Fastest hat trick in NHL history
On March 23, 1952, Bill Mosienko of the Chicago Black Hawks scored three goals in just 21 seconds against the New York Rangers. That moment created the fastest hat trick in NHL history, a record that has stuck around for over 70 years. Even with modern training methods and way better equipment, no player has come anywhere close to matching Mosienko's incredible burst of speed and scoring.
The night Mosienko made history
The Black Hawks trailed 6-3 late in the third period when everything changed. Mosienko scored at 6:09, then again at 6:20, and finally at 6:30. Gus Bodnar assisted on all three goals, winning crucial faceoffs and setting up his teammate perfectly each time. Chicago won the game 7-6, completing an unlikely comeback. Since the regular season was ending with minimal playoff stakes, few people realized they had witnessed something truly special that night (honestly, who knew it would last this long?).
Why nobody has matched this record
Jean Beliveau came the closest with a hat trick in just 44 seconds back in 1955. Modern players have scored two goals under 20 seconds multiple times, but three goals in 21 seconds? It's never happened again. Today's goaltenders are faster and more skilled than their 1952 counterparts. NHL teams also play much more defensively, making it harder to score multiple goals in rapid succession. The competition level has increased dramaticly since Mosienko's era.
Understanding hockey hat tricks
A standard hat trick means scoring three goals in one game. A natural hat trick occurs when a player scores three consecutive goals without another player scoring between them. Mosienko's record qualifies as both types. The Gordie Howe hat trick is different it involves one goal, one assist, and one fight in the same game. Wayne Gretzky holds the career hat trick record with 50, but none of his came anywhere near Mosienko's speed. That distinction belongs to Mosienko alone.
Mosienko's 21-second hat trick remains one of hockey's greatest achievements. The record has outlasted generations of elite scorers and continues to inspire awe among fans and players alike. At Zone One Complex, we celebrate moments like this that define hockey history and remind us why the sport captivates millions.
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