Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
In today’s edition, we have a couple “Today in Hockey History” posts, looking back at the Broadstreet Bullies, cool things about the Felix “The Cat” Potvin, unique numbers worn by the Boston Bruins, and more.
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Today in Hockey History: Oct. 10
Oct. 10 has provided an incredible number of firsts in NHL history. There have been first games played by new franchises, NHL debuts by some of the all-time greats, first goals, and first points. There was also a memorable ending, as the longest consecutive games-played streak saw its final game. The THW time machine is gassed up and ready to take back in time to relive all of this date’s best moments.
Broad Street Bullies: More Than Goons, Fists & Enforcers
by Kyle Gipe
During the 1970s, only the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins had more victories than the Philadelphia Flyers’ 424. During that decade, the Flyers won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975, went to two more Finals, and missed the playoffs once. Furthermore, they registered 100 or more points in five consecutive seasons between 1974 and 1978.
The Flyers of the 1970s, and specifically the teams between 1973 and 1976 were three of the best rosters ever assembled. However, they’re often lost between the Bruins and Canadiens that succeeded at the same time and the New York Islanders and Edmonton Oilers that came after. Now, over 40 years later and no more Stanley Cups in franchise history, the Broad Street Bullies’ story remains as dynamic as ever.
Revisiting the Oilers’ First NHL Game: Oct. 10, 1979
Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and Kevin Lowe retired from the National Hockey League with nothing to prove to their peers in the game. But on Oct. 10, 1979, they flew into O’Hare International Airport ready to show, not that they were elite, but that they belonged.
That was the night of the Edmonton Oilers’ first game in the NHL. After seven seasons in the World Hockey Association (WHA), the Oilers were taking the next step to the top hockey league on the planet.
Today in Hockey History: Oct. 11
Oct. 11 has been a very busy day in NHL history, with the expansion era officially beginning in 1967. Plus, there were memorable moments and milestones by some of the legendary names of the game. It’s time for our daily trip back through the years to relive all the best this date has given us.
7 Cool Things About Maple Leafs’ Goalie Felix “The Cat” Potvin
by The Old Prof
Felix Potvin is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the NHL from 1991 to 2004. He was born on June 23, 1971, in Anjou, Quebec, Canada.
Potvin was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round (31st overall) of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft and began his NHL career in the 1991-92 season. He played with the team until the 1998-99 season. He also played for several other NHL teams, including the New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings, and Boston Bruins.
Potvin is one of the most-loved players in Maple Leafs history. In this post, I’ll share what I believe are seven cool things about him.
They Wore It Once: Bruins Players and Their Unique Numbers
by Scott Roche
Probably the most memorable sweater number retirement ceremony in Boston Bruins history occurred on Dec. 3, 1987 when Raymond Bourque surprises the legendary Phil Esposito and delighted the fans at the old Boston Garden. Bourque removed his number 7 sweater, the one Esposito made famous, to reveal that he would now be wearing number 77 so 7 could be raised to the rafters forever.
Of the retired numbers, 2, 3 and 77 were only ever worn by one Bruins player. We’ll start with that elite few in our look back at the numbers that were only ever chosen by one player.