# September 25 in Hockey History
September 25 has emerged as a notable date on the NHL calendar, marked by several standout individual performances and a significant playoff contest. The date showcases both the competitive intensity of playoff hockey and the offensive explosiveness that occasionally materializes during preseason games.
Five-Point Performances: A Recurring Theme
The most striking pattern in September 25 history involves players recording five-point performances. This elite statistical achievement has occurred three times on this date across an eight-year span, demonstrating the date's association with offensive excellence.
In 2016, Kenny Agostino recorded a five-point game consisting of 2 goals and 3 assists. Two years later, Patrik Laine replicated this exact statistical line—2 goals and 3 assists—on September 25, 2017. Most recently, in 2024, Darren Raddysh matched the same five-point output with 2 goals and 3 assists. The consistency of this particular point distribution across three separate instances suggests these performances occurred during preseason action, where such offensive outbursts are more frequently documented.
Hat Tricks and Playoff Intensity
Beyond the five-point performances, September 25 has witnessed multiple three-goal performances. James Neal registered a hat trick for the St. Louis Blues against the Minnesota Wild in 2021, posting a 3-1-3 statistical line. That same year, the date coincided with preseason matchups across the league.
Earlier, on September 25, 2018, Ty Rattie scored three goals for the Edmonton Oilers in their contest against the Vancouver Canucks, finishing with an identical 3-0-3 line. In 2009, Douglas Murray of the San Jose Sharks notched three goals with one assist against the Anaheim Ducks, recording a 3-1-4 performance.
The prevalence of hat tricks on this date—four instances across a 15-year period—indicates September 25 as particularly conducive to individual goal-scoring performances, whether during preseason exhibitions or early-season contests.
Playoff Hockey on September 25
The only playoff game documented for September 25 occurred in 2020, when the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars 5-4 at Rogers Place. This contest represented Game 4 of their playoff series, reflecting the NHL's adjusted scheduling that year. The one-goal margin underscores the competitive nature of the matchup, with both teams pursuing playoff advancement in a tightly contested series.
By the Numbers
**Five-point performances**: 3 recorded on September 25 (2016, 2017, 2024)**Hat tricks**: 4 instances of three-goal performances (2009, 2018, 2021, plus additional occurrences)**Statistical consistency**: Each five-point performance comprised exactly 2 goals and 3 assists**Playoff result**: Tampa Bay Lightning 5, Dallas Stars 4 (2020, Game 4)**Year span**: Notable performances documented across 15 years (2009-2024)