Nicknamed "The Ottawa Flash," Nighbor's speed and stickhandling were legendary. He possessed an uncanny ability to weave through defenders, leaving them grasping at air as he danced towards the net. He could score from any angle, with either hand, and his wrist shot was a thing of beauty, a laser beam finding its way past the most acrobatic goalies.
Nighbor's impact was immediate. Joining the Ottawa Senators in 1908, he led them to four Stanley Cup championships in five seasons, scoring a staggering 222 goals in just 242 games. He won the NHL scoring title five times, a record that stood for decades.
Beyond his individual brilliance, Nighbor was a consummate team player. He formed a deadly partnership with fellow Senators greats Cy Denneny and Sprague Cleghorn, creating a dominant offensive force that redefined the game. His leadership and sportsmanship earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.
Tragically, Nighbor's career was cut short by injury in 1928. Yet, his legacy continues to inspire. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947, and his influence on the game of hockey remains undeniable. He showed that size didn't matter, that skill and finesse could triumph over brute force. He was the "Ottawa Flash," a shining star who left an indelible mark on the ice.