In the annals of hockey history, certain drafts stand out as turning points for franchises, where the stars align, and destiny seems to have a hand in the selections made. One such moment occurred in the 1971 NHL Entry Draft when the Montreal Canadiens, perennial contenders, struck gold by selecting Guy Lafleur as the first overall pick and Larry Robinson in the second round, 20th overall. Are you kidding me? Both these legends in the same draft?
Guy Lafleur:
Guy Lafleur, often referred to as “The Flower,” was destined for greatness from the moment he donned the Canadiens’ jersey. A prolific scorer with unparalleled skating ability, Lafleur electrified crowds with his speed, agility, and deadly accurate shot. He quickly became the face of the franchise and a symbol of excellence in the NHL.
Lafleur’s statistics speak volumes about his impact on the ice. Over his illustrious career, he tallied an impressive 560 goals and 793 assists for a total of 1,353 points in the regular season. He also notched an additional 58 goals and 76 assists in the playoffs, cementing his status as a clutch performer when it mattered most.
But Lafleur’s legacy extends far beyond mere numbers. He was a five-time Stanley Cup champion with the Canadiens, hoisting hockey’s ultimate prize in 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. His combination of skill, charisma, and leadership made him a beloved figure in Montreal and a revered figure across the league.
Larry Robinson:
Larry Robinson, on the other hand, brought a different dimension to the Canadiens’ lineup. Standing at an imposing 6’4″, Robinson was a towering presence on the blue line, renowned for his exceptional defensive abilities, pinpoint passing, and booming slap shot. He was a force to be reckoned with in his own end and a potent offensive threat as well.
Robinson’s statistics underscore his dominance as one of the premier defensemen of his era. In the regular season, he amassed 208 goals and 750 assists for a total of 958 points, an extraordinary feat for a defenseman. He was equally impressive in the playoffs, contributing 28 goals and 144 assists en route to six Stanley Cup championships with the Canadiens.
But perhaps Robinson’s most impressive accolade was his reputation as a shutdown defenseman who could neutralize the opposing team’s top scorers with ease. His combination of size, skill, and intelligence made him a perennial Norris Trophy contender and earned him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.
Conclusion:
Together, Lafleur and Robinson formed the backbone of the Canadiens’ dynasty in the 1970s, terrorizing opponents and delighting fans with their breathtaking displays of skill and determination. Whether it was Lafleur streaking down the wing or Robinson laying out a bone-crunching hit, these two legends left an indelible mark on the game of hockey.
Beyond their on-ice exploits, Lafleur and Robinson were beloved figures in Montreal and ambassadors for the sport of hockey. Their influence extended far beyond the rink, inspiring generations of players and fans alike with their passion, dedication, and sportsmanship.
In the end, the 1971 NHL Entry Draft will forever be remembered as a watershed moment for the Montreal Canadiens, as they unearthed two of the greatest players to ever grace the ice in Guy Lafleur and Larry Robinson. Their impact on the team and the NHL as a whole is immeasurable, and their legacy will continue to shine brightly for years to come.
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