Middleton's record of 25 goals stood for over 30 years until Marchand's exceptional 2018-19 season, where he scored three shorthanded goals, bringing his total to 26. Marchand currently holds the record with an astonishing 33 shorthanded goals, leaving Middleton in awe of the accomplishment. Despite the feat, Middleton acknowledges that Marchand's record is not on the same level as those held by Wayne Gretzky.
During the 1982-83 playoffs, Middleton recorded an incredible 19 points in the Adams Division Finals against the Buffalo Sabres, a feat unmatched by any other player in a single playoff series. Not even superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been able to surpass Middleton's record. Gretzky came close with 18 points, but fell short.
Middleton's exceptional offensive prowess earned him the nickname "Nifty." He also joined an exclusive group of Bruins players who scored 50 goals in a season, which includes Phil Esposito, Cam Neely, Johnny Bucyk, Ken Hodge, and David Pastrnak. Middleton reflects on his achievements with pride, noting the rarity of such accomplishments in the NHL.
