SUNRISE, Fla. — In a remarkable moment for the Chicago Blackhawks, Landon Slaggert made history by scoring a goal just seven seconds into their game against the Florida Panthers on Saturday afternoon. This incredible achievement marks the fastest goal ever recorded at the start of a game for the Blackhawks, according to NHL records.
The previous record belonged to Brent Sutter, who netted a goal just eight seconds into a contest against Vancouver on February 5, 1995. Slaggert’s quick strike not only set a new team record but also became the fastest goal scored at the start of a game in the NHL this season, surpassing a nine-second effort by St. Louis’ Robert Thomas.
Ryan Donato initiated the play by winning the opening faceoff and sending the puck into Florida’s zone. Slaggert skillfully maneuvered around two Panthers defenders, seized the puck, and finished with a backhand shot past Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
This goal also marked the fastest score allowed at the beginning of a game in Panthers history, beating the previous record set by Mike Knuble, who scored for Boston three seconds later on February 14, 2003. In NHL history, only seven regular-season goals have been scored more quickly than Slaggert’s, with the last one being a six-second goal by Vancouver’s Alexandre Burrows in a game against Detroit on March 16, 2013.
Throughout history, four goals have been scored just five seconds into a game, including efforts by players from teams like the Montreal Maroons and the New York Islanders. Additionally, three goals have come six seconds in, showing just how rare and impressive Slaggert’s achievement is.
With his goal at the seven-second mark, Slaggert joins a select group in NHL lore, adding a memorable highlight to both his career and the storied history of the Blackhawks.
