Phil Esposito was hockey's version of Willie Sutton, the prolific American bank robber. Asked why he robbed banks, Sutton said, "Because that's where the money is." Why did Phil Esposito park his hulking frame in front of the opponent's net? Because that's where his goals were scored.
A 6-foot-1, 215-pound, strong, gregarious man who seldom hid his emotions, Esposito was nearly unstoppable when he maneuvered in the slot. He'd find or fight for some free ice against the frustrated defenders trying to stop him, and figure out a way to get the puck on his stick. As soon as it was there, he sent it goalward.
For more of Phil Esposito's 100 Greatest Players bio, please click here.
Phil Esposito was hockey's version of Willie Sutton, the prolific American bank robber. Asked why he robbed banks, Sutton said, "Because that's where the money is." Why did Phil Esposito park his hulking frame in front of the opponent's net? Because that's where his goals were scored.
A 6-foot-1, 215-pound, strong, gregarious man who seldom hid his emotions, Esposito was nearly unstoppable when he maneuvered in the slot. He'd find or fight for some free ice against the frustrated defenders trying to stop him, and figure out a way to get the puck on his stick. As soon as it was there, he sent it goalward.
For more of Phil Esposito's 100 Greatest Players bio, please click here.
NOTES & TRANSACTIONS
- OHA-Jr. Second All-Star Team (1962)
- NHL Second All-Star Team (1968, 1975)
- NHL First All-Star Team (1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974)
- Played in NHL All-Star Game (1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980)
- Traded to Boston by Chicago with Ken Hodge and Fred Stanfield for Pit Martin, Jack Norris, and Gilles Marotte, May 15, 1967.
- Traded to NY Rangers by Boston with Carol Vadnais for Brad Park, Jean Ratelle and Joe Zanussi, November 7, 1975.
