Sometimes the simplest formula for hockey success is also the hardest to execute: don’t let the puck go in the net. That’s exactly what Roger Crozier did during one of the most remarkable rookie campaigns in NHL history.
Entering the 1964-65 season, Crozier had just 15 games of NHL experience but was trusted to take over as the Detroit Red Wings’ number one goaltender. What followed was a breakout performance that set the tone for his career and made him one of the league’s brightest young stars.
It all began on October 18, 1964, when Detroit edged Chicago 3-2 at home. Crozier gave up a second-period goal to the Blackhawks, but then embarked on a defensive streak that seemed almost supernatural. Between that goal and one scored by Toronto’s Red Kelly five games later, Crozier allowed just a single goal, earning three shutouts in the process.
That lone goal came from Montreal’s John Ferguson in a 1-1 tie on October 24. In between, Crozier blanked the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, turning away 19 shots in a 1-0 win. Across from him, Marcel Paille faced 36 shots, surrendering only a third-period goal by Norm Ullman.
Crozier’s magic didn’t stop there. After the Montreal draw, he went on to record back-to-back shutouts against the Boston Bruins, first a 4-0 win at the Boston Garden, where he made 26 saves, then a 2-0 victory back home at Detroit Olympia with 32 saves. Norm Ullman and Bruce MacGregor provided the goal support, but Crozier was the real story.
That early-season dominance powered Detroit to a ten-game unbeaten streak after dropping their first two contests. Crozier went on to play all 70 games that season, posting a 2.42 goals-against average, six shutouts, and leading the Red Wings to first place overall in the standings. Though Detroit fell to Chicago in a tight seven-game series, Crozier’s impact was undeniable, he captured the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year and even drew Hart Trophy consideration as league MVP.
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NHL Hockey Trivia: Roger Crozier
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