Production Line
1960
Maurice Richard, a.k.a. "the Rocket," was the NHL's alltime leading scorer (544 goals) when he landed on SI's cover near the end of his 18th, and final, season in Montreal.
1973
Phil Esposito, who had spurred the Bruins to Stanley Cup titles in two of the previous four seasons, led the NHL in goals for the fifth straight year with 68 in 1973--74.
1981
Wayne Gretzky, at the tender age of 20 and already the NHL's best player, scored a league-high 92 goals for the Oilers in 1981--82, setting a single-season record that still stands.