Phil Esposito had been gone from the Boston Bruins for more than five years by the time he entered his final NHL season in 1980-81. Still, Boston was where Esposito enjoyed the greatest years of his legendary career, winning two Stanley Cups, five Art Ross Trophies and two Hart Trophies with the Bruins. Even late in his career with the New York Rangers, a matchup with his former club undoubtedly carried a little extra meaning.
Highlights
Phil Esposito's final NHL game against Boston came November 26, 1980.
The Rangers defeated the Bruins 6-4 at Madison Square Garden.
Esposito recorded one goal and two assists.
He assisted on both of Ron Greschner's first two goals.
Esposito's goal was his fifth of 1980-81 and the third-last of his NHL career.
Greschner and Steve Vickers each scored twice for New York.
Esposito's final game at Boston Garden came October 9, 1980.
He assisted on the Rangers' opening goal in that final Boston appearance.
Esposito faced the Bruins for the final time on November 26, 1980 at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers entered the game struggling badly but came away with a 6-4 victory, just their fifth win through the first 23 games of the season. Esposito played a major role in the victory, recording a goal and two assists before the game was even half over.
Ron Greschner opened the scoring at 10:05 of the first period, beating Boston goaltender Rogie Vachon with assists going to Esposito and Don Maloney. Just 40 seconds into the second period, Greschner struck again, this time with helpers from Esposito and Dave Silk. At 7:54, Esposito got a goal of his own, scoring his fifth of the season with Greschner picking up the assist.
That goal turned out to be the third-last of Esposito's NHL career. Greschner and Steve Vickers each scored twice in the 6-4 Rangers victory, while Esposito finished his final appearance against his former team with three points.
Esposito's final game at Boston Garden had come earlier that season, on October 9, 1980 in the 1980-81 season opener. The Bruins won that game decisively, 7-2, but Esposito still made his presence felt. He assisted on Mike Allison's goal just 2:44 into the first period, giving the Rangers an early lead. It was the final appearance in Boston for a player whose years with the Bruins had established him as one of the greatest goal scorers of his generation.
Thunder and Lightning: A No-B.S. Hockey Memoir
The candid and electrifying memoir of Phil Esposito — one of hockey’s most dynamic scorers and personalities.
Buy on Amazon
No comments:
Post a Comment