Most iconic numbers in National Hockey League history – Part 5
Chicago Blackhawks: No. 35
Tony Esposito occupies the legendary position in Chicago Blackhawks history who wore the number 35 jersey during his time with the franchise.
He is the second goalkeeper to be included in the list because he was one of the greatest goalkeepers not only in the history of the franchise but also in the National Hockey League.
He spent most of his time with the Hawks which became his team after he was brought in 1969 from the Montreal Canadiens on waivers. He continued to come up with some superb performances until he retired from the game in 1984. There have been several occasions
where he has been honoured by multiple awards for his heroics in goal.
Esposito has played in 873 games for the Hawks during which he has come up with 418 wins with a phenomenal 74 shutouts and a decent 2.93 goal against average. With the performances that he has bagged, he still leads some of the team records in the Hawks
history books. He was surely one of the most talented and skilful players in the team who led his side to most wins recorded by the goalkeeper. He also leads the Hawks leader board with most shutout performances.
The Hawks benefited a great deal from Esposito and they still continue to do so as he shows up on almost every Hawks game and gives the goalkeeper a little help at the start.
He was crowned the champion of the Stanley Cup in his very first season with the Hawks in 1969 and made his way into the first and second All-Star teams on several occasions. He was on the All-Star Game on six occasions due to his dominating authority on
the ice.
He was also awarded the prestigious Vezina Trophy on three occasions in 1970, 1972 and then in 1974 for coming up with tremendous performances in the respective seasons.
Philadelphia Flyers: No. 1
Another goalkeeper who makes the list is Philadelphia Flyers goalie Bernie Parent who wore the number one jersey for his franchise.
One of the true legends of the franchise, Parent spent quite a lot of time with the Flyers as he was brought by them in 1967 and remained with the side until the end of his career.
He was one of the most terrific performers who played 486 games for the Flyers while guarding their goal. He was amazing as he notched up 232 wins out of these games and also secured 50 shutouts. However, the best thing about him is the fact that he maintained
2.42 goals against average.
He was brought into the Flyers after being traded in from Toronto Maple Leafs in 1973. However, the end to his career was a disappointing one as it finished with an injury in 1979.
Parent won two Stanley Cups with the Flyers in 1974 and 1975 and also received the Vezina Trophy in the same years. He continued to serve the Flyers and did a lot for the team that made him one of the greats of the game.
Tags: