tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-379642652024-02-07T05:35:56.297-08:00Buffalo Sabres LegendsBuffalo Sabres Greatest PlayersJoe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.comBlogger114125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-1166313237232982422019-04-06T15:10:00.000-07:002019-04-06T15:10:36.182-07:00Gilbert Perreault<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For 17 glorious seasons, Gilbert Perreault was the Buffalo Sabres. As he went, so did the Sabres. An absolute magician with a hockey puck, Perreault ranks high on the NHL's all-time scoring list with 512 goals and 814 assists, for 1326 points in 1,191 games.<br />
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Perreault was the first draft choice in Buffalo Sabres history when selected first overall in the 1970 NHL draft. In 1971 he captured the Calder trophy as the NHL's rookie-of-the-year.<br />
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In the Sabres second year, the Perreault became the center of the famous "French Connection" line with Rick Martin and Rene Robert.<br />
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"Rick Martin joined the Sabres as their first round draft pick in the second year of the franchise. In the same year, Buffalo got Rene Robert in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins. We clicked right away. I was there to make the plays, Rick was there to score the goals, and Rene did a little of both. All three of us were good skaters. Our style was comparable to the European style, frequently crisscrossing with a lot of speed" said Perreault, the slickest of the three.<br />
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Gilbert was one of the greatest one-on-one players ever. He had more tricks up his sleeve than the rest of his teammates combined.<br />
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"In my day, offensive players did a lot more skating and stickhandling, changing speed, dekeing two guys and making plays in the offensive zone. I loved the thrill of beating everyone on the ice, dekeing through the opposition. When I got the puck, I'd dare them to try to get it away from me. Its rare to see that today, save for a few players like Mark Messier or Jaromir Jagr," said Perreault, who grew up admiring great stickhandlers Jean Beliveau and Dickie Moore.<br />
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Perreault was often compared to Marcel Dionne and Guy Lafleur, as those three were the top offensive players out of Quebec in their day. Perreault never reached the scoring plateaus that those two did, but many considered him to be the most individually talented. And later on in his career he became aware defensively. Lafleur of course was in Montreal and won many Cups with a great team, so he got the nod as the best Quebecer in the NHL. Dionne was way out in the obscurity of Los Angeles, and never got the recognition he deserved, so Perreault was often considered to be ranked in the middle of that French Trio.<br />
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Perreault got off to a blistering start in his NHL career, a career he credited a lot of his success to coach/gm Punch Imlach.<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/1343/1782/1600/984677/gilbertperreault.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/1343/1782/320/724793/gilbertperreault.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" /></a>"In my first seasons, Imlach told me to go for goals and not worry about checking. That really helped me get my confidence. The first few years I was there, it was loose. I was rushing the puck a lot. We had style." He (Punch Imlach) showed me video tapes of me in games to prove I was shifting one way too much. He got me to shoot faster; not to nurse the puck for careful aiming. He also wanted me to shoot more and to cut down on what he called 'walking in' on the goalie, something I developed on finding my slap shot wasn't hard enough."<br />
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Perreault won the Lady Byng Trophy in 1973 and was a two-time member of the NHL Second All-Star team in 1976 and 1977. The closest Perreault and the Buffalo Sabres franchise has ever come to a Stanley Cup championship was in 1975 when the Sabres were defeated in the finals by the Flyers in six games. Those Sabres teams were special, as the entire team was built around size and solid defensive positioning, plus the explosiveness of Perreault and his linemates. He is an oft-forgotten member of Team Canada 1972, as well as Canada Cup squads.<br />
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Perreault never won a Cup, but that was his sole focus. At one point he even considered being traded in order to get that chance at the Cup.<br />
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"After 8 or 9 years in Buffalo, I thought about asking for a trade. I wondered if a change would help my career. I was also curious to see how things were done elsewhere. Even the thought of going to the Canadiens crept into my head. I had grown up being a part of winning teams. I knew it would take a few years to get to that point with buffalo, but from 1974-79 we had an especially good chance. We had a lot of good years in Buffalo, but every hockey player wants to win the Stanley Cup. There was a change in Sabres management in 1979 that revived the team, and my thoughts of moving disappeared. In the end I was glad to finish with the Sabres.<br />
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Perreault retired as the all time leader for the Buffalo Sabres in every offensive category - 512 goals and 814 assists for 1,326 points in 1,191 regular season games.<br />
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Always humble, Perreault's career landed him the ultimate acknowledgement - enshrinement in the Hockey Hall of Fame.<br />
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"I didn't enjoy attention when I played but the Hall of Fame is different. It's the greatest honour a player can have."Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-1165822993059408852019-04-06T15:07:00.000-07:002019-04-06T15:07:14.630-07:00Danny GareDanny Gare goes down in history as one of the greatest players in Buffalo Sabres history.<br />
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The 5'9" and 175 pound native of Nelson, British Columbia joined the Sabres in 1974 after being selected 29th overall in the entry draft. The feisty Garehad just come off of an incredilbe season with the WCJHL's Calgary Centennials with a 68 goal, 127 point and 238 PIM season in 65 games!<br />
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Many felt Danny was too small to play in the NHL, but he quickly dismissed that notion when he held his own in a tussle with the legendary Dave "The Hammer" Schultz in his first NHL exhibition game! Danny had a strong training camp and followed that up with a fine NHL season. After scoring 31 goals and 62 points during 78 freshman season games, Gare tallied seven goals and 13 points during the 1975 playoffs as he helped lead Buffalo to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Sabres eventually fell to the Philadelphia Flyers in the Cup Finals but it was a thrilling ride that Gare will never forget.<br />
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“The ’75 Finals against Philadelphia, they were the team that won the Cup the year before, and obviously they were a team that were very physical and very intimidating at times and that’s why they named them the Broad Street Bullies. It was very tough to win in Philadelphia. I don’t think we ever won a game there during our series but it went to six games. Bernie Parent was unbelievable. He was, I think, the real difference of the series. Obviously goaltending is always a big part in any Stanley Cup series.”<br />
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Gare blossomed in his second NHL season. Despite playing on what was widely regarded as a checking line with Don Luce and Craig Ramsey, Gare scored a hat trick in the final game of the season to give him a team leading 50 goals.<br />
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"I think one of the biggest memories I have is obviously being a young player in my second year here and playing on a checking line with Done Luce and Craig Ramsay. We were a checking line and we always played against the top lines."<br />
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Although Buffalo failed to duplicate their playoff success of a season earlier, Gare had his status as one of the NHL's top players cemented during the off-season. Danny was asked to represent Canada in the 1976 Canada Cup tournament. Gare played, albeit in only 1 game. Canada of course won the tournament on a famous goal by Darryl Sittler..<br />
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Back injuries limited Gare to only 35 games in 1976-77 but Danny returned to score 39 goals in 1977-78. He followed that up with a career-high 56 goals in 1979-80, a total good enough to tie him with Charlie Simmer and Blaine Stoughton for the lead in the entire National Hockey League!<br />
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Gare, a 5 year captain of the Sabres, had a 46-goal campaign in 1980-81 and again represented Canada in the 1981 Canada Cup. Danny was a regular member of this version of Team Canada, playing 7 games and notching 6 points. Unfortunately the Canadian team lost to the Soviet Red Army in the finals.<br />
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Like many players who participated in the Canada Cup that year, the combative Gare got off to a slow start in 1981-82. He played in 22 games with the Sabres in 1981-82 before a surprising trade saw him join the Detroit Red Wings midway through the season. Buffalo traded Gare, Jim Schoenfeld and Derek Smith - all three pretty were once pretty big pieces of their mix - in exchange for Mike Foligno, Dale McCourt and Brent Peterson.<br />
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Gare played 4 and 1/2 seasons in Detroit, but never came close to duplicating his success in Buffalo. The Wings were rebuilding in the early 1980s and Gare developed back problems which eventually would force him to retire. Nonetheless Danny is proud of his role in the rebirth of the Red Wings. He even handed the captaincy of the team to a young Steve Yzerman.<br />
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Before Gare did retire due to a bad back, he spent part of the 1986-87 campaign with the Edmonton Oilers, where he signed as a free agent. However he only played in 18 games before his back forced him out for good.<br />
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Gare retired with very respectable numbers - 354 goals, 331 assists and 685 points in 827 regular season games. In 64 playoffs contests, he had 25 goals and 46 points.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-1165823278199427062019-04-06T15:04:00.000-07:002019-04-06T15:04:33.796-07:00Pat Lafontaine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Outside of Gilbert Perreault, Pat Lafontaine might have been the singularly most exciting skater to ever wear a Buffalo Sabres uniform.<br />
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As an 18 year old, the St. Louis, Missouri born Lafontaine took his game north of the border to Perreault's old stomping grounds - the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Lafontaine tore up the league in his only season there, scoring an mind-numbing 104 goals, 130 assists and 234 points in 70 games! Only Mario Lemieux has ever posted better numbers. His spectacular play convinced the New York Islanders to draft him 3rd overall in the 1983 entry draft.<br />
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Lafontaine then turned his attention the United States national team and the Olympics in 1984 and then turned professional with the 4 time defending Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders.<br />
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Lafontaine was the next generation of Islanders greats. He was the guy expected to take the torch from Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier and company. He was the top player in the post-championship era on Long Island. He scored 40-plu goals four consecutive years in a row, including a 54 goal season in 1989-90. In total LaFontaine scored 287 goals as an Islander, but none bigger than the 1987 quadruple overtime playoff game against Washington.<br />
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But it wasn't until a 1991 trade to Buffalo in exchange for Pierre Turgeon that Lafontaine blossomed into one of the greatest players in the league. Finding a unique chemistry with Alexander Mogilny. Lafontaine erupted with 46 goals and 93 points in just 57 games in 1991-92. In his second season, 1992093, he challenged Mario Lemieux for the NHL scoring title when he tallied 53 goals and 148 points. Mogilny shared the league lead in goal scoring with an amazing 76!<br />
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Sabres fans, and hockey fans everywhere, were robbed of one of the most electrifying players in recent memory. First reconstructive knee surgery caused Lafontaine to miss much of the 1993-94 and half of the 1994-95 season. When he did return, he was honored as the Bill Masterton trophy winner for his dedication and perseverance to the game.<br />
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Lafontaine gradually found his old form during the 1995-96 season, scoring 40 goals and 91 points. But in 1996-97 tragedy struck again. Pat only played in 13 contests as he was sidelined with post-concussion syndrome. Lafontaine wanted to play despite not having clearance from the Sabres doctors. Lafontaine demanded to be traded to a team who had doctors that would clear him to play. On September 29, 1997 he was traded to the New York Rangers.<br />
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Lafontaine made his return, but was always one hit away from having to retire for his own good. After 67 games which saw Lafontaine score 23 goals and 62 points, Lafontaine collided with one of his old teammates, and suffered his 5th serious concussion.<br />
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Pat Lafontaine was a 5 time all star who scored 468 goals and 1013 points in 865 games. He was a two-time Olympian and played in three Canada/World Cups.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-1166311757351721992019-04-06T15:00:00.000-07:002019-04-06T15:00:05.841-07:00Rick Martin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Legendary GM Punch Imlach once called Richard Martin "the greatest natural goal scorer I've seen". Martin's slapshot was terrifying and struck fear in goalies everywhere.<br />
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His coach in Buffalo, Joe Crozier, once said: "Bobby Hull may shoot harder than Rick, but Rick gets his shot away quicker and he's always on target with it."<br />
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Former NHL player and coach Vic Stasiuk was also a big Rick Martin fan: "He's got a hair-trigger on his shot. It's uncanny how quick he shoots that puck. It just touches his stick and it's flying at the net. Few are really quick and none are quicker."<br />
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Rogatien Vachon, the veteran goalie added: " You make any mistake and he takes it. You let him see the slightest opening and he'll thread something through it." Another, Lyle Carter said: " Martin hit me with a shot and I thought it had gone through my skin and stuck in my ribs. He's got a hard, heavy shot and I felt it for a month. It can carry your glove right off your hand."<br />
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Richard Martin was born in Verdun,Que on July 26,1951. His grandparents were Swiss-French and Swiss-German. His mother was French, but his father was born in Scotland and was a proud Scotsman. When Rick first came to prominence around Montreal, they gave his name a French pronunciation, "Ree-SHAR Mar-TAHN," but he refused it, considering it pretentious, insisting on plain Rick Martin. But make no mistake, Rick was always proud of his half-French heritage. He went to French speaking schools and speaks it and English equally well.<br />
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Rick started playing hockey at the age of eight. "I knew I could make the majors some day when I was 13 and I was playing in both bantam and midget leagues at the same time and I was the top scorer in both. I was shooting, shooting, shooting every day. But I liked other sports, too. I was just as good at golf and might have played that professionally. I really wanted to be an engineer. I never thought about playing pro until I was 18. I went to Sir George William University (later renamed Concordia University) in Montreal a year, but dropped out after my freshman year. The financial opportunities in pro hockey were too god for me to pass up."<br />
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Rick played his junior hockey for Thetford Mines and the Montreal Jr. Canadiens. In his last season with the Jr. Canadiens in 1970-71 Rick scored a league leading 71 goals in only 60 games, breaking the old QMJHL record held by Brian Cullen (68). The year before Rick had played on the same line as Gilbert Perreault, showing great chemistry and perking interest in Buffalo early. They were quick to grab Martin 5th overall in the 1971 entry draft.<br />
