Valentine’s Day 1987: Tiger Williams Sets Kings Speed Record
Dave “Tiger” Williams built his reputation in the NHL as one of hockey’s toughest players, piling up penalty minutes wherever he played. But in 1987, the rugged forward earned an unexpected place in Los Angeles Kings history thanks to a moment of pure speed.
On February 14, 1987, the Kings faced the Hartford Whalers at the Forum. Just seven seconds after the opening faceoff, Williams caught Hartford goalie Mike Liut off guard and buried a quick goal to give Los Angeles an instant lead.
The marker, assisted by Bernie Nicholls and Dean Kennedy, became the fastest goal to start a game in Kings franchise history, a record that still stands today.
Williams finished the 1986-87 season with 16 goals and an incredible 358 penalty minutes, which was also a team record at the time. The Kings went on to win that Valentine’s Day matchup 5-2, with Marcel Dionne and Luc Robitaille each recording three-point nights.
