Before he became one of the NHL’s most recognizable goaltenders, complete with his trademark mask artwork, Gerry Cheevers was just a rookie fighting for a spot on a struggling Boston Bruins team. By the end of his career, Cheevers would rack up 26 shutouts, most of them during the Bruins’ powerhouse years, but the very first came on November 10, 1966, against the defending Stanley Cup champion Toronto Maple Leafs.
Cheevers had a brief history with Toronto, appearing in two games for the Maple Leafs back in 1961-62. By the start of the 1966-67 season, he had just seven NHL games under his belt. The Bruins, despite boasting future stars like rookie Bobby Orr, were still a last-place club searching for brighter days.
That night at the Boston Garden, Cheevers was unbeatable. He stopped all 31 shots he faced, including some prime scoring chances from Toronto’s veteran forwards. Murray Oliver made life easier for his young netminder by scoring the game-winning goal just 1:17 into the first period. Johnny Bucyk, Pit Martin, and Wayne Connelly added insurance markers, giving Boston a 4-0 win.
Remarkably, the Bruins managed just 23 shots of their own, but made the most of them. Toronto starter Terry Sawchuk surrendered three goals on 18 shots before being replaced by Bruce Gamble for the third period, who allowed one goal on five shots.
It was a rare high point in a rough year for Boston, one of only 17 wins all season, and their lone shutout victory. The team also suffered through several lopsided losses, including an 11-2 drubbing by Montreal and a 10-2 loss to Chicago. But change was coming fast. Just three seasons later, Cheevers, Orr, and the Bruins would be Stanley Cup champions.
About Gerry Cheevers
Between 1961-62 and 1979-80, Gerry Cheevers played 418 regular season and 88 playoff games in the National Hockey League with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. In the WHA, he appeared in 191 regular season and 19 playoff games between 1972-73 and 1975-76, all with the Cleveland Crusaders. Gerry was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.
No comments:
Post a Comment