John Druce, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, is best remembered for his unexpected and remarkable performance during the 1990 NHL playoffs. Born on February 23, 1966, in Peterborough, Ontario, Druce began his journey in hockey through the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Peterborough Petes. His talent on the ice caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Washington Capitals in the second round, 40th overall, of the 1985 NHL Entry Draft.
Druce spent several years honing his skills in the minor leagues, including stints with the Binghamton Whalers and Baltimore Skipjacks, the Capitals' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliates. His perseverance paid off when he was called up to the NHL, making his debut with the Capitals during the 1988-1989 season. While his regular-season performances were modest, it was during the playoffs that Druce truly shone.
The 1990 Stanley Cup playoffs became a defining moment in Druce's career. During the postseason, he scored 14 goals in 15 games, an extraordinary feat that helped propel the Capitals to the Conference Finals. His unexpected scoring surge included a hat trick against the New York Rangers and a series-clinching overtime goal against the New Jersey Devils. This remarkable playoff run earned him the nickname "Mr. Playoffs" and solidified his place in Capitals' lore.
Following his breakout playoff performance, Druce continued to play for the Capitals but was unable to replicate his postseason success in the regular season. In 1992, he was traded to the Winnipeg Jets, where he played for two seasons. His time with the Jets was followed by a brief stint with the Los Angeles Kings, where he played alongside hockey legends such as Wayne Gretzky.
In 1995, Druce signed with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he played for three seasons. During his tenure with the Flyers, he contributed as a reliable depth player, providing veteran leadership and experience to the team. His NHL career concluded after the 1997-1998 season, having played a total of 531 regular-season games and recording 113 goals and 126 assists.
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