Cheevers Blanks Wings 7-0
09 Feb 1976, Mon Biddeford-Saco Journal (Biddeford, Maine)
BOSTON (AP) — Gerry Cheevers, the Boston Bruins' wandering goalie who is back in good standing after 3 1/2 years in the World Hockey Association. is off to a perfect start with his old pals in the National Hockey League.
Making his first start since negotiating his release from the Cleveland Crusaders and signing again with Boston last Tuesday, Cheevers recorded a 22-save shutout Sunday night as the Bruins whipped the Detroit Red Wings 7-0 before a crowd of 14,917 at the Garden.
“It feels great, but this was a team effort and it was easy,” the 35-year-old Cheevers said. The guys played super They took charge right off the bat and it was their game. I just happened to be in the net. I wouldn't have the shutout except for a team effort.”
Although rusty from an extended layoff, Cheevers was pressed into action ahead of schedule Gilles Gilbert is sidelined with a knee injury and rookie Dave Reece was the victim of an 11-4 blitzing in Toronto Saturday night as the Maple Leafs snapped Boston's seven-game winning streak.
The Bruins gave Cheevers solid protection, but he looked similar to when he led the team to the Stanley Cup championship in 1970 and 1972 before jumping to Cleveland in the WHA for a bundle of cash.
“I've still got a long way to go,” the veteran goalie said. “I'm tired, but even when I'm in shape I get tired. But it's a pleasure to play for this team. This team has a different style, a great defensive style, from the one I remember.
“I can't picture any particularly tough shots tonight. The team worked hard and deserved good results. They got seven goals and a shutout at the same time—that's super.”
Asked what he would do for an encore. Cheevers grinned and said: “If the team plays that well, everything will be an encore. But I'm sure there are more dangerous shooters than Detroit around the league.”
Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. whose wife Nancy is recuperating from stomach surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, attended the game.
‘I don't think he played great goal, but he played a solid game and that is what I look for—a solid game from everybody.” Boston Coach Don Cherry said ‘‘I liked the way he moves the puck around He really helps the defense.”
Cherry said that Cheevers' presence alone provides a ‘‘confident atmosphere” in the dressing room. “He's a very confident player.” the coach said. For instance, when I asked him to go into the net tonight he said casually, No problem. I'll be ready.”
Ken Hodge scored two goals and Don Marcotte. Gregg Sheppard, Brad Park, Dave Forbes and Johnny Bucyk one each in Boston s 36-shot attack against Detroit. The Bruins now hit the road for an extended trip with a 16-2-1 record in the last 19 games.
Elsewhere in the NHL. Montreal blanked the New York Rangers 3-0, Philadelphia trimmed the New York Islanders 4-2, Toronto topped Minnesota 4-1, Pittsburgh clubbed Vancouver 7-3, Chicago nipped Washington 4-2, while Buffalo and California tied 5-5.
Canadiens 3, Rangers 0
Montreal goalie Ken Dryden recorded his eighth shutout of the year behind goals by Steve Shutt. Guy Lapointe and Bob Gainey.
Flyers 4, Islanders 2
Ross Lonsberry scored two goals for the third straight game to lead Philadelphia past the Islanders.
Andre Dupont and Don Saleski had the other goals for the Flyers. Ed Westfall and Clark Gillies hit for the Islanders, who scored only once in seven power plays.
Maple Leafs 4, North Stars 1
Second-peiod goals by Lanny McDonald and Pat Boutette started the Toronto towards its victory over Minnesota, although Leafs center Darryl Sit-tler, who set an NHL record with 10 points — six goals and four assists – Saturday night, was held to just one point.
Sabres 5, Seals 5
Al McAdam s second goal of the game and 20th of the season. with 1:17 remaining, lifted California into its tie with Buffalo.
Black Hawks 4, Capitals 2
Dale Tallon scored twice, with Alain Daigle and Pit Martin adding single goals to carry Chicago past Washington, which got two goals from Gerry Meehan
Penguins 7. Canucks 3
Pierre Larouche scored three times for Pittsburgh, which got other markers from Simon No-let. Syl Apps, Jean Pronovost and Lowell MacDonald.