On December 30, 1976 the Soviet Nationals played the Houston Aeros in the 3rd game of their tour of the WHA. The Aeros were one of the WHA's flagship franchises.
The first period was very close and ended 1-1. The Soviets beat Ron Grahame (who was playing very well) at 2:19 of the 2nd to move ahead 2-1. At 10:15 Houston coach, Bill Dineen, pulled Grahame and replaced him with Wayne Rutledge. He wanted to give all his players a chance to play against the Soviets. Well, the Soviets proceeded to score 7 goals against Rutledge in the final 9:45 of the 2nd period to blow the game apart. They led 9-1 at the end of two periods. Grahame returned for the 3rd period and the Soviets added a final goal in a 10-1 massacre of Houston.
Is this performance by Wayne Rutledge maybe the worst ever by a pro goalie in a single game? 7 goals against in 9:45?
Craig Wallace
The first period was very close and ended 1-1. The Soviets beat Ron Grahame (who was playing very well) at 2:19 of the 2nd to move ahead 2-1. At 10:15 Houston coach, Bill Dineen, pulled Grahame and replaced him with Wayne Rutledge. He wanted to give all his players a chance to play against the Soviets. Well, the Soviets proceeded to score 7 goals against Rutledge in the final 9:45 of the 2nd period to blow the game apart. They led 9-1 at the end of two periods. Grahame returned for the 3rd period and the Soviets added a final goal in a 10-1 massacre of Houston.
Is this performance by Wayne Rutledge maybe the worst ever by a pro goalie in a single game? 7 goals against in 9:45?
Craig Wallace