How many people have scored 50 goals in 50 games?

The Exclusive Club of 50 Goals in 50 Games

Scoring 50 goals in the first 50 games of an NHL season is one of hockey’s most legendary achievements—a benchmark that blends speed, consistency, and sheer offensive dominance. Officially, only five players in history have accomplished this feat across eight separate seasons, making it one of the rarest milestones in professional sports.

Wayne Gretzky stands alone at the top, reaching 50 goals in just 50 games on three different occasions—a reflection of his otherworldly scoring touch during the high-octane 1980s. His ability to find the back of the net with relentless efficiency set a standard few thought could ever be matched.

Brett Hull, known for his deadly release and goal-scoring instinct, joined the elite club twice, with his most recent feat coming in the 1990–91 season. His second 50-in-50 performance remains the last time any player has officially reached the mark, underscoring just how difficult it has become in the modern era.

Other members of this exclusive group include Maurice “Rocket” Richard, who first did it in 1944–45—the original 50-in-50 moment that inspired the challenge—along with Mike Bossy and Mario Lemieux. Each achieved it once, during peak seasons defined by explosive offensive talent.

Despite faster skating, advanced training, and improved equipment, no player has officially matched the feat since Hull. In recent decades, shifts in defensive strategies, goalie technology, and league parity have made such a pace nearly impossible. Today, the 50-in-50 milestone remains not just a statistical curiosity, but a tribute to a bygone era of scoring prowess—and the extraordinary few who reached it.