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When Rick entered his first NHL training camp in September 1971 he was immediately teamed up with his old junior linemate Perreault.<br />
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"The only reason Punch (Imlach) teamed me with Gil is because Punch said I was the only one on the team at the time that could skate with him." Rick said. Rick scored an NHL record 44 goals as a rookie, breaking Perreault's old record from the year before.<br />
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The next season Rene Robert lined up beside the duo and the famed "French Connection" line was born. They went on to terrorize opponents for almost a decade.<br />
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"We were a nice blend. Gil was the guy who could set you up with the goals. Rene was a real good checker, who wasn't afraid to go into the corner to dig out the puck. And I guess I was the guy who was supposed to put the puck into the net. I was to be the big gun."<br />
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Rick certainly was the big gun of the Sabres, and the entire NHL for that matter. His scoring resumé is impressive: 44, 37, 52, 52, 49, 36, 28, 32 and 45 goals in consecutive season. All in all Rick scored 384 goals in 685 games which makes him one of the most productive goal scorers per game in NHL history. He was<a href="javascript:void(0)" onclick="return false;" tabindex="7"></a> also a four time NHL All-Star on the left wing.<br />
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Don't mistake Martin as a one trick pony. His two way game was always overshadowed and over criticized.<br />
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"I worked on the defensive part of my game for quite some time. I thought by the time Punch left the team (78-79) I was playing good two-way hockey for the team. But my critics didn't see it that way. I guess that I was never supposed to be in the mold of a two-way hockey player according to them," Martin recalled.<br />
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Martin and his Buffalo Sabres never won the Stanley Cup, but Martin did get the chance to win the 1976 Canada Cup.<br />
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"My chance had finally come to play. I finally realized how much pressure there was playing for your country. Being part of a winning team is something I'll always remember," Rick said.<br />
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Unfortunately Rick had to retire when he was only 30. Had he been injury free then it's safe to say that he would have reached the 500 goal plateau.<br />
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On November 8, 1980 Rick injured his right knee in a collision with Washington Capitals' goalie Mike Palmateer. Rick's knee never was the same after that and he only played sparingly from then until March 10, 1981, when he was traded to Los Angeles. In LA he only played four games before retiring in December 1981.<br />
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In June 1982, Rick sued the Buffalo Sabres, contending that he received improper medical treatment for an injured knee that forced him to an early retirement. There were seven separate suits, including one against Scotty Bowman.<br />
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"My beef was never with the Knoxes (the Sabres owners). It was with Scotty, " Rick said.<br />
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Hockey fans who remembered "Rico" can't argue the fact that he was one of hockey's deadliest snipers of all time.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-1166310894455584622019-04-06T14:59:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:59:18.175-07:00Rene Robert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rene Robert exceeded pretty much everybody's expectations. Never drafted by the NHL, Robert worked hard every shift and eventually caught the attention of NHL scouts. Soon enough Robert was placed with Gilbert Perreault and Rick Martin to form one of the greatest lines in NHL history - The French Connection.<br />
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After playing three years in a unaffiliated minor leaguer, Rene's hard working, hard hitting style combined with consistent scoring caught the attention of the Toronto Maple Leafs who gave Rene a five-game tryout contract. He played in all 5 games but made little impact.<br />
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The following year the Pittsburgh Penguins plucked Rene off of the waiver list. Rene was played sparingly in Steeltown, scoring 7 goals and 18 points in 49 games. Late in the year he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for veteran tough guy Eddie Shack.<br />
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It was in Buffalo that Rene's career finally caught fire and he proved everybody wrong. He was the perfect complimentary right winger for Perreault and Martin. The two slick scoring sensations needed Robert's aggressive style. Robert would hustle into the corners and more often than not come out with the puck. He was killed enough to be able to do something with that puck too, often setting up his two marksmen linemates. His constant hustle and try not only made Perreault and Martin better players, but also made the Sabres into a true contender.<br />
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Of course, Robert is quick to downplay his importance to their success, and attributes his success to something other than hard work.<br />
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“Well, it makes your life a lot easier when you play with two tremendous hockey players. As you know back in the ‘70s, our line was very famous throughout the league. But a lot of people say, ‘What is it like to play with people like that?’ To be very honest with you, it takes an awful lot of luck. I believe everything in life comes to you with a reason and that there’s a meaning to everything that we do but the fact that I played with these guys, what made us click and what made us so good was pure luck. Chemistry was there, there’s no two ways about it. But, like I said earlier, when you play with people of that caliber, it’s a lot easier to play hockey.”<br />
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The 1972-73 season then marked the first of seven full seasons Robert would play with the Sabres. He tallied a career-high 40 goals that year and it was just a sign of things to come. Robert never failed to score fewer than 21 goals during his tenure in Buffalo.<br />
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1974-75 was a particularly strong year for Robert. He matched his career-high in goals with 40 while also registering career-bests with 60 assists and 100 points that year. Rene also helped lead the Sabres to the Stanley Cup Finals that season where they eventually fell short to the Philadelphia Flyers.<br />
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After seven-plus years in Buffalo, Rene was traded to the Colorado Rockies prior to the 1979-80 campaign. He scored 28 goals in his only full season with the Rockies. In Denver Rene was one of coach Don Cherry's favourite players, describing him as a "solid, hard nosed veteran."<br />
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"After I got Robert, and looked at some of the guys he had to work with, I'd feel sorry for the guy,” added Cherry. "He blocked shots, threw his weight around and fought. H even played though he had a broken thumb, a separated shoulder and a pulled groin! Considering our collection of players, I wouldn't have blamed Robert if he had just thrown in the towel, but he wouldn't quit."<br />
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Quit was the one thing Robert would never do. He never forgot how hard he had to work to make the NHL, and to work twice as hard to reach the dizzying heights that he achieved. As long as Robert laced up the skates, no one on the ice could out hustle him. Hard work and a little luck were Robert's trademarks.<br />
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Robert's career came full circle when a trade took him back to the Toronto Maple Leafs midway through the 1980-81 season. The Rockies traded Robert in exchange for a draft pick to end his "exile" in the Rocky Mountains. Robert finished out his NHL career by playing in 55 games with the Leafs in 1981-82, scoring 13 goals and 37 points.<br />
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Over his 12-year NHL career, Robert recorded eight 20-goal seasons and two 40-goal years. Rene was selected to the NHL’s Second All-Star Team in 1975 and he also played in the 1973 and 1975 All-Star Games. His career statistics include 284 goals, 418 assists and 702 points in 744 regular season games. He also added 22 goals and 41 points in 50 playoff contests.<br />
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Following his hockey career, Rene went on to work for Molson's and the NHLPA.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-1165900850622785262019-04-06T14:57:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:57:23.605-07:00Brian "Spinner" SpencerThe life of Brian "Spinner" Spencer was turbulent, fast and tragic.<br />
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He grew up in the Canadian backwoods and as every kid in Canada he dreamed of becoming a hockey pro, spending many hours in the local rinks.<br />
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Brian's energetic gung-ho style was appreciated by his junior teams and coaches. He went on to play for the Calgary Centennials in the WHL 1967-68 and did quite well. The following season he played for both the Estevan Bruins and Swift Current Broncos (WHL), scoring almost a point per game combined with his aggressive in-your-face hockey.<br />
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Brian attended Toronto Maple Leafs training camp in 1969 but didn't make the final cut. He was assigned to the farm team in Tulsa where he played most of the season. He got his first recall to the Maple Leafs on December 9, 1969 but didn't play. He had to wait until March 14, 1970 before he made his debut (vs. Boston 2-1). Brian saw the odd shift in another 8 games that season.<br />
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The next season Brian was a regular in Toronto for most part of the season. Unfortunately tragedy struck, and it would haunt Brian for the rest of his life. Brian told his parents that he would be a second period guest during Hockey Night In Canada's telecast of the Leafs game against Chicago on December 12, 1970. Brian's parents were extremely proud to have a son in the NHL, especially his father Roy.<br />
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When Brian's father discovered that the CBC affiliate near the family's Fort St.James home was carrying the Vancouver-California game instead, he became enraged. He drove over two hours to Prince George Television station CKPG and held employees hostage with his pistol and forced them to cut the transmission power. After a short while the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived and a shootout followed. Roy Spencer was shot and killed at the age of 57.<br />
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The death of his father hit Brian hard and it hurt Brian for the rest of his life according to people around him, although he tried not to show it. It was his father's dream to have one of his sons playing hockey. Brian's twin brother Byron did not make it, but Brian did, and it made his father almost burst of pride.<br />
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Brian split the 1971-72 season between Toronto and Tulsa. He was then left unprotected in the 1972 expansion draft and was picked by NY Islanders. Brian spent the next 1½ years on Long Island before being traded to Buffalo on March 10, 1974.<br />
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Brian had his best offensive production in a Sabres uniform when he had 41 points, including 12 goals, in 1974-75. Brian played well in Buffalo and was extremely popular with the fans. His hustle, aggressive play and ability to hit was something the fans loved. Brian developed to a pretty good all-around player.<br />
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Traded to Pittsburgh in September 1977, his offensive production fell as he became more specialized as a checking forward. Brian's last NHL season came in 1978-79 when he played 7 games for Pittsburgh. He then finished his playing career in the AHL (Binghamton, Springfield and Hershey) and retired after the 1979-80 season.<br />
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The story about Spinner Spencer should end here, but unfortunately his life after hockey became a mess. Brian moved to Palm Beach, Florida right after he retired. He met the wrong kind of people in Florida and got involved with drugs and crime. He moved in with a prostitute who worked for an escort service. She accused Brian of committing a 1982 murder against a Palm Beach Gardens restaurateur named Michael Dalfo.<br />
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Brian was arrested for a first degree murder in January 1987 but was acquitted in October 1987 after a 10-month trial. Needless to say, Brian didn't feel much better after that experience. In February 1988 Brian visited former Leaf teammate Jim McKenny, a friend of Brian who at the time was working as a Toronto sportscaster. Jim noticed how disillusioned Brian was.<br />
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"He walked down a lot of avenues people have never been. He experienced a lot of things people never have, " McKenny said later. " He thought he was the only bad person in the NHL, he felt he was the only person who failed. But I told him there were 200 other guys who messed up worse than he thought he had. I told him he shouldn't feel guilty. It's really tough to re-establish yourself after hockey. He was all alone. When he came here he was amazed at the interest of people. He was surprised people still cared about him. He thought he was the scum of the earth. But he really picked up when he visited Toronto. He wasn't your run-of-the-mill NHL'er. He was inquisitive about everything."<br />
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A book about Brian's life named Gross Misconduct: The life of Spinner Spencer by Martin O'Malley was due to be released and Brian was very happy about it. Finally his life seemed to turn around for the better.<br />
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But that never happened in Spencer's lifetime. On the night of June 2, 1988, Brian and his friend Gregory Scott Cook cruised around Riviera Beach, allegedly to buy a rock of cocaine. (which was later denied). After having made the buy they stopped a couple of blocks away when a stranger in a white car pulled up, walked to the driver's side window, demanded money (reportedly getting as little as $ 3) and shot the 38-year old Brian in the heart.<br />
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Cook, who escaped uninjured, rushed Brian to a nearby fire station. The paramedics took Brian to St. Mary's hospital in West Palm Beach where he was pronounced dead at 12:12 a.m. June 3, 1988.<br />
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Brian's hectic life came to an abrupt end just as he was turning his life around. The curly haired Spencer was survived by his twin brother Byron, mother Irene, his two ex-wives, Linda and Janet plus his five children, Andrea, Nicole, Kristin, Jason and Jarret.<br />
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Hockey fans will always remember that curly hair and wide smile on his face when he hustled down the ice to nail somebody to the boards, his energetic style that earned him the nickname "Spinner". People will always remember "Spinner", on the contrary to what he always thought.<br />
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<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1343/1782/1600/brianspencer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1343/1782/320/brianspencer.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"></a>Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-17645553520939526642019-04-06T14:56:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:56:04.395-07:00Lindy RuffLindy Ruff lived up to his name. That's because rough is the perfect word to describe Lindy's style of play.<br />
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Ruff was a below average finesse player - with bad skating and puck skills for an NHLer. He was however a conscientious defensive forward who used his size and strength to bang pucks loose in the corners and in front of the net. He was one of the best role players in the league in the decade he played.<br />
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So how does a player of below average skills last in the NHL for 12 seasons and go on to be an excellent NHL coach?<br />
