The French Connection: The Legendary Line that Lit up Buffalo

In the history of the National Hockey League (NHL), few lines have captured the hearts of fans and left an indelible mark on a franchise quite like the “French Connection” of the Buffalo Sabres. Comprising three exceptionally talented players, Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert, this line mesmerized spectators with their incredible chemistry and skill during the 1970s. Let’s take a look at the legendary line that lit up Buffalo from 1972 until 1979.

Gilbert Perreault, a dynamic center, was the first overall draft pick by the Buffalo Sabres in 1970. His exceptional speed, stickhandling, and playmaking abilities made him an instant star. Perreault quickly became the face of the franchise, known for his electrifying rushes and incredible goal-scoring prowess. He played his entire career with the Sabres, amassing an impressive 1,326 points in 1,191 games.

After retiring in 1987, Perreault remained connected to the Sabres organization. He served as a special assistant to the General Manager, offering valuable insights and guidance. Perreault also devoted his time to charitable causes and remained an influential figure within the Buffalo community.

 Rick Martin, a left winger, was selected fifth overall by the Sabres in the 1971 NHL Draft. Blessed with an extraordinary scoring touch, Martin formed a lethal partnership with Perreault. Known for his blazing speed and powerful shot, he played a vital role in the French Connection’s success. Martin recorded five consecutive 40-goal seasons and tallied an impressive 384 goals during his time with the Sabres

Tragically, Martin’s life was cut short when he passed away in 2011 at the age of 59 due to a heart attack. His legacy as a dynamic goal-scorer and an integral part of the French Connection line will forever be remembered by Sabres fans.

Rene Robert, the right winger, completed the French Connection line when he was acquired by the Sabres in 1972. Known for his exceptional playmaking skills and hockey intelligence, Robert added a crucial element to the line’s success. He displayed incredible vision on the ice, setting up his linemates with pinpoint passes and contributing with timely goals of his own.

Following his playing career, Robert ventured into various business endeavors. He also stayed involved with the hockey community, participating in charity events and golf tournaments. Tragically, in June 2021, Rene Robert suffered a heart attack and passed away at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy as an instrumental part of one of the most famous lines in NHL history.

No, the movie “The French Connection” is not directly related to the Buffalo Sabres line known as the “French Connection.” The movie, released in 1971, is a crime thriller directed by William Friedkin and starred Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider. It tells the story of two New York City police detectives who attempt to intercept a massive heroin shipment coming from France.

The Buffalo Sabres line known as the “French Connection” was named independently of the movie. The line received its name due to the fact that all three players—Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert—were French-Canadian and played together on the Sabres’ forward line during the 1970s. The line’s name became popular among fans and media alike, drawing a connection to their shared French-Canadian heritage and their remarkable on-ice chemistry.

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