Denis Potvin & Broadstreet Bullies
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", looking back at old school jerseys, revisiting the Clutterbuck-Niederreiter trade, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
Today in Hockey History: April 15
If you are a fan of hockey in Motown, then this is a very good date for you. One of the NHL’s most unique traditions began 69 years ago. One of the greatest regular seasons came to an end and plenty of Stanley Cup Playoff history was made. Let’s take our daily trip back in time to see all the best April 15 has given us over the years.
Islanders’ Denis Potvin: Overlooked Greatness
Today’s NHL fan does not recognize how masterful of a defender Denis Potvin was when he played. A 1991 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Vanier, Ontario native was the top overall selection in the 1973 NHL Draft. Potvin would go on to play 15 seasons in the league – all for the New York Islanders.
Broad Street Bullies: More Than Goons, Fists & Enforcers
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.
Today in Hockey History: April 14
Some of the greatest players to ever play in the National Hockey League had big moments on April 14. A pair of legends hoisted the Stanley Cup for the final time in their careers. Also, the longest winning streak and winningest season in league history both ended on this date. Let’s take our daily trip back in time to relive the best memories from this date.
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Old School NHL Jerseys – Gone But Not Forgotten
Over the last decade-plus, NHL teams have been getting creative when redesigning their logos or creating their third alternate jerseys. New sleek designs have been on the rise lately, which beckons the question of what will happen to older jerseys as the years pass by.
Revisiting the Cal Clutterbuck-Nino Niederreiter Trade
In the years when the New York Islanders consistently finished at the bottom of the standings, then-general manager Garth Snow made one of the most talked-about trades among Islanders fans. It was a simple swap of Nino Niederreiter for Cal Clutterbuck, but the deal will always be debated. Let’s take a look back at the trade that was made on July 1, 2013, between the Islanders and the Minnesota Wild.