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Lindy was a tremendous team player and the perfect guy to have in the locker room. In fact his best contributions to his team may have been in the dressing room and away from the ice rather than on it. He was so good with young players and with creating team chemistry that he was almost as valuable as a 20 goal scorer. He was the obvious choice to replace Gilbert Perreault as team captain in 1986.<br />
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Plus Lindy had the rare ability to play defense as well as left wing. He was drafted as a defenseman but when it became obvious he didn't have the speed to play at the NHL level he was shifted to the wing. He did fill in on defense in case of injuries throughout his days on the wing. Later on in his career he shifted back to defense as a full time job.<br />
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Ruff was drafted by the Sabres with the 32nd overall pick in 1979 (despite suffering a career threatening hip injury in his last season of junior) and quickly became one of the most popular figures in this strong sporting town. For almost 10 seasons he bled the Blue and Gold of the Buffalo Sabres. In addition to all the intangibles he brought the team he chipped in with some timely offense. He averaged about 10-15 goals and 30-35 points when played left wing. This despite some serious injury problems. His three best years were all cut short by injuries - 1983-84 saw him on pace to set career highs in all categories with 14 goals, 31 assists and 45 points in just 58 games; 1984-85 had him on pace to score 27 goals but he only ended up playing in 39 games; and 1985-86 saw him eclipse the 20 goal mark for the only time in his career despite playing in just 54 games.<br />
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Lindy, who converted back to defense by 1987 and played there for most of the remainder of his career, was traded on the 1989 trading deadline for a 5th round draft pick (which turned out to be skilled defenseman Richard Smehlik) of the New York Rangers. He finished his career with the Rangers 2 1/2 seasons later but injuries continued to plague the effective grinder.<br />
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Lindy continued to play in the minor leagues for two seasons after his NHL days were done. He was being groomed for the coaching world while playing with AHL Rochester and IHL San Diego. By the time he officially hung up his blades in 1993 the expansion Florida Panthers came calling and offered Lindy an assistant coach position. Lindy was a big part of the quick rise of the Panthers and their surprising 1996 Stanley Cup finals appearance.<br />
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Lindy got a chance to run his own bench at the NHL level - despite having no head coaching experience - in 1997. It was a nice homecoming for Lindy, as the Buffalo Sabres offered Lindy their head coaching job. Lindy was the perfect choice in Buffalo - a long time ex Sabre who was so well liked in the community and who could continue to instill the lunch bucket, hard work attitude that so fitted the Sabres team. It was an excellent choice and Lindy, unlike many coaches in the NHL today, should be able to stay with the Sabres for some time with the success he's had.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-54412802690177174192019-04-06T14:54:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:54:57.653-07:00Tony McKegney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the summer of 1978, one of hockey's finest young prospects was Tony McKegney. Yet he was being overlooked at the NHL draft table that summer because it was assumed that he signed with the World Hockey Association's Birmingham Bulls.<br />
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At the last minute, the deal between Birmingham and McKegney fell through for political reasons. You see McKegney was black and that wouldn't go over very well in Alabama according to some. The Bull's hockey management team wanted McKegney's size and a laser-like shot, as did team owner John Bassett. However some of Bassett's supporters convinced the owner that having a black hockey player in Birmingham was a bad idea. A disappointed Bassett reluctantly agreed and shied away from McKegney<br />
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Word about McKegney's availability was slow to reach NHL circles. It wasn't until McKegney's agent Alan Eagleson started spreading the word in the second round of the NHL entry draft. The Buffalo Sabres eagerly snapped up the left winger. Tony was considered to be a definite first round pick, perhaps even a top 10 selection, if he wasn't tied up by the WHA. Needless to say the Sabres were more than happy to grab him with the 32nd selection.<br />
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McKegney was obviously disappointed by the circumstances involved in the Birmingham experience. He was later quoted as saying "All I want to do is be a good player in the NHL, and show those Birmingham people how wrong they were."<br />
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If that was McKegney's driving ambition as a hockey player, then he sure accomplished his goal. He went on to enjoy 13 years in the National Hockey League, scoring 320 goals and over 600 points in 912 career games.<br />
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In the process he became the first black hockey star. Willie O'Ree broke hockey's color barrier and was a star in the minor leagues for years, but not at the NHL level. It wasn't until McKegney's arrival that the NHL saw its first black scoring star. At approximately the same time, black goalie Grant Fuhr was performing heroics by establishing himself as the best puckstopper in the world.<br />
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After a spectacular junior career with the Kingston Canadiens, McKegney enjoyed 5 years in Buffalo. After an 8 goal rookie season he stepped up his production to 23 goals and then 37. He slipped in 1981-82 when he fell back to 23, but rebounded to 36 goals in 1982-83, his final year in Buffalo.<br />
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The off season saw McKegney be a part of a major trade with the Quebec Nordiques. Quebec traded troubled Real "Buddy" Cloutier and a first round draft pick (Adam Creighton) for McKegney, French center Andre Savard, Jean Sauve and a third round draft pick (Iiro Jarvi).<br />
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McKegney only lasted 1 and 1/2 seasons in Quebec, as he struggled for ice time behind prolific left wing scorers Michel Goulet and Anton Stastny. Despite being a third stringer, he did put up respectable numbers, including 36 goals in a total of 105 games.<br />
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Tony was sent to Minnesota in December of 1984 and he finished the year strongly in Minnesota, picking up nearly a point a game in 27 contests. He followed that up with a terrific playoff, scoring 8 goals and 14 points in 9 games. However he followed that up with perhaps his most disappointing NHL season in 1985-86. He tallied only 15 goals and 40 points.<br />
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Tony started the 1986-87 season with the North Stars, but 11 games into the season he was traded to the New York Rangers. He recaptured his consistent 30 goal form, notching 29 as a Ranger for 31 total.<br />
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Tony's stay on Broadway was short, as he was sent to St. Louis in 1987-88 and had his best NHL season. He scored a career high 40 goals, 38 assists and 78 points. An aging McKegney slipped to 25 goals and 42 points in 1988-89.<br />
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Tony slowed down after that season, never reaching the 20 goal level again. He had very brief stops in Detroit (14 games) and Chicago (9 games) as well as parts of two seasons in a second tour of duty with the Nordiques.<br />
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Tony left the NHL at the completion of 1991. He spent one year in Italy before returning to North America to play for the San Diego Gulls of the IHL in 1992-93.<br />
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Tony was a big left winger, who was effective at the physical game though not an overly physical player by nature. His strong legs gave him good up and down skating ability with good acceleration, but lacked great agility to outclass some of the better NHL defensemen. He was very effective in front of the net where his good balance made him nearly immovable. Many of his goals came from tipping in point shots or banging at loose pucks in the crease. Tony's best physical asset was his excellent shot which he was always able to get away with uncanny quickness.<br />
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So why did Tony travel so much? He was a consistent 25-30 goals scorer who every once in a while would break out to the next level, like he did in 1980-81, 1982-83, the latter half of 1984-85 and most especially in 1987-88. But his problem was he had a reputation of having two good years but then having a stinker. As this reputation spread and, rightly or wrongly, was accepted, he became a rent a player who was acquired to hit a home run, but if he didn't hit it quickly, he would be traded away.<br />
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An interesting side note about Tony McKegney: His brother Ian also played in the National Hockey League, appearing in three games with the Chicago Blackhawks back in 1976-77. The defenseman however was not black, but white. Tony was adopted by the McKegney family as an infant.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-82437814566704036122019-04-06T14:53:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:53:49.983-07:00Don LuceThe first thing most fans think of when reminiscing about the Buffalo Sabres of the 1970s is the fantastic play of the French Connection. Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Rene Robert grabbed most of the spotlight with their creative artistry and production.<br />
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While they were the stars of the show, no team can achieve success without elite role players. The Sabres acquired one of those from Detroit in 1971, trading for Don Luce. In Buffalo Luce would develop into one of the best defensive centers and penalty killers of his era. Luce, who only missed 14 games in a decade of service with the Sabres, would often work with equally reliable left winger Craig Ramsay and sniper Danny Gare to form one of the best checking lines of the 1970s. The Sabres had perhaps the best #1 line and best #2 line in the entire league.<br />
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Luce was not so one dimensional that he could not score himself. He showed his versatility by becoming an important part of the Sabres power play. His offensive production was steady and significant, and he'd often push the 70 point plateau in his prime. In 1973-74 he bulged the twine 26 times, better than any Sabre other than Rick Martin. And in 1973-74 Luce achieved a career high 33 goals and 76 points. Eight of his goals came while shorthanded, then a NHL record. That was a magical season for Luce and the Sabres. Luce was named as the team's MVP, and the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game of hockey. But more importantly Luce helped the Sabres get all the way to the Stanley Cup finals before bowing to the defending Cup champs from Philadelphia.<br />
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It is unfortunate that the NHL did not award a trophy for best defensive forward until 1978, as Luce likely would have won the trophy at least in 1974-75, if not in other years.<br />
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After brief stops in Toronto and Los Angeles, Luce retired after the 1982 season. In 1986 he was inducted into the Sabres Hall of Fame. He has continued to work for the Sabres in a variety of coaching and scouting assignments in his retirement.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-79994117327706956622019-04-06T14:50:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:50:45.207-07:00Pierre TurgeonThough the news broke earlier this summer, <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2007-09-05-turgeon-retirement_N.htm">Pierre Turgeon has officially retired</a>.<br />
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Turgeon hangs up his blades with 19 NHL seasons under his belt. The 1987 1st overall draft choice of the Buffalo Sabres scored 515 goals, 1,327 points in 1,294 games. Although he didn't have the reputation as a great playoff producer, he had a very respectable 97 points in 109 post season contests.<br />
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The Sabres made Turgeon the face of their franchise, immediately drawing comparisons to the team's only previous franchise player, Quebecois Gilbert Perreault. To Sabres selected Turgeon over the likes of Brendan Shanahan and Joe Sakic. Based on skill and ability, #77 deserved that lofty status, but I believe his legacy will not match that of those two fine players.<br />
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A gifted natural athlete, Turgeon excelled at the finesse game. The strength of his game was his hockey sense and play making ability. Though he had an excellent shot with a quick release, he was always a playmaker first, then a goal scorer. His vision and creativity combined to make him a lethal setup man and tough to defend.<br />
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I would go as far as to say Turgeon was beyond amazing when he had the puck. He never looked at the puck, ut he always had it in perfect control. Without the puck, in typical quiet Pierre Turgeon form, he was so elusive, appearing out of nowhere and disappearing from checks.<br />
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Turgeon was very efficient on the ice, which led to some detractors. He was uncanny with his positioning, which he undoubtedly learned in order to make up for a lack of foot speed. Since he was usually in the right spot at the right time, Turgeon never had to scramble to get into the play. Critics called him lazy, when in fact he was extremely economical.<br />
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Many critics also pointed to his lack of a physical game, and with merit. Turgeon was a big pivot at 6'1" and 205 lbs, but he never really imposed himself on the opposition. He was never afraid to go into traffic areas to score goals, and he took checks while making plays with the pucks, but he really needed to initiate more of a physical game for him to have reached his full potential. Had he been able to, he would be remembered as one of the best of his generation.<br />
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I think what his critics don't point out enough though is rarely did Turgeon have a strong supporting cast. There's no doubting he had the ability, and make no mistake he had the desire to be a dominating NHL figure. He just didn't have the temperament to be a dominating solitary force. Too often in his career, especially in Buffalo and Long Island, and even to some degree in Montreal, he was asked to turn an average team into a Stanley Cup contender. He just wasn't that lone-warrior type of player.<br />
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Unable to win in the post season, the Sabres moved Turgeon in 1991 in a 7 player trade that also headlined Pat Lafontaine. Playing with Derek King and Steve Thomas on his wings, Turgeon erupted for his best season in 1992-93 when he recorded a career-best 58 goals and 132 points in his first full season on Long Island. The NHL awarded him the Lady Byng Trophy as he only picked up 13 minor penalties. More importantly, Turgeon was enjoying his first taste of post season success and leading the Islanders to the Conference Finals. En route, however, Turgeon the recipient of one of the ugliest muggings in hockey history. As Turgeon celebrated a goal in a blowout playoff win against the Washington Capitals, Dale Hunter came up behind him and flung him into the boards. Turgeon injured his shoulder and Hunter received a 21-game suspension. The Islanders, and particularly Turgeon, were never the same.<br />
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Hunter's mugging may have altered hockey history, suggested New York Daily News writer Frank Brown. He wrote:<br />
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"Pierre Turgeon had been a dynamic, involved personality. He was becoming the emblem of the Islanders and the Club was saying 'This is our symbol of future greatness to come. This is the offensive superstar we haven't had since Mike Bossy and this is the hope for a bring new arena on Long Island and million dollar visibility in the marketplace.<br />
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"Everything changed by one mean-spirited little prick. When Pierre Turgeon got up, he left some piece of himself on the Nassau pond. From the minute he returned, he was hesitant; he was a perimeter guy; he was a guy who was not activating the energy level of his team the way he had been. He didn't have that drive to the front of the net."<br />
