This thread was inspired by Crosby2010's post on the "Obscure hockey facts" thread about Dave Burrows, and the 1975-76 edition of the Pittsburgh Penguins. I loved the Penguins of the 1970s, and not just because of the beautiful blue jerseys. The period 1974-75 through 1978-79 was the peak period of the pre-Mario Penguins: Four times out of five seasons, Pittsburgh had more wins than losses. There was a goal scoring explosion during the 1974-75 and 1975-76 seasons: the Penguins scored 326 goals (4th best in the NHL) in 1974-75, and 339 goals (2nd best in the NHL). Like last season's Sabres, they scored a lot of goals, and allowed a lot of goals.
In 1975-76, there were six 50-goal scorers in the NHL, and two of them were Penguins: Pierre Larouche (53) and Jean Pronovost (52). Those two gentlemen were two of the nine NHLers to hit the 100-point mark. Their teammate, Syl Apps Jr., finished with 99 points. Apps' 67 assists were 6th best in the league.
Of course, when I think of Pittsburgh Penguins - and especially of the pre-Mario Penguins - the first names which come to me are from the first two or three seasons: Andy Bathgate, Bob Woytowich, Les Binkley, Michel Briere. Memories...
In 1975-76, there were six 50-goal scorers in the NHL, and two of them were Penguins: Pierre Larouche (53) and Jean Pronovost (52). Those two gentlemen were two of the nine NHLers to hit the 100-point mark. Their teammate, Syl Apps Jr., finished with 99 points. Apps' 67 assists were 6th best in the league.
Of course, when I think of Pittsburgh Penguins - and especially of the pre-Mario Penguins - the first names which come to me are from the first two or three seasons: Andy Bathgate, Bob Woytowich, Les Binkley, Michel Briere. Memories...