Few lines in NHL history ever blended skill, creativity, and firepower like the Buffalo Sabres’ legendary French Connection: Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert. During the 1975-76 season, this trio didn’t just lead the Sabres’ offense, they drove it, combining for nine or more points in six separate games.
Buffalo finished tied for second in league scoring with Pittsburgh, trailing only the powerhouse Philadelphia Flyers. Nearly 40% of all Sabres goals came from their top unit, and on some nights, they took over completely.
A 13-Point Night Against the Blackhawks
One of their most impressive explosions came on March 4, 1976, at the Aud in Buffalo. In a 6-3 win over Chicago:
Rene Robert: 1 goal, 4 assists
Rick Martin: Hat trick + 1 assist (4 points), 8 shots on Tony Esposito
Gilbert Perreault: 4 assists
Together, the trio piled up 13 total points, more than enough to overwhelm Chicago.
A Strange Twist in a 14-2 Blowout
Surprisingly, in one of Buffalo’s most lopsided wins ever, a 14-2 demolition of the Washington Capitals on December 21, 1975, the French Connection only combined for nine points.
The reason?
Rene
Robert didn’t dress for the game.
Even without him:
Rick Martin: 4 goals, 1 assist
Gilbert Perreault: 2 goals, 2 assists
The Sabres didn’t exactly struggle for offense that night.
Ten Points vs. Toronto in a Tight Game
Their next-best outing came in a 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, where the French Connection accounted for every single Buffalo goal:
Rick Martin: Hat trick (3 goals) + 1 assist
Gilbert Perreault: 1 goal + 3 assists
Rene Robert: 2 assists
Only Jocelyn Guevremont and Jim Schoenfeld joined them on the scoresheet, each picking up a lone assist.