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That year turned out to be more of the exception to the new rule as opposed to his arrival as a superstar. He returned to the 90 point level and below. Much like the Sabres, the Islanders must have felt Turgeon was not going to live up to that franchise player designation and moved him to Montreal for Kirk Muller and Mathieu Schneider.<br />
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Montreal was an odd destination for a French Canadian player with a reputation for shunning the spotlight. But Montreal, and more importantly Montreal fans, wanted a French Canadian scoring star to lead them back to glory. To make matters worse, Turgeon was burdened with the team's captaincy.<br />
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Though his stay was brief, Turgeon put up some good numbers in Montreal. He only played one full season, leading the team in scoring in 1995-96 with 38 goals and 96 points. He teamed well with fellow Frenchman Vincent Damphousse. But the captain's spotlight, especially in media-crazy Montreal, never sat well with Turgeon's quiet and reserved temperament. He handled it all gracefully, especially during the closing of the Montreal Forum, but there was always a hit of reluctance as well.<br />
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As brilliant as he could be, he just never had the personality to take his image and his game to the highest level. Unappreciative and unfair Montreal fans quickly turned on their captain, booing him out of town.<br />
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Turgeon went to St. Louis, where he could play in some anonymity. Playoff success was easier to find, three times playing 10 or more games. Injuries capped Turgeon around the 60 game mark in St. Louis, therefore making the likes of Chris Pronger, Al MacInnis, Pavol Dimetra and Brett Hull as the go-to guys. It was quite unfortunate that Turgeon couldn't have enjoyed his previous injury free seasons in St. Louis, though ultimately, for all their money spending ways, the Blues were never a true Stanley Cup contender.<br />
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From 2001 through 2007 Turgeon spent his seasons miscast and injury prone in Dallas then Colorado. His career came a quiet end in 2007, having played in just 17 games in what proved to be his final season.<br />
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Comfortable out of the limelight, Turgeon was always cast in someone's shadow. In Buffalo it was the franchise's previous French Canadian superstar Gilbert Perreault. In Long Island it was the shadow of the man he was traded for, Pat Lafontaine, who possessed natural flair and speed and erupted in Buffalo. In Montreal he was in the shadow of all the French Canadien greats who came before him.<br />
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Without doubt he had the ability and talent to stand side by side with his shadow makers. He just never quite had the desire to make it happen. Perhaps if it wasn't for Dale Hunter, he would have emerged as a true superstar.<br />
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Though he was as talented and as brilliant as most any of his peers, I suspect Pierre Turgeon's legacy will not see him land in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Interestingly, in 2007 Turgeon was inducted into another Hall of Fame. He was <a href="http://legendsofhockey.blogspot.com/2007/08/pierre-turgeon-goes-to-little-league.html">the first Canadian enshrined in the Little League World Series Hall of Fame</a>.<br />
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"Rammer" grew up in Toronto and developed his fine defensive qualities while playing for the Peterborough Petes in the OHA. Craig credited his Peterborough coach Roger Neilson for turning him into such a solid defensive player. Craig scored 232 pts (74 goals plus 158 assists) in 206 OHA games and was selected by Buffalo in the 2nd round (19th overall) in 1971.<br />
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Ramsay didn't have a great amount of natural ability. He wasn't very fast and wasn't a great stickhandler or shooter by NHL standards. But he was a smart player who worked hard. He was an intense competitor who did a lot of hard work that went unnoticed by the average fan but to his teammates he was invaluable. Craig showed up night after night shutting down the opposition. You didn't see Ramsay make many mistakes<br />
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At one point Ramsay had the 4th longest consecutive game streak in NHL history. He played 776 straight games between 1973 and 1983. Also worth noting is that he only had 201 PIMs in 1070 regular season games, and he was also a +328 during his career. Never in a single season was Ramsay a minus player during his 14-year career, which is quite remarkable given the fact that he was matched against the oppositions star players on most nights.<br />
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Often paired on a dynamite line with Don Luce and Danny Gare, Ramsay was noticed throughout the league. For his fine defensive play Craig was awarded with the Selke Trophy in 1985. He also finished as the runner-up for the Selke Trophy on three other occasions. He was also selected to play in the 1976 All-Star game.<br />
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Ramsay not only played stellar defense but he chipped in with some goals as well. He cracked the 20-goal plateau eight times and managed to score over 70 points twice. Craig scored 672 points, including 252 goals and 420 assists in 1070 NHL regular season games. In 89 playoff contests he scored 17 goals, 31 assists and 48 points.<br />
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Ramsay retired as a 34 year old in 1985, the same year as he won the Selke Trophy. He didn't provide a lot of sizzle or fanfare, but what he did provide will forever rank him among the top players in Buffalo hockey history. This pretty much sums up the story of Craig Ramsay, one of the finest defensive players of all time.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-63808320620506211042019-04-06T14:47:00.001-07:002019-04-06T14:47:41.806-07:00Dominik Hasek<div style="text-align: center;">
"I just try to stop the puck"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBrJ_hEEShyphenhyphenjjmQ_rP_ChfXE97xcMZ1Uupa-8e1Zt4DQuFpdMfGZNcHZ4QWNhCO02Yr_yrCoPpucXHgHIT-OMSCTTVAn2IEPCkZiA9lz8cVXa8n8yQPODtmDcuelgAeawMkmFQA/s1600/hasek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="172" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBrJ_hEEShyphenhyphenjjmQ_rP_ChfXE97xcMZ1Uupa-8e1Zt4DQuFpdMfGZNcHZ4QWNhCO02Yr_yrCoPpucXHgHIT-OMSCTTVAn2IEPCkZiA9lz8cVXa8n8yQPODtmDcuelgAeawMkmFQA/s320/hasek.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
The knock against European goalies used to be that they could not succeed in the NHL. Dominik Hasek played the biggest role in dispelling that myth.<br />
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Only Vladislav Tretiak is regarded as a greater European goaltender. In fact Hasek, born in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia, is the all time leader among European goalies in NHL games played and is regarded as not only the best European goalie, but one of the greatest goalies of any generation.<br />
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When he was on top of his game in Buffalo, Hasek may have been the most entertaining goalie ever to watch. His style is so indescribable and unorthodox yet so entertaining to watch. He has been known to do somersaults and back-strokes to stop the puck.<br />
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Hasek's greatness was hindered by politics. Until the fall of the Iron Curtain in the early 1990s, superstar players from Communist Europe had little hope of ever playing in the NHL. Therefore, Hasek, who grew up idolizing Czech goaltending legend Jiri Holecek, spent some of his best years as the top goalie outside of the NHL.<br />
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His pre-NHL resume is impressive:<br />
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* Czechoslovakian Goaltender of the Year: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990<br />
* Czechoslovakian Player of the Year: 1987, 1989, 1990<br />
* Czechoslovakian First-Team All-Star: 1988, 1989, 1990<br />
* Czechoslovakian goalie in the 1984, 1987 and 1991 Canada Cup.<br />
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Perhaps his greatest pre-olympic moment was in 1983 when he led the Czech team to the silver medal in the World Championships, his first major tournament not including his junior career. Hasek was the best junior goalie in Europe in his day, winning the Top Goalie status in almost every tournament he participated in. In the 1983 World Championships, he was robbed of Top Goalie honours but was recognized by those in the media and hockey world as the best goalie in that tournament.<br />
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Hasek's North American career is much more well documented. He was drafted in 1983, 199th pick overall by Chicago but didn't come to North America until 1991 when he played with Chicago's farm team in Indianapolis. The following season he split between Chicago and Indianapolis, but because of Eddie Belfour's unquestioned status as the Hawk's goalie he would be moved to Buffalo in exchange for Stephane Beauregard and a draft pick, one of the most one sided trades ever.<br />
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The rest of the story, as they say, is history. Awe-inspiring history.<br />
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By 1993-94 he won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goalie and was a First Team All Star. He became the first NHL backstop since Bernie Parent in 1973-74 to finish the season with a GAA below 2.00 (1.95).<br />
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In 1994-95 he duplicated his Vezina and All Star accomplishments as he led the league with an incredible .930 save percentage.<br />
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1996-97 was his greatest year while at the same time his most controversial. He posted a career high 37 wins and led Buffalo to first place in their division. Hasek was named to the First All Star team and won his third Vezina. More importantly he was name the Hart Trophy winner, becoming the first goaltender to be name the league's most valuable player since Jacques Plante in 1962. He also won the Lester Pearson trophy as voted by his peers as the best player in the league that season. However all was not rosy for the Dominator, as he became involved in off ice problems with reporters and his popular coach. In his greatest season he lost some of support from loyal fans.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">CZECHS DOM-INATE 1998 OLYMPICS</span><br />
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In the post-Mario Lemieux era, the NHL had desperately waited for one of its collection of stars to rise to the level above everyone else. In the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano Japan, Dominik Hasek established himself as the best player in hockey.<br />
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The tournament was considered to be a 4 horse race with Canada and the USA as co-favorites and Sweden and Russia as definite threats. Even a strong Finnish team was expected to finish ahead of the Czech Republic.<br />
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But no one counted out the Czech Republic for two reasons: Jaromir Jagr and Dominik Hasek. Jagr, who many expected to establish himself as the best player in hockey this year, scored just one goal in the tournament but was his usual incredible self. But make no mistake - Dominik Hasek almost single-handedly won his country the gold medal, and he did it in legendary fashion.<br />
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After going 2-1 in the round robin, the Czechs were forced to take on the defending World Cup champions USA in the first game of the lose-and-you're-out medal round. With a great defensive system in front of him, Hasek stole a victory away from the heavily favored yet disgruntled US team.<br />
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However things certainly didn't get any easier for Hasek as the Czechs were then even bigger underdogs in the next game. Canada was the opponent, and the rules were simple - winner plays for gold, loser plays for bronze.<br />
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In what easily classifies as one of the greatest international hockey games of all time, Dominik Hasek emerged victorious, not only over Canada but over his arch rival of goaltending supremacy, Patrick Roy.<br />
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In the classic goaltending battle, the two teams entered the third period deadlocked at zero. Nearing the half-way mark of the third period Jiri Slegr's point shot managed to elude Patrick Roy, and the Czech's fell into their defensive shell, thinking one goal would be enough - thinking there's no way anyone could score on Hasek that night.<br />
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However, in typical Canadian dramatic style, Trevor Linden managed to roof a shot above Dominik Hasek's shoulder with just a minute left to play. It would have been a goal that would rival Paul Henderson's 1972 goal for Canada's greatest international moment if they had gone on to win. Except that goal only tied the game, and Hasek had no intention of letting in another.<br />
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The game went into overtime, and the Czechs basically played the trap, trying to force the dreaded Olympic shootout. Unlike in the NHL playoffs, international hockey would have games decided by a breakaway competition instead of endless overtime.<br />
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Hasek, considered perhaps to be the greatest breakaway goalie in history, stopped all 5 shooters. Patrick Roy stopped 4 of 5 shots. The unthinkable had happened - Hasek had done it again. Dominik Hasek was playing the role of giant killer in Nagano.<br />
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The gold medal game showcased a young Russian squad against the Czech Republic. The Russians had handed the Czechs their only loss, a 2-1 win during the round robin. Again, the Czechs were underdogs, and this time Hasek had to face the hottest shooter in the Olympics - 9 goal scorer Pavel Bure.<br />
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The Czechs checked and Hasek was perfect. He posted another shutout, as the Czechs won their first Olympic hockey gold medal, 1-0.<br />
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Hasek was simply unbeatable. His performance on the world's biggest stage, and established himself as hockey's new best player.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">ALL HART</span><br />
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Following the Olympic break Hasek returned to NHL action and finished out another amazing season. He posted a record of 33-23-13 for the underdog Sabres. He recorded 13 shutouts, a .932 save percentage and 2.09 GAA. Hasek would add his second Hart and Pearson trophies in as many years, and also picked up his 4th Vezina trophy.<br />
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Unlike in the past, Hasek and the Sabres found some playoff success in 1998 as well. The Sabres played into the Eastern Conference finals before bowing to the overtime magic of the Washington Capitals.<br />
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The Sabres were a hard working, lunch pail team without a lot of skilled players or scoring superstars, but with perhaps the greatest goalie ever in nets, the Sabres were destined to challenge for the Stanley Cup. Their chance came in 1999.<br />
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The Sabres had a fantastic season, again led by Hasek's Vezina-worthy season. Hasek went 30-18-14 with 9 shutouts, a GAA of a minuscule 1.87 and a career best .937 save percentage. Hasek stepped up his play in the playoffs as the Sabres, blessed with some timely scoring, knocked off the Leafs, Hurricanes and Senators to earn the right to challenge the Dallas Stars in the Stanley Cup final.<br />
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Despite Hasek's 1.77 playoff GAA and .939 save percentage, the Sabres would fall controversially short in their bid for their first Stanley Cup.<br />
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All season long the NHL had strictly enforced a rule that prevent players from entering the goalie's crease. The play was to be whistled dead if any player occupied any of the blue ice without the puck having previously entered the area.<br />
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The rule was a disaster. So many goals had to be reviewed, taking out a lot of the crowd's enthusiasm whenever a goal was scored. Many goals were reversed for the tiniest of infractions. The players didn't like it. The coaches didn't like it. Most importantly the fans didn't like it. Only the goalies liked it.<br />
