In a nostalgic trip down memory lane, former Montreal Canadiens teammates Chris Nilan and Rick Green recently opened up about the unforgettable moment they scored their first goals in the National Hockey League. The two members of the storied 1986 Stanley Cup championship team shared their personal stories on a bonus episode of The Gazette's Hockey Inside/Out Show, hosted by Stu Cowan.
The Maiden Markers
The conversation naturally turned to the unique experience of netting that first career goal, a milestone every player remembers. Chris "Knuckles" Nilan, known more for his pugilistic prowess, and Rick "Greenie" Green, a steady defensive presence, both recounted the specific details of the plays, the opponents, and the overwhelming emotions that followed the red light flashing for them for the first time.
Their reflections come at a time when current Canadiens prospect Owen Beck recently celebrated his own first NHL goal. Beck's journey to the milestone was particularly dramatic, as he had two previous goals overturned by video review before finally seeing one count officially during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 20.
More Than Just the First
Beyond their inaugural tallies, Nilan and Green discussed other significant goals from their lengthy careers. For players who were not primarily scorers, these memorable markers often held extra meaning, whether they were game-winners, playoff goals, or simply moments of personal triumph that resonated years later.
The full discussion is available on the Hockey Inside/Out YouTube channel, as well as on popular podcast platforms Spotify and Apple Podcasts. This bonus episode was released following a one-week holiday break for the show.
Looking Ahead for Habs Fans
The regular weekly Hockey Inside/Out Show is scheduled to return on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Following that, the program plans to release three additional bonus episodes for dedicated listeners. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the YouTube channel to ensure they don't miss these deep dives into Canadiens history and current events.
The stories from Nilan and Green serve as a bridge between generations of Canadiens players, connecting the past glory of multiple Stanley Cup championships with the hopeful future represented by young players like Owen Beck achieving their own firsts in the iconic bleu, blanc, et rouge.
