So today I thought I would do a post on the tough guys, you know the scrappers of hockey. There are some that believe that fighting in the NHL is taboo, but I believe it is part of the game. I still think that teams need an enforcer to protect their star players and there have been quite a few tough guys who are offensive stars. So, let's get on with the show.
Milan Lucic came to Boston during the 2007-08 season and was a instant fan favorite with his tough guy type of player. As I said earlier there are players who put up nice offensive numbers and Milan's best season was the 2010-11 campaign where he notched 30 goals 32 assists for 62 points and he got to hoist lord Stanley's Cup in 2011. He could really throw punches and was one of the better hitters.
Adam McQuaid was another physical player and I mostly remember him for sticking up for his teammates. Adam's best season was the 2010-11 Season and he also won the Cup in 2011.
Forbes Kennedy came to the NHL during the 1956-57 season with the Chicago Blackhawks. His lifetime totals for PIM's was 888 and that seems low but he played in 603 NHL games and back in the day that was high.
Al Secord was one tough player as he was 6' 1" tall and weighed 205 and now a days that is light but he really could throw them punches. This card has a great subset name Men of Mayhem and yes he fits that title. Al was a offensive player as well putting up 273 goals in 766 games and adding 223 assists for 496 total points and 2,093 PIM's.
John Wensink was another good fighter and the most memorable fight I saw was when the Bruins were playing the Minnesota North Stars and he skated in front of the stars bench and challenged the entire team.
Stan Jonathan also known as the little bulldog was one of the best fighters. Jonathan stood at 5' 11" and weighed 175 pounds but he had an explosive punch. His best fight that I ever saw was against Pierre Bouchard of the Montreal Canadiens. That fight had a lot of blood but none of it was Stan's. Stan was a twenty goal scorer twice during an 8 year career. In 1977-78 he had 27 goals and in 1979-80 he had 21 all with the Boston Bruins.
Jay Miller was another tough guy as he only played 446 games but had 1,723 PIM's. Jay had plenty of fights and I remember when he fought Chris Nilan, it was a slugfest for sure.
Terry O'Reilly holds the Boston Bruin's all time penalty leader with 2,095. Terry was also an offensive threat and I called him Mr. Clutch because it was either a fight that got the team pumped up or a goal that either tied or won the game. His best offensive season was the 1977-78 season where he had 29 goals and 61 assists for 90 points. Terry is one of the all-time Bruins favorite players and he went on to coach Boston for 3 seasons beginning in the 1986-87 season finishing in 3rd place and the following season 1987-88 the Bruins won the Prince of Wales trophy as conference champions.
One of the most nicest players as I have seen and during NHL games and most recently at a Alumni game a few years ago.
Bobby Schmautz was another great all around player as he was offensive for a tough guy. Bobby played for 5 different teams and compiled 988 PIM's, 271 goals and 286 assists for 557 points in 764 games played. Sadly on his birthday Bobby passed away march 28, 2021.
Bobby Probert, just wow what a player and fighter. I have seen most of his fights and in my mind no one fought like Bobby. As the fight went on he got stronger and most of his fights end with his jersey off or hanging on one arm. There are too many memorable fights but some of the classics are his fights with Domi, McSorely, Coxe and many more. I will add that I was so pleased to of got this auto a few years after it came out as it is the 1998-99 Be a Player Certified auto card. Notice that for a tough guy how he had such a beautiful autograph. Bobby was also very offensive as he scored 163 goals 221 assists for 384 points during 935 games and had 3,300 PIM's.
Bob Probert passed away July 5, 2010 at the age of 45.
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