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When Hull scored the Stanley Cup winning goal, his left skate (perhaps more accurately a toe or two) was in the forbidden blue paint. But lost in the overtime euphoria of the Stanley Cup winning goals was the proper video review of the goal. The NHL's season-long zero tolerance policy likely would have disallowed the goal. But with celebrations ensuing and the dejected Sabres retreating, the NHL did not have the guts to call down and disallow the goal.<br />
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The raging controversy overshadowed two great teams in the finals.<br />
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Hasek would play two more years in Buffalo, though a nagging groin injury meant the Sabres window of Stanley Cup opportunity had essentially closed. Hasek, who at times had a love-hate relationship with fans, did not endear himself to Sabres faithful when he demanded a trade and bolted town for Detroit, publicly declaring he wanted to go to a winning team. But his time in Buffalo was simply spectacular. With 6 Vezinas in 7 years, 2 Harts, 2 Pearsons, 1 Stanley Cup finals appearance and 46 shutouts, no goaltender had ever reached a higher zenith for such a long period of time.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">DOM LIFTS THE CUP</span><br />
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The Wings were definitely a winning team, but Hasek made them better. In his first season in Detroit he posted a career high 41 wins against just 15 losses, helping the Red Wings earn the regular season championship. Despite the long season due to another Olympics, Hasek's play never wavered and he carried the Wings past the Vancouver Canucks, the St. Louis Blues, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Carolina Hurricanes to win the Stanley Cup. He posted a NHL record six shutouts that spring.<br />
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With his Stanley Cup ring on his finger, Dominik Hasek had accomplished it all. He announced his retirement and his intention to return to the Czech Republic where his legendary status was undoubted.<br />
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The absence of hockey in his life created a deep void for Hasek, and he decided to return to the NHL again in 2003-04. By doing so, he placed the Detroit Red Wings in a difficult situation. Hasek still had a contract for $8M and a no trade clause. But they also had Curtis Joseph and Manny Legacy on the roster. The situation was resolved when Hasek was forced to sit out much of the season due to a severe groin injury. To his credit, he refused much of his salary that season due to his inability to play.<br />
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After season ending surgery and a summer of rehab, Hasek was determined not to end his career that way. He would sign on with the Ottawa Senators in 2004. Given his advanced age and recent injury history, Ottawa was taking a gamble. That gamble never paid off, as Hasek missed the remainder of the regular season after injuring his groin again after just 9 minutes of play at the Olympic games.<br />
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Detroit took a similar gamble on Hasek in 2006-07, bringing back Hasek. For two seasons he was able to stay injury free, but would lose his starting job to fellow veteran Chris Osgood. In 2008, Osgood led the Red Wings to the Stanley Cup. Hasek had to watch from the bench.<br />
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Hasek was a great teammate during what must have been a difficult time for him. He wanted to end his career by winning the Stanley Cup, but he did not expect it to be in this fashion. Regardless, he was a Stanley Cup champion yet again.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">THE BEST EVER?</span><br />
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When all is said and done Hasek posted a 389-223-82 record overall with Buffalo, Detroit and Ottawa, with 81 shutouts and a career goals against average of 2.20. He is tied for sixth in shutouts and 10th in wins. The numbers are made even more impressive by the fact Hasek didn't come to North America until seven years after he was drafted, not gaining a foothold as an NHL starter until age 28.<br />
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There is little doubt that his resume ranks him as one of the greatest goalies of all time. Comparing goalies from different eras is almost impossible, but Hasek had Patrick Roy as a great peer in an era where the art of goaltending evolved to a perfected science.<br />
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Let's compare Hasek to Patrick Roy:<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" str="" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 374px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 99pt;" width="132"></col> <col style="width: 86pt;" width="114"></col> <col style="width: 96pt;" width="128"></col> </colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td height="17" style="height: 12.75pt; width: 99pt;" width="132"><br /></td> <td class="xl26" style="font-weight: bold; width: 86pt;" width="114">Patrick Roy</td> <td class="xl26" style="font-weight: bold; width: 96pt;" width="128">Dominik Hasek</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Seasons</td> <td class="xl24" num="">19</td> <td class="xl24" num="">16</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Games</td> <td class="xl24" num="">1029</td> <td class="xl24" num="">581</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">W-L-T-OTL</td> <td class="xl24">551-315-131-0</td> <td class="xl24">389-223-82-9</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">SO</td> <td class="xl24" num="">66</td> <td class="xl24" num="">81</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">GAA</td> <td class="xl24" num="">2.54</td> <td class="xl24" num="">2.2</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Playoff Games</td> <td class="xl24" num="">247</td> <td class="xl24" num="">119</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Playoff W-L</td> <td class="xl24">151-94</td> <td class="xl24">65-49</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Playoff GAA</td> <td class="xl24" num="">2.3</td> <td class="xl24" num="">2.02</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Stanley Cups</td> <td class="xl24" num="">4</td> <td class="xl24" num="">2</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Olympic Golds</td> <td class="xl24" num="">0</td> <td class="xl24" num="">1</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Smythe Trophies</td> <td class="xl24" num="">3</td> <td class="xl24" num="">0</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Hart Trophies</td> <td class="xl24" num="">0</td> <td class="xl24" num="">2</td> </tr>
<tr height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;"> <td class="xl25" height="17" style="height: 12.75pt;">Vezina Trophies</td> <td class="xl24" num="">3</td> <td class="xl24" num="">6</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>
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Who was better? That will likely be an eternal debate. Most people will side with Roy for his playoff success and consistency. Hasek had the Olympic gold and international resume, but his career started late and perhaps he hung on too long.<br />
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But even if I were to concede Roy was the better goalie over the course of a career, I firmly believe no goalie in hockey history had as high a peak performance than "The Dominator." And he did it for years during Patrick Roy's reign.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-19006879459662746402019-04-06T14:47:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:47:20.738-07:00Rob Ray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ich6wujgyj7FJVdAUPwQBFAR9Y6c0XwnfxEf6XWxsf6qpTuYeB3HKgl02Acr5frFKq_tRddjClTamVdm5o5TicKWtZB1VBVOk18SkQoFVYgMEKni2uF0iehDpNwY12fY2bYqzg/s1600/robray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ich6wujgyj7FJVdAUPwQBFAR9Y6c0XwnfxEf6XWxsf6qpTuYeB3HKgl02Acr5frFKq_tRddjClTamVdm5o5TicKWtZB1VBVOk18SkQoFVYgMEKni2uF0iehDpNwY12fY2bYqzg/s320/robray.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Let's face it. Based on hockey skill alone, the only way Rob Ray belong in a NHL rink was to buy a ticket like the rest of us.<br />
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But what he lacked in skating, shooting and scoring skills, he made up for in intangibles.<br />
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He contributed through two intangibles in particular: He was a great teammate, and he was a fearless fighter.<br />
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He ended up playing in 900 games, accumulating over 3200 minutes in penalty minutes, including over 235 fights. He went toe-to-toe with every tough guy, likely multiple times, in 14 NHL seasons. He had memorable fights with Tie Domi, Paul Laus, Chris Nilan and former teammate Matthew Barnaby.<br />
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No, it was not an easy way to earn a NHL pay check. But it certainly beat working in the family farm equipment dealership back home in Sterling, Ontario.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Off Goes The Shirt</span><br />
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Some of those tilts were pretty wild, and often ended with Ray half naked on the ice. That was cleverly by design. He would deliberately wear his jersey and equipment in a fashion where he could easily discard the gear so that his opponent had nothing to grab on to. The NHL quickly installed the "Rob Ray Rule" - any player who does not have his jersey tied down and is involved in an altercation is banned for the rest of the game.<br />
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Ray is also well remembered for his role in subduing a drunken fan who hopped onto the ice and charged the Buffalo bench.<br />
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"There was a fight on the ice. Clint Malarchuk was sitting up on the glass behind the bench. All of a sudden we turned around and there's this guy sitting there. And Muck (former Sabres head coach John Muckler) says, 'Give me a stick, I'll get him down!' He was going to go hit him. Just at the last second, the guy dove onto the bench where the defensemen were. They threw him onto the ice and I came from the other end of the bench. And he came right at me. He had to be stoned or drunk or something. I had a hold of him ... I had like his head on the boards. I think I hit him like 17 or 18 times before the cops finally got in there. The cops were right there on the ice, falling all over the ice. By the time everything was done, there was hair, there was bullets, there was everything laying all over the ice because the cops kept slipping and falling and stuff coming out of their pockets."<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">He Did Not Start Out Being A Goon</span><br />
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But Ray was not always a pure goon. He made the OHL Cornwall Royals because of his physical play, but it was not until he turned pro that he embraced fighting.<br />
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"In junior I wasn't really a fighter. I was more or less a role player. In Rochester, they more or less said that's the way you've got to play if you're going to make it up there, so you started doing that. So you fought, but even when I got to the NHL, I wasn't real comfortable doing it. So one night I fought Dave Brown in Philadelphia. And I buckled him good. That was where I got the confidence I can fight the big guys. It was kind of a turning point in my career."<br />
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Ray's most common dance partner was Toronto's Tie Domi, who he figured he dropped the gloves with over 20 times. Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun once asked him to describe his relationship with Domi.<br />
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"He's helped me out with stuff and I've helped him out with stuff. We have an understanding, on the ice, you know, a respect level for each other. We're both past the point of showing off after a fight or anything like that. Once we get it done, it's over with."<br />
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He also asked about his worst injury in a fight, and about injuring others.<br />
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"I have a steel plate and screws in my (right) thumb. And I was once hit on the side of the head so hard that it drove my eyeball into my orbital bone. It's hard to say how badly you hurt someone. Knockouts? Sure, a bunch of them. There was Dennis Bonvie when he was in Chicago, and Jim Kyte ... that one was pretty bad. They had to carry him off the ice.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">He Had Game, Too</span><br />
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You get the picture - Ray could fight. But he did score the odd goal, 40 in total in 900 NHL games. He remembers his first goal and first game like it was yesterday.<br />
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I got called up from Rochester to Pittsburgh and scored a goal and an assist in Pittsburgh against Barrasso. I was on a line with Scott Arniel and Kevin Maguire and Mike Ramsey was on the point. Ramsey assisted on it. For them, Paul Coffey was on, Mario Lemieux was on, the whole thing was on. I look back now, why was I even on the ice when those guys were on? I still have the game sheet. I had a goal and an assist and was +3 in my first NHL game. And I just sort of sat back and thought, "Where have I been?" "Why didn't I got here sooner? This is gonna be easy." And 27 games later I had a goal and two assists and got sent back down to Rochester.<br />
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Yet the man they call "Rayzor" was a teddy bear off the ice, avoiding the rough stuff.<br />
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"Actually, I've never been in a fight off the ice in my life. Came close one night in a bar back home. Kinda walked over to see what was going on and this guy hit me. I went flying backwards over a table, my shoes came flying off my feet ... I didn't even look for my shoes, I just bolted out the door. I said, screw this, I'm outta here."<br />
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But Rob Ray brought more to the table than just fisticuffs. He was a great teammate and leader, a player the whole dressing room loved to having him be a part of.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Big Heart In The Community</span><br />
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Ray was extremely popular in Buffalo because of his great work in the community. He was constantly visiting hospital rooms, delivering Christmas presents to the less fortunate, or appearing at charity fundraisers any number of organizations were putting on. He was especially fond of the Make-A-Wish foundation where he organized his own fundraisers through motorcycle rides.<br />
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Through all the charity work Ray has never asked for anything in return. He always felt fortunate to find himself where he did.<br />
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"I was raised to do things with integrity and honest. I've never been after individual glory or recognition for what I do on or off the ice."<br />
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Rob Ray definitely made an impact in Buffalo - both on and off the ice.<br />
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<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/G9Ms4Ob5VmI&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/G9Ms4Ob5VmI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-54005945119281789112019-04-06T14:45:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:45:57.141-07:00Alexander Mogilny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Alexander Mogilny, "Mogs" as he was known to many of his teammates, was known as a happy-go-lucky, carefree spirit. He has a world of talent but on some nights a thimble of execution. On any given night he could dance all over the rink, wow the crowd and make the opposition drool. He was just that good.<br />
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Yet on many other nights he was simply invisible - floating across the ice, not doing much of anything. On those nights you just hoped he did not wake up if you were a fan of the opposition.<br />
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Alexander Mogilny represented the best of two worlds, almost literally. He was born in Khabarovsk USSR, and was raised in the old Soviet hockey system. Based on his skating and puck handling skills, he could rank among the very elite in Russia's hockey history. Based on talent alone he is in the top 1 or 2 per cent of all hockey players ever.<br />
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Even though the walls of communism were literally on the verge of falling in 1989, Mogilny desperately wanted out of the Soviet Union. At that time Soviet hockey veterans such as Viacheslav Fetisov and Sergei Makarov were finally being freed to play outside of the Motherland. It was a reward for their years of service, they were publicly told. <br />
