In 1985-86, Wayne Gretzky scored an NHL record 215 points. The league averaged 21.1 points per game, making it one of the highest-scoring seasons in NHL history. If the statistics from other memorable scoring seasons are adjusted to the 1985-86 points-per-game standard and then extrapolated over 80 games, which was the length of the season in Gretzky’s record campaign, it not only helps put Gretzky’s dominance in perspective, it also sheds a light on some often overlooked efforts.
Mario Lemieux Highest Adjusted Points-Per-Game Average
Once the numbers are adjusted, Mario Lemieux’s 1992-93 season reigns supreme. Lemieux scored 160 points in 60 games that season, with the league averaging 19.5 points per game. Raise Lemieux’s total the required 7.6 percent, and his 160 points would become 172, good for a 2.87 points-per-game average. Over 80 games, that pace would produce 229 points, the most in league history.
Gretzky’s highest-scoring season in terms of points-per-game was actually in 1983-84 when he notched 205 points in 74 contests. The league averaged 20.9 points per game that year, a 0.9 dip from 1985-86. Adjust the numbers accordingly, and Gretzky’s 205 points would equate to 224 over 80 games in 1985-86.
As expected, Lemieux and Gretzky dominate the adjusted leaderboard, combining to own 16 of the top 18 seasons in league history. Lemieux takes three of the top four spots. His 199-point 1988-89 season ranks third with an adjusted value of 222 points, while his 161-point 1995-96 season ranks fourth with an adjusted value of 220 points. Gretzky claims the remaining seven spots in the top 10, boasting seven adjusted seasons of 198 points or better.
Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr Adjusted Point Totals
Phil Esposito is the only man not named Gretzky or Lemieux to crack 190 points in the adjusted numbers. Esposito’s 152-point season in 1970-71, when the league averaged a mere 16.4 points per game, would equate to 191 points over 80 games in 1985-86. Esposito’s 1973-74 season would also earn a 20.4-percent adjustment, bumping it from 145 points to 179 points over 80 games in 1985-86. All told, Esposito would have five adjusted seasons worth more than 150 points.
Bobby Orr would actually have six seasons worth more than 150 points, a positively staggering number for anyone let alone a defenseman. Orr’s best season would be 1970-71. His 139 points in 78 games would translate to 174 points over 80 games in 1985-86.
Adam Oates’ 1990-91 Adjusted Season
The only other players to have multiple adjusted seasons worth more than 150 points are Jaromir Jagr (6), Guy Lafleur (3), Eric Lindros (3), and Bryan Trottier (2). But perhaps the most surprising season belongs to Adam Oates.
In 1990-91, Oates piled up 115 points in just 61 games for the Blues. The NHL averaged 18.5 points per contest. Adjust Oates’ total the necessary 12.3 percent, and his 115 points would jump to 169 over 80 games in 1985-86.
Highest-Scoring Seasons in NHL History
(Adjusted to 1985-86 league average of 21.1 points per game – minimum 40 games played)
229 – Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 1992-93
224 – Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 1983-84
222 – Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 1988-89
220 – Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 1995-96
215 – Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 1985-86
212 – Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 1984-85
210 – Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 1981-82
201 – Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 1982-83
199 – Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 1986-87
198 – Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 1987-88
191 – Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 1970-71
188 – Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings, 1990-91
185 – Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 1987-88
183 – Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 1991-92
182 – Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings, 1988-89
182 – Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 2000-01
179 – Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 1973-74
178 – Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 1989-90
175 – Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins, 1995-96
174 – Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, 1970-71
174 – Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 1971-72
171 – Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 1968-69
171 - Jean Ratelle, New York Rangers, 1971-72
171 – Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 1980-81
169 – Adam Oates, St. Louis Blues, 1990-91
167 – Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins, 1998-99
165 – Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings, 1989-90
163 – Steve Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings, 1988-89
162 – Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, 1969-70
162 – Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 1996-97
160 – Bernie Nicholls, Los Angeles Kings, 1988-89
159 – Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, 1973-74
159 – Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, 1976-77
159 – Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, 1977-78
159 – Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins, 1999-00
158 – Bryan Trottier, New York Islanders, 1978-79
157 – Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 1972-73
157 – Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 1979-80
155 – Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, 1952-53
155 – Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, 1974-75
155 – Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, 1974-75
155 – Marcel Dionne, Los Angeles Kings, 1979-80
155 – Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins, 2000-01
154 – Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, 1971-72
154 – Eric Lindros, Philadelphia Flyers, 1996-97
152 – Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins, 1996-97
152 – Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins, 2006-07
151 – Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, 1972-73
151 – Bryan Trottier, New York Islanders, 1977-78
151 – Jari Kurri, Edmonton Oilers, 1984-85
151 – Brett Hull, St. Louis Blues, 1990-91
151 – Pat LaFontaine, Buffalo Sabres, 1992-93
151 – Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings, 1993-94
151 – Eric Lindros, Philadelphia Flyers, 1994-95
151 – Eric Lindros, Philadelphia Flyers, 1995-96
150 – Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks, 2005-06
References: The raw total points scored per season, which can be tricky to find, were courtesy of the www.bballsports.com statistical database.
(For more adjusted scoring numbers, please read NHL Adjusted Goal Totals)
Michael Dell - Michael Dell has been the Head Writer and Editor-in-Chief of LCS Hockey (www.lcshockey.com) since 1994. In his spare time he enjoys ...
