Way-back Playback: Gretzky scores 50 goals in 39 games

Of all the records Wayne Gretzky set during his unparalleled NHL career, scoring 50 goals in 50 games or fewer on three separate occasions is most likely to stand the test of time. While Gretzky last achieved the feat in the 49th game of the season on this day back in 1985 - his 24th birthday - his most impressive performance came a few seasons earlier.

On Dec. 30, 1981, Gretzky, then a member of the Edmonton Oilers, registered five goals against the Philadelphia Flyers to reach 50 goals in the 39th game of the season. This offensive outburst came after he had scored four during the previous game.

As a result, Gretzky became only the third player in NHL history to perform this feat, following Maurice Richard and Mike Bossy (both of whom needed 50 games to hit that mark).

Here's a look at some highlights from that amazing run:

Gretzky continued to roll that season, finishing with a league-record 92 goals. He also scored 50 in 42 games during the 1983-84 season, and owns the NHL's all-time record for goals scored with 894.