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Yet for a young star like Mogilny, who was named as the best forward at the 1988 World Junior Championships in 1988, it meant little. It still appeared he would have to go through several years with Red Army and the Soviet national teams. Little did he know that in just a couple of years he too would have been allowed to go anywhere he pleased.<br />
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But Mogilny, who was drafted in 1988 by the Buffalo Sabres, was impatient. He wanted to go to the United States as badly as he wanted to get away from Viktor Tikhonov.<br />
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Tikhonov was a mercilessly tough coach, particularly on his star players. It was his way of pushing his players to perform even better. Tikhonov was tough on Mogs, and his linemates Sergei Federov and Pavel Bure. The last straw for Mogs was in February 1989. He was struck in the face by the stick of Spartak defenseman Yuri Yaschin. Mogilny felt the blow was deliberate, and immediately dropped his gloves and stormed over to Yaschin, and belted him. Such an act of undiscipline landed him a 10 game suspension and his beloved title of "Merited Master of Sport For The Soviet Union" was stripped from him. He earned that while playing with the Red Army as a junior aged player at the 1988 winter Olympics.<br />
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Rather than expose himself to what he thought would be years of such degradation like so many before him, Mogilny decided to defect his beloved mother country. Mogilny vanished into the night during the 1989 World Junior championships in Stockholm, Sweden. Tikhonov, in the meantime, boarded the plane to go home, and was shocked to see an empty seat where his star of the future was supposed to be.<br />
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"Today I feel nothing but happiness," he said shortly after defecting. "Perhaps this season was a rough one for me. I wouldn't wish what I went through on my worst enemy. The conflict with the players cost me a lot. I'm not made of steel, you know"<br />
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Years later, Mogilny looked back on his decision.<br />
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"I've always had an independent streak, and that was not tolerated by the Soviet authorities. I came to the NHL when I couldn't see any future in the Russian League. So many things were happening politically. Hockey officials could control many aspects of my life beyond the ice rink, from what rank I could hold in the army to what kind of apartment I could live in. I thought I had to defect to maintain any hope of extending my hockey career."<br />
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Initially it was feared that Mogilny's defection would have adverse consequences for Soviet players trying to get to North America or western European club teams. Russian hockey officials cried foul and threaten to cancel any further allowances. However that proved to be empty threats as "Glastnost" could not be stopped.<br />
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When Mogilny arrived in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, he had a special present awaiting him.<br />
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"Buffalo Sabres owner Seymour H. Knox gave me sweater number 89 when I joined his team. I was the 89th pick in the draft, and I came to North America in 1989. Wearing 89 on my back is special to me; it's more than just a number."<br />
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For a 20 year old rookie, Mogilny had an okay season in year one. He scored 16 times and had 43 points. At times he showed brilliance that no other rookie and few other NHLers could display, but at other times he was obviously having a tough time adjusting to life in North America.<br />
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"It was a huge adjustment to come to the NHL. The language barrier was the toughest part. Lack of communication affected me both on and off the ice. It also took some time to get used tot he airline travel. I had to deal with a fear of flying."<br />
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Alex gradually became a steady 30+ goal threat, but it wasn't until the Sabres traded star center Pierre Turgeon to the New York Islanders in exchange for Pat Lafontaine in 1992 that Mogilny blossomed. Lafontaine and Mogilny worked like clockwork. The result - Mogilny exploded to share the NHL lead with 76 goals (with Teemu Selanne) in 77 games! He added 51 assists for 127 points. With Lafontaine Mogilny was almost scoring at will. Finally Mogilny was living up to this highest potential.<br />
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"Offensive hockey is my game, and Pat and I explored a lot of ways to put the puck in the net. It was so enjoyable to play with him. He's such a talent hockey player that he made my job easier," recalls Mogilny fondly.<br />
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He also credits his coach for his success that season.<br />
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"John Muckler didn't hold us back. He told us to play hard and do whatever worked for us."<br />
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Unfortunately for Mogilny, the Sabres, hockey fans everywhere and especially Lafontaine, the star center got hurt in 1993-94. He only participated in 16 games, and Mogs production fell big time. He put up respectable numbers with 32 goals and 79 points in 66 games, but clearly it was disappointing to have your goal production dip by 44 goals!<br />
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After the lockout shortened season of 1995, Mogilny was traded, largely due to financial reasons. The Sabres quite frankly couldn't afford the contract that both he and Lafontaine commanded. And since Mogilny's production fell off drastically when Lafontaine wasn't there, he was the first to go. He was traded to the Vancouver Canucks for a spunky young center named Mike Peca. Also going to Buffalo was gigantic defenseman Mike Wilson and a 1st round pick which turned out to be another big blueliner in Jay McKee.<br />
<br /><br />Hockey experts immediately claimed the deal was a landslide for Vancouver. Wilson was a decent prospect, and the 1st round pick was 14th overall, and everyone knew Mike Peca was going to be a good player, although no one probably knew he'd be as good as he became. But it was a very small price to pay to get one of the most skilled players in the league. In addition, the Canucks already had Pavel Bure, Mogs old junior linemate. Reuniting those two would be a most certain unstoppable force!<br /><br />Things never did work out that way for the Canucks though. In that first year Pavel tore ligaments in his knee and missed the entire season. Mogilny, playing with creative smurf Cliff Ronning, picked up the slack with a big 55 goal season. It was a huge season for Mogilny, as he silenced many of his most vocal critics.<br /><br />"I'm paid to score goals and make plays. That's what I do best. I was saddened to see Pavel miss most of the 1995-96 season due to injury, but it was nice to show some of my critics that I could still rack up some points without Pat Lafontaine or Pavel. I proved them wrong. That was the best part of the season for me. We had a lot of injuries on the team, so it was a poor year for the club, but it was a good year, a rebound year for me."<br /><br />Unfortunately that good year was never followed up in Vancouver. He dipped to 31 goals the following year. Pavel had returned and took up a lot of his ice time. By 1997-98 Pavel had returned to his usual form and had 50+ goals. Mogilny only had 18 in an injury shortened year. With Pavel sitting out the 1998-99 season in a contract dispute, Mogs only scored 14 times.<br /><br />Clearly Mogilny had become a huge disappointment in Vancouver. In the meanwhile Jay McKee and especially Mike Peca developed into big parts of a strong Buffalo Sabres organization that went to the Cup finals in 1999. Five years after the traded that was supposed to be lopsided in Vancouver's favor had taken place, you would be hard pressed to find someone who would trade Peca for Mogilny straight up.<br /><br />The Canucks finally gave up on Mogilny in 1999-2000. He was traded to the New Jersey Devils for Brendan Morrison and Denis Pederson. There was no doubting that Mogilny was the most talented player on the team, perhaps more so than Pavel Bure ever was even, but he was too inconsistent. Many nights he was simply invisible. Not helping matters was an array of injuries and a good playmaking center which he publicly begged for.<br /><br />Mogilny was acquired by the Devils to be the game breaking scorer in the playoffs that they have always lacked. Though he did not immediately provide offense, he did help the Devils win the 2000 Stanley Cup. Mogilny only scored 4 goals in 24 games.<br /><br />Mogilny did find his game the following year, notching 43 goals and leading the Devils on another long playoff run, just falling short in successfully defending the Stanley Cup championship.<br /><br />A free agent in the summer of 2001, Mogilny signed on with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Mogilny would put in seasons of 24 and 33 goals, but the Leafs never did find post-season magic they so greatly craved.<br /><br />The 2003-04 season was the beginning of the end for Mogilny. A chronic hip injury limited him to just 37 games and eventually would force him into retirement. The New Jersey Devils did give him another shot following the lockout, but when it was clear his injuries greatly hampered his ability, he was waived to the minor leagues, albeit in large part due to salary cap considerations with Patrik Elias return from long term illness. For Mogilny, it was a sad ending for a great hockey player.<br /><br />Mogilny was an extremely popular player. He has a zest for life, perhaps because he grew up in the old Soviet Union. He appreciates freedom more than us who take it for granted. So it's hard to knock him for being a bit carefree.<br /><br />Here's some highlight reel goals by Alexander Mogilny:<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/H57GKlOQpog&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/H57GKlOQpog&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-1165823395641593532019-04-06T14:38:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:38:03.925-07:00Tom Barrasso<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tom Barrasso entered the NHL in the 1983-84 season as an 18 year old straight from high school. The Buffalo Sabres rookie not only succeeded at what is almost unheard of, he turned in one of the greatest individual seasons in the history of the league.<br />
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Barrasso originally planned to play for Providence College in Rhode Island, but after ending his high school season by representing Team USA at the World Championships. That confidence boost convinced the youngster to turn pro. In his rookie NHL season, Barrasso won the Vezina Trophy as the leagues best netminder and the Calder Trophy as the top rookie thanks to a 26-12-3 record and a 2.84 GAA. He was named to the first all star team.<br />
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After his spectacular season, Barrasso was being hailed as the best goalie in the world by many. He confirmed his elite status by representing Team USA at the 1984 Canada Cup, and then by improving his second season NHL totals to 25-28-10 and a 2.66 GAA. He shared the Jennings trophy and was named to the second team all stars.<br />
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The shine on Barrasso's short but brilliant career began to wear off in the 1985-86 season. Barrasso and Bob Sauve had battled for the starters job much of the previous two seasons, but the Sabres ended the goaltending controversy by trading Sauve and declaring Barrasso as their number one man. Barrasso's playing time increased but his numbers fell. In 60 games played, Barrasso posted a 3.61 GAA, and went 24-29-5. Most importantly the Sabres failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 1973-74 season.<br />
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1986-87 wasn't any better. Barrasso got off to a terrible start, and the Sabres never recovered. The Sabres finished dead last in the NHL.<br />
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The Sabres stuck with Barrasso, and he rebounded in 1987-88, posting a 25-18-8 record and leading the Sabres back into the playoffs.<br />
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Early in the 1988-89 season, Barrasso was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh's powerful offense, led by Mario Lemieux and Paul Coffey, needed some defensive help. Barrasso proved to be that help, as he was an important part of back to back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992.<br />
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Barrasso would stay with the Pens through 200, racking up huge win totals. He became the first American born goalie to win 300 career NHL games. He'd have 369 in all, compared to only 277 losses.<br />
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In the new century Barrasso ended his career by bouncing around with the Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues for very short stints. He was also named to Team USA for the 2002 Olympics and helped the team capture a silver medal.<br />
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Because of his spectacular start in Buffalo and his Stanley Cup brilliance in Pittsburgh, it is likely this Sabres legend will end up in Hockey's Hall of Fame.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-45858165807207968582019-04-06T14:25:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:25:26.674-07:00Dave Andreychuk<div style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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A reader recently emailed me adamantly stating that Dave Andreychuk is sure-fire Hockey Hall of Famer. </div>
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The case he made is impressive:</div>
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">640 career goals, 13th best all-time</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">NHL's all time leader in power play goals (274)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Captained Stanley Cup winning team (2004 Tampa Bay Lightning)</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">5th all-time in games played.</li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">27th all time in career points</li>
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"Consistency, longevity, a winner, and the best power play goal scorer in the League's storied history. Sounds like a Hall of Famer to me," the reader wrote.</div>
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It's hard to argue with that. Yet at the same time Dave Andreychuk does not really fit my idea of what a Hall of Famer should be. He was never a dominant player.</div>
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My profile of a HHOFer must include being a dominant, rare talent for a good stretch of time. Six to eight years in a 10 year window is my general rule of thumb. While Andreychuk played very well for a very long time and is a real nice guy, when was he ever "the best?"</div>
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He never once made a post-season All Star team. Heck, only twice did he play in a NHL all star game. For all those career goals, only once did he crack the top five in goal scoring - 1994. That same season was the only time he finish in the top 10 in points. I think that spurt in production had more to do with playing with Doug Gilmour than anything.</div>
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I still really struggle with longevity and consistency compared to true dominance. Even with his lofty goal scoring totals I personally would not include him in my own Hall of Fame. But in the real world Hockey Hall of Fame, I will concede that Dave Andreychuk should one day be included in the Hall. By their lower standards, I agree that Dave Andreychuk should one day be included in the Hockey Hall of Fame.</div>
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I would even induct Andreychuk ahead of fellow long time goal scorers like Dino Ciccarelli because of the Stanley Cup championship. But I do think the likes of Doug Gilmour, Joe Nieuwendyk, Adam Oates, Pavel Bure, Eric Lindros and maybe even John Leclair should get the nod first. In my mind, they were all dominant players.<br />
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So yes, Dave Andreychuk fans, I do suspect one day he will be included in the Hockey Hall of Fame. But not in 2010.</div>
Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-43316079655177942022019-04-06T14:22:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:22:44.297-07:00Phil Housley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the best offensive defensemen in the high scoring 1980s, Phil Housley played 1,495 regular-season games played, which set the standards for all American born players. Housley also retired as the highest scoring US born player with 1,232 points (338 goals and 894 assists).
