What Happened on February 20, 1971

Historical Events

Howe's Scores #1,800 Point

"Mr. Hockey," Gordie Howe scores a goal and adds 3 assists, including his 1,800th career NHL point, in 6-5 Red Wings' win over Buffalo in Detroit; Howe's 1,670th game

Esposito's Magical Season

Bruin Phil Esposito is NHL's quickest to score 50 goals in a season

  • National Emergency Center erroneously orders US radio & TV stations to go off the air. Mistake wasn't resolved for 30 minutes
1971 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Jari Litmanen, soccer player (Ajax)
  • Joost van der Westhuizen, South African rugby union halfback (89 Tests; Bulls), born in Pretoria, South Africa (d. 2017)
  • Shawn McKenzie, American programmer
Born in 1971

Famous Deaths

  • Alexander Tsfasman, Soviet Russian jazz pianist, composer, and arranger, dies at 64
1971 Highlights

About February 20, 1971

Day of the Week: Saturday
How Long Ago? 53 years, 1 month and 9 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Pig
Star Sign: Pisces

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: One Bad Apple - The Osmonds
  • UK #1 Song: My Sweet Lord - George Harrison