Sports History

Phil Esposito, nicknamed "Espo" or "Number 77," wasn't just a hockey player; he was a scoring machine who rewrote the record books and left an indelible mark on the game. His 18-year career with the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers was a masterclass in offensive dominance.

Early Promise and Chicago Beginnings: Drafted in 1963, Esposito quickly emerged as a force on the Blackhawks' top line alongside Bobby Hull. His scoring touch was evident, earning him the Art Ross Trophy for leading the league in points in 1965 and 1966. However, a trade to the Boston Bruins in 1967 proved to be a turning point.

Boston Bruins Dynasty and Record-Breaking Feat: Joining forces with his brother Tony, Esposito became a focal point of the Bruins' high-powered offense. He won the Art Ross Trophy an astonishing four more times, led the league in goals six times, and even became the first player to break the 100-point barrier in a season (1968-69). He and his brother led the Bruins to two Stanley Cup appearances, winning it all in 1970.

A Journeyman's Touch: Continued Excellence: Traded to the New York Rangers in 1975, Esposito remained a scoring threat, playing seven more seasons and reaching the 1,000-point mark. He retired in 1981, leaving behind a legacy of incredible individual achievements.

Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion rocketed into hockey history not just for his powerful slap shot, but for his impact on the Montreal Canadiens and the sport itself. From his rookie season in 1950 to his retirement in 1964, Geoffrion's career was a dazzling display of offensive prowess and championship spirit.

Born in Montreal, Geoffrion embodied the passion of the Canadiens fanbase. His booming shot, honed on frozen ponds, earned him his nickname and struck fear into opposing goaltenders. He quickly formed a potent line with Maurice Richard and Jean Béliveau, "The Punch Line," terrorizing defenses and leading the Canadiens to two Stanley Cup victories in 1953 and 1956.

But Geoffrion wasn't just a goal scorer. He possessed exceptional playmaking skills, setting up teammates with pinpoint passes and contributing significantly to the team's overall offensive power. His speed and agility made him a constant threat, earning him the nickname "Le Fantôme" (The Phantom) for his ability to seemingly appear out of nowhere to score.

Beyond his individual accolades, Geoffrion was a key part of the Canadiens' golden age. He won six Stanley Cups in total, tying a record at the time, and helped establish the team's dynasty in the 1950s and early 1960s. His popularity transcended the ice, becoming a cultural icon in Montreal and inspiring generations of young hockey players.

However, Geoffrion's career wasn't without challenges. Injuries hampered him at times, and he was eventually traded to the New York Rangers, a move that saddened the Montreal faithful. He continued to play at a high level, even leading the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1972.

He played hard in the Big Apple as well and earned the Ranger cheers, but as we look back, this skater was a Montreal Canadien through and through.

Few players in hockey history embody the journey from humble beginnings to superstardom quite like Dit Clapper. Born in Berlin, Ontario, in 1909, Clapper spent his early days working in textile mills, honing his love for hockey on frozen ponds before embarking on a career that would etch his name among the greats.

Early Struggles and the Boston Bruins:

Clapper's professional journey began in the minor leagues, where his offensive prowess caught the eye of the Boston Bruins. He joined the team in 1930, facing stiff competition and needing help to adapt to the NHL's faster pace. However, his determination and relentless work ethic paid off. By the mid-1930s, Clapper had transformed into a scoring machine, unleashing his iconic slapshot, a powerful and accurate weapon that bewildered opposing goaltenders.

The "Slap Happy Slap Shot" and Domination:

Clapper's slapshot wasn't just a shot; it was a spectacle. The booming sound of his stick connecting with the puck, followed by the net rippling, became synonymous with excitement and offensive power. He shattered scoring records, leading the NHL in goals five times and becoming the first player to reach the 50-goal mark in a single season (1940-41). His offensive dominance earned him the nickname "The Bronco Billy," and his name became synonymous with the Boston Bruins' offensive identity.

Beyond Individual Brilliance: Leadership and Legacy:

Clapper's impact extended beyond individual achievements. He was a respected leader and a fierce competitor, captaining the Bruins to the Stanley Cup championship in 1939. His dedication to the game and willingness to mentor younger players like Bobby Orr solidified his place as a pillar of the Bruins organization.

Injury and Retirement:

Clapper's career was cut short due to a knee injury sustained in 1945. He retired in 1946, leaving a legacy as one of the NHL's most prolific scorers and influential players. His 392 goals remained the league record for 33 years, a testament to his offensive prowess.

Hall of Fame Recognition and Enduring Impact:

Clapper's contributions were immortalized in 1947 when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. His jersey number, #5, was retired by the Bruins, symbolizing his enduring impact on the franchise and the sport.

Lawrence "Larry" Murphy carved his name into hockey history with a remarkable 21-season career. Renowned for his offensive prowess and defensive reliability, he solidified his place as one of the greatest defensemen ever to grace the ice.

Larry Murphy and Paul Coffey in 2008 at last game in the Igloo, Credit Michael Miller

Early Career and Record-Breaking Debut (1980-1985):

-Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 1980, Murphy made a sensational debut, setting rookie records for points (76) and assists (60) by a defenseman, a feat that still stands today.

-Despite his impressive individual performance, the Kings struggled to find consistent team success during his tenure.

