The shot was one component of Wilson's impressive skill set, leading to 1,024 games played in the NHL, seven appearances in the All-Star Game and the Norris Trophy in 1982.
Similarly, there are many elements combining to make a successful general manager. Hidden behind the public moments, the big trades and first-round picks at the NHL Draft, are the numerous day-to-day duties, finding the right people for the right jobs and managing up and managing down.
When the San Jose Sharks play the Edmonton Oilers at SAP Center on Thursday (10:30 p.m. ET; CSN-CA, SNW, NHL.TV), the game will be Wilson's 1,000th as their general manager. The Sharks will honor Wilson's feat Jan. 31, fittingly, against the Blackhawks.
Three others have played in at least 1,000 NHL games and served as general manager of an NHL team for at least 1,000 games: Clarke, Bob Gainey and Bob Pulford, all of whom are in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Clarke called it a unique milestone.
"It's amazing," Murray said. "Just look at the names of the guys he is joining that have done it. It's a real small group, an elite group of guys. That says it all right there. It's something very hard to do.
"He's obviously a bright guy and was a [heck] of a player. To combine both of these and still be going, he's done a heck of a job on and off the ice."
Under Wilson, the Sharks have reached one Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016, won the Pacific Division five times and reached the Western Conference Final four times. They have been a model of consistency on the ice, making the playoffs in 11 of the 12 seasons Wilson has been their GM.
"I look at it like I got to do something I love as a player and I get to do something I love, working with and for people I truly have great respect," Wilson said.
"It always starts at the top with ownership we've always had. From Mr. [George] Gund and all the way through to Mr. [Hasso] Plattner now and all the other members of our ownership group through the years. It's been a great experience to see the growth of our franchise. Again, it starts at the top with ownership."
Pulford, the very definition of old school, was Wilson's first coach in Chicago; his powerful impression and influence continue to reverberate in NHL front offices. The branches of the Pulford professional family tree particularly are strong in California.
His son-in-law is Los Angeles Kings general manager Dean Lombardi, who has held the job since 2006 and led the franchise to Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014. He was Wilson's predecessor with the Sharks.
Wilson and Murray, who was NHL general manager of the year in 2014, played for Pulford in Chicago.