1968: The beginning of a record streak in the NHL. Toronto’s Garry Unger got into the game and played in 914 straight games, with the streak ending in 1979. That record was broken in 1986 by Hartford’s Doug Jarvis.
1978: A huge night dishing out the ball. New Jersey’s Kevin Porter set an NBA record with 29 assists in one game. That helped the Nets beat the Rockets 126–112.
1980: They completed the miracle run. The U.S. hockey team beat Finland 4–2 to win the gold medal. It was the first time in 20 years America won the gold in hockey.
Who’s celebrating a birthday in the sports world today? How about Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame first baseman Eddie Murray, who’s 70. Calgary Flames Hall of Fame goalie Mike Vernon is 63. Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia is 56. Ex–Boston Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell and ex–Arizona Cardinals defensive end Simeon Rice are both 52. Former boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. is 49, and Chicago Blackhawks winger Tyler Bertuzzi is 31.