NFL
By: Greg Rector
This has been a painful week for the NHL, and especially so for those of us who grew up watching the game in the 1970s and 80s. Two legendary players from that era have passed away this week. Mike Bossy (New York Islanders) and Guy Lafleur (Montreal Canadiens/ New York Rangers/ Quebec Nordiques) between these two legends 1,133 goals were scored, and another 1,336 assists. These two players were the Gretzky/Lemieux of the NHL before there was either one in the league.
Mike Bossy
The native of Montreal was a standout scorer in Quebec Major Junior League for Laval (The same team as Mario Lemieux years later) he began playing at just age 15 and in 4 seasons would score 307 goals and 532 points which is still a record. Incredibly 12 teams would pass on Bossy in the 1977 NHL draft including both Toronto and the New York Rangers twice, as the slightly built Bossy 6’0″ 185 lbs was considered a defensive liability by scouts. Even legendary Canadiens coach Scotty Bowman wanted him but was talked out of taking Bossy. The Islanders Bill Torrey had no such qualms, and Bossy was the 15th overall selection. This was the era where the Broad Street Bullies and Big Bad Bruins had started an emphasis on the size of players that for this fan has not been good overall for the game.
Bossy would just go out and do what no rookie had ever done and scored 53 goals as a rookie, easily winning the Calder Trophy as the league’s best rookie. Forming a line that would all be future Hall of Fame inductees with Bryan Trottier and Clark Gillies, they would lead the Islanders to 4 straight Stanley Cup titles the last of true NHL dynasties to do so.
In just ten seasons Bossy would score 573 goals in the regular season and an additional 85 goals in the playoffs. For me after watching the game for well over 50 years now, simply the best shooter that played the game. Bossy said this about his scoring prowess “About 90 percent of the time I don’t aim: I just try to get my shot away as quick as possible as a surprise element. I just try to get the puck on net.” Did he ever. Bossy was unable to overcome the effects of a broken kneecap he suffered as a 12-year-old and especially a back injury that shortened his career.
Guy Lafleur
Before the days of Lemieux, Crosby, Mcdavid, or Matthews, Lafleur was pre-ordained to be the first overall draft pick in the 1971 NHL draft. So much so that legendary Montreal general manager Sam Pollock had to pull off some heavy-duty wheeling and dealing to ensure the Montreal Canadiens would be able to draft him. The Quebec junior league actually had two very highly rated players that were head and shoulders above all other juniors that year. Marcel Dionne was also highly regarded and ended up going on to his own great Hall of Fame career. Lafleur’s 130 goals though in his final junior season made him the first choice. Unlike Bossy though Lafleur went to the hockey mecca of Montreal and a very deep, veteran-laden Canadiens roster. Lafleur struggled his first three seasons and many were disappointed in him. The struggles would end in the 1974-75 season though and the Canadiens would be led by Lafleur to the second-best dynasty in franchise history winning four Cups of their own just prior to the Islander’s run.
In the English world his translated name “The Flower,” is what he became known as. In Montreal, though it was far more common being a french speaking city to hear him called (La blond demon) the blonde demon. There was no more beautiful sight than seeing Lafleur streaking down the wing with his blond hair flowing (This was pre mandatory helmets after all) and then firing as Danny Gallivan the great play by play man would say “A cannonading slap shot,” to score yet another goal. 518 times Lafleur would score as a Montreal Canadien, only Maurice Richard ever scored more goals for Montreal.
No goal in his Montreal career was more important than the one in Game 7 of the 1979 Stanley Cup semi-finals versus the despised, Division rival Boston Bruins, coached by none other than Don Cherry. This goal was simply vintage Lafleur.
It was Lafleur’s ability to shine on the game’s biggest stage that made him stand out from others in that era. For those who aren’t hockey fans, the rivalry with the Boston Bruins is akin to Duke vs UNC, the Celtic vs Lakers. Add in the completely hockey-mad Montreal fanbase and you see the result.
After ending his career for the first time in 1985, Lafleur was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and then joined Gordie Howe as the only players to return to the league after being inducted (Mario Lemieux would also do so later) first with the New York Rangers, and then for two seasons with the Quebec Nordiques where Lafleur had played his junior hockey.
Legacy
Both Bossy and Lafleur are absolutely beloved in their native Quebec, and by hockey fans from that era. Bossy was the more understated low-key player but was so highly effective. Lafleur was for hockey what Joe Namath or Reggie Jackson were to their sports, the flamboyant, playboy superstar. Both players were a credit to the game. Nine Stanley Cup titles between them. Most of all hundreds upon hundreds of good memories. They will both be missed. All I can say to both? Thank you for being the finest two examples of the beauty of the game of hockey in my youth. Rest In Peace gentlemen.
As always you can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys
