Mario Lemieux had many iconic nights, but New Year’s Eve 1988 might be his most underrated—and most impressive.
In a game against the New Jersey Devils, Lemieux scored five goals in five different ways, something no other NHL player has ever done:
1. Even strength
2. Power play
3. Short-handed
4. Penalty shot
5. Empty net
That night wasn’t just about flashy stats—it was a masterclass in versatility and hockey IQ. Lemieux dictated every aspect of the game, showing he could score under any condition. The final score was 8–6 for the Penguins, with Lemieux involved in all eight goals (he added three assists for an 8-point night).
And this wasn’t a one-off for Mario. Despite chronic injuries and a battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Lemieux finished his career with 690 goals and 1,723 points in just 915 games. His career average of 1.88 points per game is second only to Gretzky.
Many believe that if Lemieux had stayed healthy, he could have broken Gretzky’s records. This five-goal spectacle remains one of the most unique performances in NHL history—and a reminder that Lemieux’s greatness went far beyond the stat sheet.