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Housley began his NHL career with Buffalo in 1982. The 6th overall draft pick from 1982 skipped college and went straight from high school to the NHL without missing a beat. In his rookie season he scored 19 goals and 66 points by as a defenseman. There was no sophomore jinx for Housley, as he improved to an incredible 31 goals and 77 points in season two. He did spend some time playing left wing however.<br />
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Scoring was never a problem for Housley. He was a superior skater, blessed with speed and agility, and a powerplay specialist. He was equally adept at rushing the puck or making the perfect first pass out of the zone. His small stature gave him trouble on one-on-one battles in the defensive zone, and he struggled early in his career with his defensive game, but there were very few defensemen better at the transition game.
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Housley was a mainstay in Buffalo until 1990 when he was part of the Dale Hawerchuk trade with Winnipeg. Housley's offense only improved in Winnipeg. In his third year he and a rookie named Teemu Selanne formed a special chemistry. Selanne smashed NHL records with 76 goals as a rookie, and many of those goals were on assists from Housley. Housley had a career high 79 assists and 97 points that season.
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Selanne would never again come close to the 76 goal mark. Part of that reason was because of the break up as Housley was traded to St. Louis in 1993-94. It should be noted that Housley held out and demanded the trade. The story at the time suggested Housley was not happy paying high taxes in Canada and wanted to return to his native United States. How accurate that story is is debatable, but Housley burned a lot of bridges in Canada with the hold out.<br />
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Housley never challenged the point totals he had achieved in Winnipeg or Buffalo. His stay in St. Louis was short, as he moved to Calgary then New Jersey. In 2000 he rejoined Calgary and enjoyed a bit of a renaissance. He finished his career with two seasons in Chicago and one game in Toronto.
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Throughout his career Housley endeared himself to the international game as well. In 1982, Housley played in the world junior championships. Seven times he would skate for Team USA at world championships. He played in the 1984 and 1987 Canada Cups. He was a member of the victorious 1996 World Cup of Hockey team and the silver medal winning Team USA at the 2002 Olympic games. He is a member of the IIHF Hall of Fame.<br />
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Phil Housley was a fun and entertaining player. Offensively he was elite. Defensively he was at times an adventure.<br />
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Over time his totals still really impress, and his offensive approach to the game is rare and missed. He made other players better, particularly the likes of Dave Andreychuk and Teemu Selanne. But the same passage of time has allowed many to forget the flaws in his game. He was not great - or at times in his career not even good - defensively. Early in his career he was a complete adventure in his own zone. He settled down over the years, but was always susceptible to lapses. Remember that 97 point season in '92/93? He was minus 14 on a good team. And he provided next to no physical game at all.<br />
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Housley never came close to winning a NHL award. The closest was in '92/93 when he led all defensemen in scoring, but he finished 4th in Norris Trophy balloting. He never came close to any trophy nomination other than that.<br />
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And of course he never won a Stanley Cup. A lot of people think that is a must for inclusion in the Hockey Hall of Fame, though I do not agree with that. But Housley's playoff record was underwhelming at best.<br />
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The best modern day comparable player, in my opinion, is Brian Campbell. Campbell, too, is a wonderful skater and an offensive blueliner, albeit in a more defensive era. He, too, is soft in his own end, and despite some strong seasons has never been considered a Norris Trophy level defenseman. Campbell isn't exactly known for his defensive zone play either, but he is reliable. More so than Housley.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-22982841841773889802017-12-02T12:30:00.000-08:002017-12-02T12:30:05.232-08:00Mark NapierAs an 18-year old Napier was rated as the top player in Canada born in 1957 by pro scouts. He had an impressive 223 points in 131 games during two seasons for his hometown team Toronto Marlboros in the OHA. In his last season with the Marlies, 1974-75, Napier led the team to the Memorial Cup as well as being named to the 1st All-Star team. He also led all scorers in goals (24) and points (48) in the playoffs.<br />
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Despite still having two years of junior eligibility remaining, he signed as an under-age junior with the WHA Toronto Toro's May 1975. Napier was an instant hit in the WHA, recording 93 points, and was the only rookie to finish among the league's top 50 scorers. He also was voted as the WHA rookie of the year. In his sophomore season Mark exploded for 60 goals, one of only 8 players to do so in WHA history.<br />
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Napier was a spectacular skater, blessed with tremendous speed and acceleration. He also had good balance, skating with his legs wide apart forming a low center of gravity. He maintained his fine speed until he was well past 30. Mark thrived on fast-breaks, transition offense and two-on-one situations.<br />
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He was drafted from the Birmingham Bulls (WHA) by Montreal Canadiens in the 1st round,10th overall of the 1977 entry draft. The Montreal fans loved his eye-pleasing end-to-end rushes and his streaky goal scoring exploits.<br />
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Often paired with fiery Doug Risebrough, Napier led Montreal in goals three consecutive season with 35 tallies in 1980-81 and 40 in back to back seasons in 1982 and 1983. On January 23rd, 1982 he set the team record for fastest two goals from the start of a game, scoring twice in the opening 38 seconds against Calgary.<br />
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Early into the 1983-84 season Napier Mark was traded to Minnesota together with fellow speedster Keith Acton a draft pick for strapping center Bobby Smith. After a short stint in Minnesota, Mark was traded to Edmonton for Gord Sherven and Terry Martin on January 24, 1985. The deal to Edmonton was a jackpot since it gave him two Stanley Cup rings. He also got to play with brother in law Pat Hughes.<br />
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His last stop in the NHL came when he was traded from Edmonton to Buffalo on March 6, 1987 with Lee Fogolin in exchange for Normand Lacombe, Wayne van Dorp and future considerations. Mark closed out his solid NHL career in 1988-89, totaling 767 games and 541 points (235 goals and 306 assists). In the WHA he had 254 points in 237 games.<br />
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Interestingly, Napier finished his career wearing jersey #65 back when such NASCAR numbers were not so common place. Since his favored #9 was already in use courtesy of Danny Gare, Napier chose 65 because of his involvement with the charitable Cystic Fibrosis Foundation where he was an honorary chairman. The terrible disease is often mispronounced by its youngest victims as Sixty Five Roses, leading to the annual fundraising and awareness campaign by the same tagline. Napier brought further attention to the cause by donning the jersey number.<br />
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Napier went on to play in Italy between 1989-93 where he continued to rely on his fine speed. He played for Bolzano, Varese and Milano becoming the Italian champ three out of the four years. Mark led the league in goals and points in both 1990 and 91, as well as assists in 1991. In 128 games Mark scored a whopping 376 points.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-83512976717683372412013-11-25T16:38:00.000-08:002019-04-06T13:28:22.977-07:00Morris Titanic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Morris Titanic was drafted by Buffalo in the 1st round, 12th overall in 1973, two spots ahead of Rick Middleton.<br />
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It turned out to be the wrong choice, as Middleton went on to a long NHL career. But, hey, at the time Buffalo's GM Punch Imlach had a real streak going. His previous 1st round choices had been Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Jim Schoenfeld, three players who went on to play a total of 2823 NHL games, scoring 2454 points.<br />
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Morris only managed to play 19 games in the big league. He played 17 games for Buffalo in 1974-75 and 2 games in 1975-76, not scoring a single point. Because of Buffalo's fine drafting the previous seasons the pressure on the 20-year old winger was substantial.
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Titanic had just completed a fine All-Star season for the Sudbury Wolves where he scored 121 points - including 61 goals - in 63 games. Before that Morris had played for the Niagara Falls Flyers.<br />
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Back in 1973 when Morris was picked in the 1st round it wasn't much of a big deal like today. At the draft day Morris was working at a gas station in Niagara Falls. His landlady came over to him and told him that he had been picked 12th overall by Buffalo. Later that day Punch Imlach called him and asked him how much money he wanted. Today the media scrutiny is enormous on the potential 1st round draft picks during draft day and player agents are swirling around their clients like sharks.
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Morris' cool name Titanic is Ukrainian. His father emigrated to Toronto with his parents as a little child. Morris bad fortune was that he got a nagging back problem in his second professional season. After a back operation Morris almost had to quit hockey. A spinal fusion operation forced him to go through two years of rehabilitation.
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When Morris came back at the start of the 1977-78 season he went on to play in the AHL and IHL. He scored a fine 70 points in 75 games for the Milvaukee Admirals in the IHL 1978-79. But early in the 1979-80 season he tore up his knee while playing for the Rochester Americans in the AHL and his playing days were over.
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He had to quit at only 27-years old. He went on to coach at the Junior B levels before finally pursuing a career outside the hockey rink as a salesman in 1985.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-45908992439542408202013-07-09T14:43:00.000-07:002019-04-06T13:28:34.867-07:00Daren PuppaWhen Tom Barrasso shocked the hockey world with his incredible rookie season in 1984-85, the Sabres must have envisioned no goaltending problems for the next decade or more. Right out of high school Barrasso stepped in, pushed aside veterans Bob Sauve and Jacques Cloutier and was the best goalie in the game.
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A very few seasons later, the same thing happened in Buffalo. Only this time, Barrasso was the goalie being pushed aside by another hotshot newcomer. That newcomer was Daren Puppa.
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Puppa certainly didn't have the credentials Barrasso had when he finally burst onto the scene. A native of the hockey hotbed of Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Puppa earned a scholarship with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York State where he attended classes and backstopped the school's hockey team from 1983 to 1985. He left school early at the Sabres encouragement, but continued classes in the off-season and eventually earned an engineering degree from RPI.
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The Sabres drafted Puppa 74th overall in 1983. He was a virtual unknown since he did not play junior hockey and had yet to attend RPI. Sabres GM Scotty Bowman had a conversation with former Montreal Canadiens star Ralph Backstrom, then the head coach of the University of Denver and also a cousin of Puppa's father. Bowman sent his scouting staff to go see Puppa play in Kirkland Lake, and selected him in 1983 as a virtual secret.
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Though he would make an instant splash in his 1986 NHL debut, shutting out Wayne Gretzky and the Oilers 1-0, Puppa apprenticed in the minor leagues for 3 seasons, winning the AHL championship in 1987, as Barrasso continued to star. Puppa finally got the starting job in 1989-90. As a strong, stand-up goalie who reminded many of the great Ken Dryden, Puppa won 31 games and was runner-up to Patrick Roy in balloting for the Vezina Trophy. The Sabres traded Barrasso away to Pittsburgh, feeling that Puppa was the real deal.
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But over the three seasons that followed, Puppa struggled to regain his form, thanks in part to chronic back problems. In 1993, he was shipped to the Leafs where he played eight games before being claimed by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Expansion Draft of 1993.
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Puppa was able to re-establish his status as an elite goalie in Tampa, and game the young franchise instant credibility. By 1995-96 Puppa racked up 29 wins, 19 losses, and 9 ties, topped off by the Lightning's first trip to the playoffs in 1996.
