Ratelle was
a clutch playoff performer where teammates didn't step up to match his play (like Marleau. my fav player this century).
Let's look at all the times his teams have made it to the 2nd round:
vs.
1971 Game 7 Stanley Cup semi-final loss to the Hawks with Ratelle having a team-leading 9 assists (three more than closest teammate Gilbert, with Gilbert getting one less point overall).
1973 again a Stanley Cup semi-final loss to the Hawks, Ratelle tying the team lead in points.
vs.
1974 Stanley Cup semi-final losss to the great Flyers. Yeah, this postseason he only had 6 points in 13 games on a Rags team with Stemkowski as the 2nd line center, not getting the Flyers bashing wrath that lady Byng Ratelle got! Still, this was one (1) off postseason in terms of Ratelle production.
1976 Stanley Cup semi-final loss to the Flyers with Ratelle EASILY the top performer for his new team, the Bruins, finishing with 16 points in 12 games when the nearest teammates had 11.
vs.
1977 Stanley Cup final run (ended by the dynasty Habs)
and Ratelle EASILY led the team with 17 points to the nearest teammates' 12 points!
1978 Stanley Cup final run (ended in game 6 by dynasty Habs) saw
37-year-old Ratelle with "only" 10 points in 15 games,
1979 Game 7 Stanley Cup semi-final loss to the dynasty Habs with old Ratelle the team LEADER in points!!