Rick MacLeish, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, is best remembered for his time with the Philadelphia Flyers in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on January 3, 1950, in Cannington, Ontario, MacLeish developed a love for hockey at a young age, eventually leading him to a career in the NHL.
MacLeish was drafted by the Boston Bruins as the fourth overall pick in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft. However, he never played a game for the Bruins, as he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1971. It was with the Flyers that MacLeish found his stride, becoming an integral part of the team during the 1970s.
During the 1972-73 season, MacLeish's talent began to shine through. He scored 50 goals and added 50 assists, making him the first player in Flyers history to reach the 50-goal mark in a single season. This achievement helped establish him as one of the team's top offensive players.
MacLeish's performance was instrumental in the Flyers' success during the mid-1970s. He played a crucial role in the Flyers' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975. In the 1974 playoffs, MacLeish led all players in scoring with 22 points, including the Cup-winning goal against the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of the Finals. His ability to perform under pressure made him a valuable asset to the Flyers during their championship runs.
Throughout his career with the Flyers, MacLeish was known for his smooth skating and scoring ability. He was a consistent offensive threat, often playing on a line with other talented forwards like Bobby Clarke and Bill Barber. His contributions helped the Flyers remain competitive in the NHL during his tenure with the team.
Injuries, however, began to take a toll on MacLeish's career in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Despite these setbacks, he continued to play at a high level, although his production began to decline. In 1981, MacLeish was traded to the Hartford Whalers, where he played for parts of two seasons before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He finished his NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings in the 1983-84 season.
Over the course of his NHL career, MacLeish played in 846 regular-season games, scoring 349 goals and adding 410 assists for a total of 759 points. In the playoffs, he appeared in 114 games, recording 54 goals and 55 assists. His playoff performance remains one of the highlights of his career, showcasing his ability to elevate his game when it mattered most.
Rick MacLeish's contributions to the Philadelphia Flyers and the NHL are remembered by fans and teammates alike.
🏒