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The nagging back injury returned shortly thereafter. Puppa managed to hang in with the club over the four seasons that followed but was able to appear in a total of only 50 games. He then hung up his pads for good in 1999-2000.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-9676524509512243352013-07-05T17:55:00.000-07:002019-04-06T14:43:00.601-07:00Mikael AnderssonMikael Andersson was a tremendously gifted skater. His speed was the key to his game. He had a great wrist shot but didn't utilize it nearly enough, especially early on in his career. And he tended to over-handle the puck. Though he lacked the strength to be a physical presence in the NHL, Andersson became an effective checker by using his quickness to pounce on loose pucks.<br />
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The Sabres selected Mikael in the first round of the 1984 NHL entry draft, making him the first Swedish player to be picked by the Sabres that highly. Although he would attend the Sabres training camp in 1984, he returned to Sweden for another year before coming to North America in the 1985-86 season.<br />
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Mikael struggled throughout his career as a Sabre. In his rookie season he played in 32 games, but scored just once. After that uninspiring debut, Mikael spent most of the 1986-87 season in the minor leagues. He appeared in 16 games with the Sabres that year and registered just 3 assists. Sabres fans quickly were becoming impatient with the young Swede, who was another in a list of what appeared to be bad draft choices by general manager Scotty Bowman.<br />
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Andersson split the 1987-88 season between the Sabres and the minors. His 3 goals and 20 assists in 37 games proved to be his best season in Buffalo. However in 1988-89 he appeared in just 14 contests, picking up just 1 point That proved to be Mikael’s final year in Buffalo, although a lengthy NHL and hockey career remained ahead of him.<br />
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Mikael was picked up by the Hartford Whalers in the pre-season NHL waiver draft prior to the beginning of the 1989-90 season. The move proved to be a good one for Mikael, who played the majority of his season in the NHL with the Whalers. By 1991-92 he was able to register his best year as an NHLer - scoring 18 times while collecting 47 points and totalling an impressive plus-18.<br />
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The timing for Mikael's breakout year couldn't have been better as he gained free agency status that summer. He exercised his right to shop his services around the league and signed on with the expansion Tampa Bay Lightning. He would enjoy 8 seasons in the Florida sunshine.<br />
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A late season trade to Philadelphia in 1999 followed by a short stint with the New York Islanders in 2000 rounded out his NHL career. However he did return to his native Sweden to continue playing.<br />
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While most Sabres fans will remember Andersson as one of Bowman's draft busts, his career stats suggest otherwise, particularly hi 761 NHL games played. In that time he collected 95 goals and 264 points and just 134 minutes in penalties. He also enjoyed a storied international career including 3 world junior championships, 3 world championships, 1 Canada Cup and 1 World Cup, plus the 1998 Olympic games.<br />
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Not a bad career at all.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-79464051536780256082013-06-02T21:31:00.001-07:002019-04-06T13:28:45.048-07:00Bob Boughner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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His nickname was a play on his surname, but it was also very fitting. Bob Boughner, aka The Boogeyman, was a rough and tumble defenseman who was willing and able to take on all the league's toughest customers. He was very aggressive and loved to hit. He was a great teammate who would come to the aid of his friends in an instant.<br />
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And his teammates loved him for it.<br />
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"He's a total team player, he's a very tough guy and he'd always be happy to be the first guy in there to fight for anybody," said Jarome Iginla.
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Boughner was by no means a goon. He 630 games in the NHL because he was a reliable depth defenseman and great teammate, first and foremost. He played a very conservative role as a depth defensive blue-liner. He could draw short-term assignments against the other teams top lines, but was more comfortable in the fifth or sixth role.<br />
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Boughner provided next to no offense (15 career goals) and was pretty much strictly a chip-it-off-the-glass type of defender. But with his physical exuberance he could set the tone of the game and for his teammates, knowing exactly when to inject needed energy into the game.
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Not that anything ever came easy for the big right-handed rearguard. A second draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings back in 1989, Boughner spent five years in the minors before finally getting his shot.<br />
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Boughner had captained the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds to the 1990-91 OHL championship in his final junior season but Detroit had too many veteran d-men in the early 1990s. Paul Coffey, Doug Crossman, Brad Marsh, Mark Howe and Brad McCrimmon blocked the way for any prospects.<br />
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The Wings actually let him walk after three years. He signed with the expansion Florida Panthers but still never got a shot.<br />
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Things changed when Ted Nolan, Boughner's coach in Sault Ste. Marie, became the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. Nolan was sure to give his former captain a chance to make the team.<br />
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"He called me a few times and told me he was going to try and trade for me and it eventually happened (Feb. 1, 1996) ... That was my huge break. If it wasn't for Teddy, who knows? I could still be down there," said Boughner.<br />
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After his Buffalo breakthrough, Boughner was picked up by Nashville in the 1998 expansion draft before moving on to Pittsburgh, then Calgary, Carolina and finally Colorado. He never stayed anywhere too long to get comfortable. But his many teammates always appreciated him on and off the ice.<br />
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Boughner returned to junior hockey after hanging up his NHL skates in 2006. He purchased the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL and named himself president and CEO as well as head coach. He turned the Spitfires around remarkably, leading them to back to back Memorial Cup championships in 2009 and 2010, making him one of the top coaching prospects in the game.<br />
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<br />Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-23394902023523448432013-05-26T19:26:00.001-07:002019-04-06T13:28:56.564-07:00Andre Savard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is Andre Savard. For 790 games over 12 seasons he was a solid two way checking center able to provide some offense. He started in Boston with the Bruins and ended his career in Quebec where he starred as a junior, but he is best remembered as a member of the Buffalo Sabres.<br />
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The Bruins drafted Savard 6th overall in 1973, behind a couple of gems like Denis Potvin, bob Gainey and Lanny McDonald. Savard had a monster year in Quebec, scoring 67 goals and 151 points in just 56 games. 12 of those points came in a single game!<br />
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That offense was not nearly so potent in the NHL. He topped 20 goals three times, including a 31 goal, 74 point campaign in 1980-81, but generally speaking he was regularly a 20 goal, 40 point 3rd line center.<br />
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Savard was buried behind some big names in Boston, with the likes of Phil Esposito and Jean Ratelle ahead of him on the depth chart. That led to a stalemate when contract time came in the summer of 1976. The result was Boston trading his rights to Buffalo for the rights of Peter McNab, who similarly was having troubles coming to a new contract.<br />
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Where he came to excel at the NHL level was as a checking center. The fans appreciated it, too. He was named the most popular player in Buffalo as well as the unsung hero and most enthusiastic player team awards. He was part of a very effective line with Craig Ramsay and Ric Seiling. He and Derek Smith were shoehorned into the second line center spot at times.<br />
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A serious knee injury ended Savard's career prematurely. In 790 NHL contests Savard scored 211 goals, 271 assists for 482 points. In 85 playoff games he added 13 goals and 31 points.<br />
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He went on to become a long time coach, scout and manager. He had short stints as head coach in Quebec and as general manager in Montreal.<br />
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<br />Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-68693970814026128592012-03-18T21:45:00.001-07:002019-04-06T13:29:25.534-07:00Donald Audette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Donald Audette was tiny at 5'8" and 185lbs, but he always showed scrappy resilience and a strong determination to overcome critics and serious injuries. He proved to be a solid player who could score big goals. <br />
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Born in Laval, Quebec on September 23, 1969, Audette was small but fearless. He used his short, choppy skating to power in and out of traffic to use his knack for finding loose pucks and rebounds. His work ethic was second to none. <br />
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But too many people dismissed him because of his lack of size and his graceless skating. He was passed over completely in the 1988 draft, despite scoring 48 goals and 109 points. The following year he scored 76 goals and 161 points in 70 games and another 17 goals in 17 playoff games earning the Guy Lafleur trophy as playoff MVP. Yet he was almost completely overlooked again. The Buffalo Sabres finally took a chance on him in the 9th round, selecting him 183rd overall. <br />
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Audette was determined to make it to the NHL and tore up the AHL in his first pro season. He scored 42 goals and was named as AHL Rookie of the Year. More importantly, he was called up to Buffalo in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He would play in 2 games.<br />
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Audette was the talk of the NHL early in the 1990-91 season. The undersized rookie unexpectedly made the team right out of training camp. He started the season on fire, scoring 4 goals and 7 points in 8 games. All seemed well for Audette. He had proved his detractors wrong. But on November 16th, 1990 his NHL career was placed in serious jeopardy. He tore the ligaments in his left knee and missed the rest of the regular season.<br />
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The hard luck kid worked hard to come back. Again he made the Sabres out of training camp. He went on to score an impressive 31 goals in just 63 games before another injury to the same knee ended his season yet again. <br />
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Missing the first twenty-two games of the following season, Don was slow to produce in his sophomore season, and many in the organization felt that the back to back knee injuries had taken their toll. He put up only 12 goals in 44 games.<br />
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Audette rebounded nicely in 1993-94, scoring 29 goals and adding 30 assists. He would score another 24 goals in only 46 games during the strike shortened 1995 season. By now everyone in the National Hockey League respected Audette as a spunky and dangerous scorer. He was at his best on the power play. <br />
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Knee injuries would derail him yet again. He would play in only 23 games in 1995-96 (scoring 12 goals) before having season ending surgery on his right knee. But yet again he bounced back in 1996-97 with 28 goals in 73 games. He followed that up with another healthy season in '97-98, scoring 24 goals in 75 games.<br />
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Audette had shown tremendous dedication and loyalty to Buffalo over the years, but a contract dispute saw him hold out for more money prior to the 1998-99 season. Just before Christmas he would be traded to Los Angeles. Audette would get the dollars with the Kings, but it must have been tough for him to watch his former teammates competing for the Stanley Cup just a few months later. <br />
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Audette put in a couple of years with the Kings before moving to the Atlanta Thrashers in 2000. He had his best year of his career in Atlanta, scoring 32 goals and 71 points in the 2000-01 season. <br />
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That was when his fairy-tale season came full circle. At the trading deadline in 2001 the Thrashers moved Audette back to Buffalo for another playoff push. It was a great story at the time, but ultimately the Sabres could not return to the Stanley Cup final.<br />
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That was Audette's last notable season. An unrestricted free agent, he signed with Dallas in 2001 but was soon moved to Montreal, where suffered a scary wrist injury. New York Rangers forward Radek Dvorak's skate accidentally cut Audette's wrist, severing several tendons.<br />
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Yet again, Audette persevered and returned to the game. He finished his career quietly in Florida, playing 28 games with the Panthers in 2004.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37964265.post-39465101067760080772012-02-01T17:21:00.000-08:002019-04-06T13:29:41.228-07:00Jerry Korab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Buffalo fans endeared themselves to a monstrous defenseman named Jerry Korab - better known as King Kong Korab, or just Kong.<br />
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Korab was nicknamed King Kong because of his intimidating size and his appearance. At 6'3 and 220lbs he was a big as the giant gorilla. Plus he sported a messy mop of hair and big bushy moustache.<br />
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He also played a bit like King Kong on skates- his intimidating presence kept the opponents honest while allowing his teammates - particularly the French Connection line of Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin and Rene Robert - to thrive. Opponents knew that they could not take liberties on the Sabres star players because Korab would answer the bell every time.<br />
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Such aggressive play made him a fan favorite. One fan even dressed regularly in a gorilla suit in tribute to the rugged blueliner. <br />
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But Korab was much more than just an intimidating enforcer. Korab was a very skilled rearguard, who was also shuffled to the left wing early in his career. In his first season in Buffalo he broke all club scoring records for defensemen when he scored 12 goals, 44 assists and 56 points. He later bettered his goal scoring record to 14 goals (all records have now been surpassed). Over much of his career in Buffalo he played the point on one of the power play units in the 1970s.<br />
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Korab was originally property of the Chicago Blackhawks but after three seasons of being shuffled between the blueline and left wing, he was traded to Vancouver. He appeared in just 31 games with the Canucks before he was moved to the Canucks expansion twins - the Buffalo Sabres in a trade for Tracy Pratt and John Gould. <br />
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In Buffalo the inconsistent Korab developed into a solid and more consistent rearguard. Under Punch Imlach, Korab gained much confidence in his game, and became an all star by 1975. Korab teamed with Jim Schoenfeld to form one of the biggest and most physical defensive pairings in NHL history. In addition to settling down defensively he became a decent offensive threat. Six times he reached double digits in goals, and was a constant 45-50 point threat in his stay in Buffalo.<br />
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The Sabres traded the aging veteran to Los Angeles in exchange for a 1st round pick in the 1982 entry draft (The Sabres used the draft pick to select the outstanding Phil Housley), on March 10, 1980. Korab had one great year left in him when he scored 9 goals and a career high 52 points in his first full season in Los Angeles, but he quickly settled into more of a defensive role in the twilight of his career. <br />
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And by 1983 the Sabres reclaimed Korab via the waiver wire when the Kings exposed Korab, who was clearly a step too slow in the new explosive NHL of the early 1980s. Despite that, Korab played parts of two more seasons with Buffalo, retiring in 1985.<br />
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The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native retired from the NHL with 114 goals, 341 assists and 455 points in 975 games. He collected a well earned 1629 penalty minutes in that time as well.Joe Pelletierhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01906327400250923397noreply@blogger.com4