One of the best goaltenders ever, with six Stanley Cups, five Vezinas, a Calder, and a Conn Smythe, has passed away from cancer at age 78. He was the winning goalie in Canada's 1972 Summit Series win over the Soviets. He and Bernie Parent were the goalie kings of the 1970s. He retired at the top of his game at age 31 in 1979, just in time for my Islanders to not have to deal with him during the dynasty. After retiring he went into politics and higher education. He was also the author of The Game, the best hockey book I've ever read, and one of the best sports books, period. RIP.
One of the two or three Canadiens that was hard to hate. I prefer to remember him for his 1980 Olympic hockey color commentary.
