Shorthanded goals prove that being a player down isn’t always a setback, it can be a chance to strike back and turn defense into offense. These plays require quick thinking and the ability to seize the moment under pressure. Wayne Gretzky holds the record for the most shorthanded goals in NHL history with a total of 73.
Photo Credit: Trading Card Database, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Top 5 NHL Players with the Most Shorthanded Goals
Here are the top 5 players with the Most Shorthanded Goals in NHL History, highlighting their remarkable scoring feats across multiple seasons.
| Rank | Player | Career Span | Shorthanded Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wayne Gretzky | 1979-1999 | 73 |
| 2 | Mark Messier | 1979-2004 | 63 |
| 3 | Steve Yzerman | 1983-2006 | 50 |
| 4 | Mario Lemieux | 1984-2006 | 49 |
| 5 | Butch Goring | 1969-1985 | 39 |
Wayne Gretzky (73 Shorthanded Goals)
Position: Center
Teams: Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers
Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career spanned from 1979 to 1999. He is recognized as the all-time leader in shorthanded goals with a total of 73. His sharp instincts and ability to anticipate plays allowed him to convert tough defensive scenarios into scoring opportunities.
Mark Messier (63 Shorthanded Goals)
Position: Center/Left Wing
Teams: Edmonton Oilers, NY Rangers, Vancouver Canucks
Mark Messier’s career lasted from 1979 to 2004. He achieved 63 shorthanded goals and set the NHL playoff record with 14 shorthanded goals. His unique style of physical play combined with clutch scoring made him one of the greatest two-way leaders in the sport.
Steve Yzerman (50 Shorthanded Goals)
Position: Center
Teams: Detroit Red Wings
Steve Yzerman captained the Detroit Red Wings for many years and recorded 50 shorthanded goals. In 2000, he received the Selke Trophy for his outstanding defensive skills and he still holds the record for the most shorthanded goals in Red Wings history.
Mario Lemieux (49 Shorthanded Goals)
Position: Center
Teams: Pittsburgh Penguins
Mario Lemieux recorded 49 shorthanded goals over just 915 games. His combination of talent and creativity made him a threat even while defending against penalties and his record still stands for the Penguins.
Butch Goring (39 Shorthanded Goals)
Position: Center
Teams: Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, Boston Bruins
Butch Goring was a center active from 1969 to 1985 and scored 39 shorthanded goals. He was dubbed the Islanders’ “final piece” during their four consecutive Stanley Cup wins and his penalty-killing prowess won him the 1981 Conn Smythe Trophy.
