# September 28 in Hockey History
September 28 has established itself as a date marked by exceptional individual performances and significant playoff moments across NHL history. From preseason showcases to postseason intensity, this calendar day reveals patterns of offensive brilliance and competitive drama that span multiple decades.
The Hat Trick Phenomenon
September 28 has become notable for producing an unusual concentration of three-goal performances. The most recent occurrence came in 2025 when Frank Nazar of the Minnesota Wild recorded 3 goals and 0 assists (3 points total) against the Chicago Blackhawks, matching a trend that has repeated itself several times on this date.
The preseason of 2019 witnessed a particularly striking example of this pattern. On September 28, the Boston Bruins faced the Chicago Blackhawks in a preseason matchup that showcased two separate hat tricks. David Pastrnak registered 3 goals and 1 assist for 4 points, while Jake DeBrusk also scored 3 goals with 1 assist for 4 points. This dual offensive explosion highlighted the depth of Boston's scoring capabilities heading into that season.
Looking further back, similar performances occurred with regularity. In 2017, Jared McCann of the Florida Panthers recorded 3 goals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 2014 preseason saw Jeff Carter of the Anaheim Ducks score 3 goals against the Los Angeles Kings. In 2011, Anze Kopitar achieved the same feat with the Colorado Avalanche facing the Los Angeles Kings.
These recurring hat tricks suggest that September 28 games, whether preseason or otherwise, have consistently provided circumstances conducive to high-scoring individual performances.
Playoff Significance
Beyond preseason performances, September 28 has hosted critical playoff moments. In 2020, the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars 2-0 at Rogers Place during playoff action. This contest represented the intensity of postseason competition, contrasting sharply with the high-scoring preseason displays that frequently occur on this date.
Historical Context
September 28 also marks the date of Game 8 of the 1972 Summit Series, a significant moment in hockey history that transcended regular season and playoff competition. This game represented Cold War-era hockey at its most intense, though detailed statistics from this historic contest fall outside the current data parameters.
Analysis
The prevalence of hat tricks on this particular date across different decades and franchises—from the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks to the Los Angeles Kings, Florida Panthers, and Minnesota Wild—suggests patterns worth monitoring. Whether related to preseason scheduling, opponent preparedness levels, or other seasonal factors remains an analytical question for further investigation.
By the Numbers
**5 hat tricks recorded**: Frank Nazar (2025), David Pastrnak (2019), Jake DeBrusk (2019), Jared McCann (2017), Jeff Carter (2014), Anze Kopitar (2011)**Combined points in 2019 dual hat trick game**: Pastrnak and DeBrusk combined for 8 points**Playoff game score (2020)**: Tampa Bay Lightning 2, Dallas Stars 0**Years spanning documented performances**: 1972-2025 (53 years of recorded history on this date)