 total points against Pittsburgh. Gionta's performance stood apart from other September 21 hat tricks due to his additional assist contribution, demonstrating more complete offensive involvement.
Playoff Competition
While most September 21 events have involved preseason or regular-season matchups, the date also includes playoff activity. In 2020, the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars 3-2 in a playoff game at Rogers Place. This contest represented higher-stakes competition compared to the preseason hat trick performances, occurring during the Stanley Cup Playoffs when roster configurations typically feature established playoff rosters rather than experimental lineups.
By the Numbers
| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Total three-goal performances on Sept. 21 | 5 |
| Instances of 3G-0A hat tricks | 4 |
| Teams most represented (Pittsburgh) | 3 appearances |
| Combined goals in five hat trick performances | 15 |
| Highest point total in single performance | 4 (Gionta, 2009) |
