During the NHL’s hiatus, we at the Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for June 18th, featuring Bobby Orr.
Also Read: Bobby Orr’s Iconic Flying Goal
Today in Hockey History
Bobby Orr Wins Another Norris Trophy
1975: The Boston Bruins defenceman takes the best blueliner honour for the eighth straight season. Orr sets a record for his position with 46 goals and has 135 points for the season. His 89 assists ties for the league lead with Philadelphia Flyers forward Bobby Clarke and helps him capture his second Art Ross Trophy.
Orr finishes only four points shy of his record 139 points that he had in 1970-71. He also recorded 102 assists that year, which led the league. The Hall of Famer is still the only defenceman to win the scoring title. However, his knee problems stop him from producing like in years past.
Other Notable Events
1986: Dan Maloney resigns as Toronto Maple Leafs head coach. John Brophy takes over for the following season.
Terry Simpson becomes the coach of the New York Islanders to replace Hall of Famer Al Arbour.
1987: The New York Rangers deal their first-round pick in the 1988 NHL Draft to the Quebec Nordiques. New York trades the pick to get Michel Bergeron to be the team’s new coach. However, things don’t work as Bergeron lasts less than two seasons. The Nordiques don’t fare much better with the fifth pick Daniel Dore. He only plays 17 games in the NHL.
1993: The Hockey Hall of Fame has its grand opening at its new location at BCE Place in Toronto.
1997: Pierre Page resigns as Calgary Flames head coach. Brian Sutter would eventually end up as Page’s replacement.
1999: The Atlanta Thrashers make goalie Damian Rhodes their first player in franchise history. Atlanta gets Rhodes from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for future consideration.
The New Jersey Devils sign free agent defenceman Brian Rafalski. He was playing in the Finnish SM-Liga with IFK Helsinki.
The Edmonton Oilers would name former defenceman Kevin Lowe as the new head coach. He would replace Ron Low at the helm of the Oilers.
2018: Barry Trotz resigns as Washington Capitals head coach 11 days after guiding the team to its first Stanley Cup. Washington beat the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. Trotz soon takes over the Islanders in a matter of days.
Also Read: When Bobby Orr Hit a MASSIVE Milestone in 1969-70 Season
Happy Birthday to You
1906; Joe Lamb
1964: Bob Rouse
1966: Doug Bodger; David Volek
1975: Martin St. Louis
1977: Kyle McLaren
1978: Jan Hejda
1979: Chris Neil
1980: Antero Niittymaki
1990: Derek Stepan
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