As Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek represent the Flyers at the NHL All-Star Weekend in Columbus, we’re going to take a look back at some statistics, memorable moments and team firsts pertaining to the Flyers and All-Star participation.
Leon Rochefort was the first Flyers All Star representative back in their inaugural season on 1967-68. Ed Van Impe and Bernie Parent followed them in the 1968-69 season.
Simon Nolet was the first Flyer to record a goal in an All-Star game, doing so in the 71-72 event in Minnesota. He would be joined in 1976-77 when Rick MacLeish scored in Vancouver.
The 1979-80 NHL All Star game was held at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Reggie Leach scored a goal and added an assist in a losing effort for the Campbell Conference. Although they lost 6-3 to the Wales Conference, Leach was voted the game's MVP. This All-Star game also marked the first of many for Wayne Gretzky, along with the last for "Mr. Hockey" Gordie Howe, at the age of 51.
The 1982-83 game was the first for a young Swedish goalie named Pelle Lindbergh. He played the last 29:56 of the game, splitting it with former Flyer Pete Peeters of the Boston Bruins. Lindbergh’s All-Star debut didn’t go very well as the Campbell Conference lit the lamp behind him seven times – four by Gretzky – in a 9-3 drubbing.
Two years later, Lindbergh would redeem himself, playing exceptionally well in one half of the 1984-85 game in Calgary, allowing just two goals and was credited as the goalie of record and picking up the win for the Wales Conference, 6-4.
Brian Propp was the first Flyer to record two goals in an All Star game in 1986 in Hartford, as the Wales Conference beat the Campbell Conference, 4-3, in OT. Flyers goalie Bob Froese picked up the win and two Hall of Famers from the Islanders, Mike Bossy (assist) and Bryan Trottier (goal) teamed up for the game-winner.
Fast forward to the legendary Montreal Forum for the 1992-93 All Star Game as both teams put on an offensive display like no other. Mark Recchi of the Flyers recorded a goal and four assists as the Wales Conference pummeled the Campbell Conference 16-6. Although Recchi had a wonderful night with five points, the Rangers Mike Gartner filled the net up with four goals of his own, taking home MVP honors. Recchi’s five point night still stands as the most by a Flyer in an All-Start game.
January 24, 1994 marked the first All Star appearance for Flyer Eric Lindros, playing for the Eastern Conference. It would only take him 11 minutes to get acquainted with everyone as he scored an unassisted goal on Toronto’s Felix Potvin. The East would hold on to beat the West, 9-8.
The 1996-97 All Start game was held in San Jose. The East defeated the West, 11-7, in which John LeClair and NHH Commisioner's choice Dale Hawerchuk each scored a pair for the East. Eric Lindros added two assists on goals by Hawerchuk and Geoff Sanderson.
In 2000-2001, Simon Gagne picked up a pair of goals, including the game-winner, in a 14-12 shootout in Denver, Co. This game featured teams chosen as a "North America vs. World" format, the fourth year they had done so.
In the 2010-11 All Star Game, teams were chosen by team captains, much like a "fantasy draft" process, by Nicklas Lidstrom of the Red Wings and Eric Staal by the Carolina Hurricanes – the host city. Although they were on different teams both Claude Giroux and Daniel Briere of the Flyers played exceptionally well. Giroux had a goal and an assist and Briere notched two goals as Team Lidstrom beat Team Staal, 11-10. It was Giroux’s first All-Star appearance.
Overall, the Flyers have been chosen to host the NHL All Star Game twice, once in 1976 and again in 1992.
I think we're due for another one.
Mike Watson is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on twitter @Mwats_99