Building a Legacy Across Teams: Minnesota, Pittsburgh, and Toronto (1985-1996):

-After stints with the Minnesota North Stars and Washington Capitals, Murphy found his championship calling with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1989.

-Partnered with fellow defenseman Paul Coffey, Murphy formed a potent offensive duo, contributing significantly to the Penguins' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992.

A Change of Scenery and More Championships: Detroit and a Legacy Cemented (1996-2001):

-In 1996, Murphy was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, forming another iconic defensive partnership with Nicklas Lidström.

-His veteran leadership and offensive contributions proved instrumental in the Red Wings' Stanley Cup triumphs in 1997 and 1998, solidifying his reputation as a player who elevated any team he joined.

Guy Lapointe, a Montreal native born in 1948, was a cornerstone defenseman whose career spanned 17 seasons from 1969 to 1984. Renowned for his smooth skating, exceptional passing skills, and fierce competitiveness, he became synonymous with the Montreal Canadiens' dynasty of the 1970s.

Lapointe's journey began with the Montreal Junior Canadiens, where his talent caught the eye of the NHL team. Drafted in 1968, he quickly established himself as a reliable presence on the Canadiens' blueline.

A Key Piece of the Canadiens' Dynasty (1970-1979):

Lapointe's arrival coincided with the rise of the "Big Three" – himself alongside Larry Robinson and Serge Savard. This formidable defensive unit became the backbone of the Canadiens' dominance throughout the decade.

Lapointe's contributions went beyond shutting down opponents. His offensive prowess was a valuable asset. He possessed a knack for joining the rush and creating scoring opportunities, amassing over 450 assists throughout his career.

Six Stanley Cup Victories and Individual Accolades:

Lapointe's impact was undeniable. He played a pivotal role in all six of the Canadiens' Stanley Cup victories from 1971 to 1979. His consistency and leadership earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

Beyond team success, Lapointe received individual recognition. He earned a Second All-Star Team selection three times and a First All-Star Team nod in 1973. He also represented Canada at the 1977 Canada Cup, capturing the championship gold medal.

Later Career and Legacy:

After leaving the Canadiens in 1982, Lapointe played briefly for the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins before retiring in 1984. Injuries hampered his later seasons, but his legacy remained secure.

In 1993, Lapointe's well-deserved induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame solidified his place among the game's greatest defensemen. His influence transcended statistics; he epitomized the winning mentality that defined the Montreal Canadiens of the 1970s.

Beyond the Ice:

Lapointe's passion for hockey extended beyond his playing career. He remained involved in the sport, serving as a scout for various teams, including his former team, the Montreal Canadiens.

Guy Lapointe Stats and News from NHL.com. Guy Lapointe was a four-time All-Star and player on six Stanley Cup Champion teams, Lapointe was a winner. He spent the majority of his career on the Montreal Canadiens but also played on the St Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins. Guy scored 171 NHL career Goals, with a total of 622 points. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993.

Born August 2, 1932, in Prescott, Ontario, was Hockey Hall of Fame Defenseman, Leo Boivin. He played on the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs during his NHL career then later was the coach of the St. Louis Blues. All in Leo played 19 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Minnesota North Stars from 1952 to 1970.

Bob Nystrom, nicknamed "Mr. Clutch" and "Clapping Hands," wasn't known for flashy stats, but his impact on the New York Islanders during their dynasty years was undeniable. Here's a look at his career:

From Sweden to the Big Apple (1972-1986):

-Drafted by the Islanders in 1972, Nystrom arrived from Sweden with a strong work ethic and a knack for scoring big goals in key moments.

-Though not a prolific scorer, he fit perfectly into coach Al Arbour's system, known for its defensive emphasis and opportunistic offense.

The Pinnacle: Four Stanley Cups and Overtime Heroics (1979-1983):

-Nystrom's legacy is forever intertwined with the Islanders' four consecutive Stanley Cup victories (1980-1983).

-He was a key member of the team's "lunch pail line" alongside Billy Smith and Clark Gillies, known for their blue-collar work ethic and relentless forechecking.

-Nystrom's defining moment came in overtime of Game 6 of the 1980 Stanley Cup Finals against the Philadelphia Flyers. With the score tied and the championship hanging in the balance, Nystrom scored the series-clinching goal, etching his name in Islanders lore.

-He repeated the feat of scoring a playoff series-winning goal in overtime two more times throughout his career, solidifying his clutch reputation.

A Leader on and Off the Ice:

-Nystrom's leadership extended beyond his on-ice performance. He was known for his dedication to the team and his willingness to do whatever it took to win.

-He was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1986, recognizing his perseverance and dedication to the sport after suffering a serious head injury.

-Nystrom played only for the Islanders throughout his 14-year career, a testament to his loyalty and dedication to the team and its fans.

Born November 1, 1932, in Sudbury, Ontario, was a Hockey Hall of Fame Defenseman and Coach Al Arbour. This legend is a three-time Stanley Cup winner, and two of them were consecutive with different teams. During his 14-year NHL Career, he skated for the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the St Louis Blues. At the time of this post, Al is third on the list for the amount of NHL games coached. Arbour is also the last known NHL player to wear eyeglasses on the ice while playing.