When hockey fans discuss the legendary 1973-74 Philadelphia Flyers, the conversation often centers around their hard-hitting identity and the infamous "Broad Street Bullies" style that defined the era. But while their physicality set the tone, the foundation of the Flyers' Stanley Cup championship was built in net, thanks to elite goaltending by Bernie Parent.
A Dominant Start to a Legendary Season
Parent kicked off his record-setting campaign with back-to-back shutouts to open the season. On October 11, 1973, the Flyers hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Spectrum. In a game that saw early fireworks, including a first-period fight between Dave Schultz and Borje Salming, Philadelphia came out on top with a 2-0 victory. Goals from Terry Crisp and Bill Barber sealed the win, while Parent stopped all 28 shots he faced. Across the ice, former Flyers goalie Doug Favell made 22 saves on 24 shots for Toronto.
Just two nights later, the Flyers visited Long Island to face the New York Islanders. Parent was once again perfect, turning aside all 23 shots in a 6-0 rout. Bill Flett scored the game-winning goal just 1:49 into the first period. Philadelphia showcased their penalty-killing strength with two shorthanded goals, one from Flett and another by Barber, assisted by Bobby Clarke. Don Saleski led the offensive charge with two goals and an assist.
Vezina-Worthy Performance
By Christmas, Bernie Parent had already recorded seven of his league-leading 12 shutouts. He appeared in 73 of the Flyers' 78 regular-season games, finishing with a remarkable 1.89 goals-against average. His performance earned him the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender and a second-place finish in Hart Trophy voting, just behind Boston’s Phil Esposito.
Postseason Heroics and the Conn Smythe Trophy
Parent continued his dominance into the 1974 NHL playoffs, adding two more shutouts and posting a 2.02 GAA. His stellar play backstopped the Flyers to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship. For his efforts, Bernie Parent was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason.
About Bernie Parent
Brought up in the Boston Bruins system, Bernie Parent played 608 regular season and 71 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1965-66 and 1978-79 with the Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs. He also appeared in 63 regular season games and one more in the post season with the Philadelphia Blazers of the WHA in 1972-73.
A Hockey Hall of Fame member since 1984, Parent had his jersey number 1 retired by the Flyers in 1979. Berie won the Conn Smythe Trophy and Vezina Trophy in both 1973-74 and 1974-75 while leading Philadelphia to consecutive Stanley Cup championships. In both those years, he recorded 12 shutouts and was named an NHL First Team All-Star. He finished his career with 55 regular season and six playoff shutouts.
No comments:
Post a Comment