Guy Lafleur & Craziest Things Ever Thrown on the Ice
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", worst first-overall picks in NHL history, the demise of the Hartford Whalers, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
In today’s edition, we have a few “Today in Hockey History” posts, revisiting Guy Lafleur’s iconic career in Montreal, the 15 craziest things ever thrown on the ice, the worst first-overall picks in NHL history, and more.
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Today in Hockey History: Jan. 8
A lot of names that you would see while touring the Hockey Hall of Fame had big moments on Jan. 8. A pair of all-time greats made their National Hockey League debuts, some impressive streaks were extended, and the year 2000 gave us quite the evening on this date. Let’s fire up our daily hockey time machine and take a trip back.
Guy Lafleur: The Last of the Great Habs Skaters
Guy Lafleur’s 17-year NHL career spanned from 1971 until 1991. The first 14 years were with the Habs, followed by a three-year retirement. He then skated one season with the New York Rangers and two with the Quebec Nordiques. He’s known as one of the greatest right wingers ever to play the game and one of the most exciting offensive players of all time.
In his prime, the three-time Art Ross Trophy winner (1976, 1977 and 1978), was almost unstoppable. He was one of the most prolific scorers and one of the most exciting players of his generation or any other. From 1974 through 1980, a 462-game stretch, Lafleur scored an eye-popping 327 goals and 439 assists for 766 points (1.66 points per game). The only other players to play at a higher point-per-game pace for such an extended period of time were Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. Lafleur is the Montreal Canadiens’ all-time leading scorer (518 goals and 728 assists in 14 years) and holds the franchise record for most points in a season (136).
These numbers, while very impressive, only tell part of the story of Guy Lafleur.
The Worst First-Overall Draft Picks in NHL History
Ever since the NHL Draft began in 1963, NHL teams have been utilizing it as the main way to bring in talent to their teams. For the teams that have been able to secure the first-overall pick, chances are they are drafting an exceptional player that can change the outlook of the team’s future. Sometimes though – that’s just not the case.
You never truly know how a prospect will develop, if they’ll be able to translate their game to the NHL, or if they’ll “bust.” This was especially true when NHL teams were first starting to scout and analyze players for the draft, but it’s still evident in today’s game as well.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the 10 worst first-overall picks in NHL history and why they’ve earned the right to be on this list.
Today in Hockey History: Jan. 7
Jan. 7 has been a very busy day in both Philadelphia and Los Angeles throughout the history of the National Hockey League. There were also plenty of all-time greats who reached personal milestones and had big performances. Once again, it is time for a daily trip back through the years of hockey memories.
15 Craziest Things Ever Thrown on the Ice
NHL fans cheer and they boo. They celebrate game-winning goals and they mock-chant opponents. They even have creative ways to suggest referees get glasses.
But for a select few, it’s not enough to vocalize their support or disdain. These visionaries bring their feelings to the forefront by covertly bringing odd objects into an arena and catapulting them on the ice. Though it often slows down the game, calling for cleaning crews to be deployed, there’s no denying it adds a smidgen more entertainment value for the rest of us.
With that said, let’s count down the top 15 craziest projectiles and oddities to ever hit the ice.
Today in Hockey History: Jan. 6
Jan. 6 has not been the busiest of dates in the National Hockey League history, but there are still plenty of moments to look back on. The number 1,000 was big on this date, and the men between the pipes dominated. Let’s fire up the hockey time machine and begin our daily journey through the decades.
Brass Bonanza Silenced: The Demise of the Hartford Whalers
Hockey fans love nostalgia. We love the past and all the traditions of the NHL. The retro sweaters and the defunct teams, we all love them. It’s a huge reason why the Hartford Whalers still continue to be a very brand among hockey fans to this day. A couple even once had a Whaler-themed wedding. If the Whalers are still popular now, then why did they even leave in the first place and why are they never coming back in the NHL?
The departure of the Hartford Whalers started in motion 19 years ago this summer when the team was bought by the Connecticut Development Authority. The group, headed by Compuware CEO Peter Karmanos, wanted to turn the ailing club into contenders right away. The Whalers, with new general manager Jim Rutherford, were aggressive in pursuing players during the first year with the new ownership. They went out and acquired Jimmy Carson and Steven Rice and drafted highly touted prospect Jeff O’Neill.
However, the Whalers could never play consistently during that first season, started off 2-7-2. The Whalers got hot in February, but faltered down the stretch and missed their first playoff appearance since 1992 by four points.