Bernie Parent wasn't with the Toronto Maple Leafs long. He came to Toronto via a January 31, 1971 trade with the Philadelphia Flyers that saw Bruce Gamble and Mike Walton in the other direction. His arrival in Toronto put him in tandem with goaltending idol Jacques Plante.
In that back half of 1970-71, Bernie played in 18 games, putting up a modest 2.66 goals against average. He played in four playoff games, all against the New York Rangers, going 2-2 with nine goals against.
1971-72 was Parent's only full season in Toronto and he gave the team a chance to reach the post season. Playing 47 regular season games, Bernie recorded a 2.57 goals against average with three shutouts and a .915 save percentage. He often faced 30 or more shots in a game on a team that scored just nine more goals than the lowest scoring team in the league, ironically the Philadelphia Flyers.
Despite the lack of goal production, with the help of Parent, Toronto was also stingy on allowing goals and ended the season with a +1 on 209 for and 208 against. They also squeaked into the playoffs with a four point edge over the Detroit Red Wings for the final spot in the East Division. They fell to the Boston Bruins four games to one in the opening round.
The Shutouts
Bernie put up three shutouts in 1971-72 for the Maple Leafs. One was a 34 save affair against the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 23, 1972. Jim Rutherford also had a great game in net for the Pens, allowing just two goals on 40 shots in the 2-0 Toronto win. Brad Selwood scored the winning goal at 13:14 of the first period on the power play, assisted by Dave Keon and Jim Harrison.
Near the start of the season, Parent and Vancouver goalie Dunc Wilson battled to a 0-0 draw with both recording the blank. Wilson made 34 stops while Bernie had a quieter night with just 20 shots going his way.
The third was a 23 save 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings. A young Billy Smith allowed the four goals while making 24 saves. A Ron Ellis goal just 3:37 into the game, assisted by Dave Keon, was all the Leafs needed for the victory.
Biggest Win Of 1971-72
On January 15, 1972, Toronto hosted the New York Rangers at Maple Leaf Gardens. Bernie allowed three goals but made 42 saves to help the Buds knock off the powerful Blue Shirts 4-3. Dave Keon scored the winning goal on Ed Giacomin with just 23 seconds left in the game, assisted by Billy MacMillan.
Out of Toronto and Beyond
Bernie Parent jumped to the World Hockey Association for the league's inaugural 1972-73 season. It marked his return to Philadelphia, playing for the Blazers. He lasted one year in the WHA before returning to the NHL and the Philadelphia Flyers. His arrival was just in time to help the Broad Street Bullies to consecutive Stanley Cup wins.
Between 1965-66 and 1978-79, Bernie Parent played 608 regular season and 71 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers. He was a two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner and two-time Vezina Trophy winner. Bernie was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1984.
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