Bob MacMillan was beginning to establish himself as an NHL regular with the St. Louis Blues during the 1975-76 season. Originally a first-round pick of the New York Rangers in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft, the Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island native spent two seasons in the WHA before splitting 1974-75 between the Rangers and the AHL's Providence Reds. A move to St. Louis gave MacMillan a fresh start, and on January 13, 1976, he played a major role in a convincing victory over the Buffalo Sabres.
Highlights
January 13, 1976: St. Louis defeated Buffalo 7-3
Bob MacMillan recorded 2 goals and 1 assist
His first goal was unassisted and shorthanded
The shorthanded goal ultimately stood as the game-winner
MacMillan and Garry Unger each finished with three points
MacMillan put seven shots on Buffalo goalie Gary Bromley
Yves Belanger stopped 31 of 34 shots
MacMillan later won the 1978-79 Lady Byng Trophy
Buffalo opened the scoring when Brian Spencer scored the first of his two goals on the night. The Blues quickly answered, with MacMillan and Red Berenson setting up Garry Unger at 9:46 of the opening period. From there, St. Louis took control and Buffalo would not regain the lead.
MacMillan produced one of the game's biggest moments early in the second period. With Bert Wilson serving a penalty, MacMillan scored an unassisted shorthanded goal on Buffalo goaltender Gary Bromley at 1:46. The goal gave St. Louis a 4-1 advantage and ultimately stood as the game-winner in a 7-3 Blues victory.
MacMillan wasn't finished. At 11:54 of the second period, he scored his second goal of the game, this time with assists going to Jerry Butler and Unger. MacMillan finished the night with two goals, one assist and seven shots on goal. Unger also recorded two goals and an assist, while Blues goaltender Yves Belanger stopped 31 of Buffalo's 34 shots.
MacMillan went on to enjoy a lengthy NHL career from 1974-75 through 1984-85, appearing in 753 regular-season games and another 31 in the playoffs. He played for the Rangers, Blues, Atlanta and Calgary Flames, Colorado Rockies, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks. A six-time 20-goal scorer, MacMillan reached a career-high 38 goals in 1977-78 and won the Lady Byng Trophy the following season.
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Insights, stories, and unforgettable moments from Bob Plager’s time with the St. Louis Blues — a must-read for Blues fans.
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