Darryl Sittler - Maple Leafs' Legend & Sad Reality of the Presidents' Trophy "Curse"
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", remembering Viktor Tikhonov, a brief history of the ice rink, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
Today in Hockey History: June 5
June 5 has given us a little bit of everything throughout National Hockey League history. There were epic comebacks, expansion, awards given out and even one of the greatest NHL players signed on with a competing league. Let’s begin our daily trip back in time to relive all the best moments this date has given us over the years.
The Sad Reality of the Presidents’ Trophy “Curse”
The Boston Bruins made history in 2022-23, finishing with 65 wins and 135 points, the highest totals any team has accumulated in the 100-plus years of the NHL, surpassing the 2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning’s 62 wins and the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens’ 132 points. Their performance put them in conversation as one of the greatest teams of all time and their success in the playoffs seemed almost guaranteed.
Darryl Sittler – Toronto Maple Leafs Legend
Darryl Sittler, the most popular player in Toronto Maple Leafs history, captured the imagination of hockey fans everywhere. In his 15-year NHL career, he scored 484 goals, 637 assists, and 1,121 points in the regular season. And although he scored another 29 goals in the playoffs, his most famous tally came in overtime against Czechoslovakia to win the Canada Cup in 1976.
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Today in Hockey History: June 4
June 4 saw one of the greatest hockey players ever to take the ice put an end to his legendary career. In addition, there was plenty of National Hockey League playoff drama with memories in D.C., Denver, and New York City. The THW time machine is fired up and ready to take us on our daily journey to relive all the best moments this date has given us through the decades.
Remembering Viktor Tikhonov: A Hockey Legend
Most North American hockey observers remember Viktor Tikhonov as a harsh taskmaster, who ruled over his players like a drill sergeant, barking out orders and letting them know who was in charge. Underneath that gruff exterior was a brilliant hockey mind who laid the groundwork for one of the prominent international hockey powerhouses that revolutionized the sport.
The Ice Rink: A Brief History
All across the world, the ice rink has become a home away from home for scores of hockey players and fans. From the sushi-serving confines of Scotiabank Arena in Toronto to the frozen metal bleachers of your local arena, as well as the wide range of outdoor locations in between, ice rinks are a place where the game can be learned, viewed and cherished by folks of all ages and backgrounds.