1974–75 Buffalo Sabres season

NHL hockey team season March 2026 April 2013 NHL 1974–75 1974 Buffalo Sabres Wales 1st Adams 1st 49–16–15 28–6–6 21–10–9 354 240 Punch Imlach Floyd Smith Jim Schoenfeld Gilbert PerreaultDon LuceJim Lorentz Buffalo Memorial Auditorium 15,668 Rick Martin (52) Rene Robert (60) Rene Robert (100) Jerry Korab and Jim Schoenfeld (184) Gary Bromley (26) Roger Crozier (2.62) yes Yes The 1974–75 Buffalo Sabres season was the Sabres' fifth season in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Sabres finished in a tie for the best record in the NHL in the 1974–75 regular season after a disappointing 1974 that saw the 1973–74 team fail to return to the NHL playoffs as they had the year before. Buffalo advanced to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in team history to play against the rough Philadelphia Flyers (who had been recently nicknamed the "Broad Street Bullies"), a series which included the legendary Fog Game (game three of the series). The Sabres lost the series 4–2. The season marked the Sabres' second NHL playoffs appearance.https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BUF/ Buffalo Sabres June 25, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com May 20, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110520022143/http://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BUF/ live The season was the first under the tenure of Floyd Smith and the team's first in the newly created Adams Division in the NHL's Prince of Wales Conference. Sabres players earned numerous accolades. Don Luce won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. Rick Martin, Rene Robert, Jerry Korab and Luce were all selected to the 1975 NHL All-Star Game. Martin was a first team NHL All-Star team selection at left wing, while Robert was a second team selection at right wing. The French Connection (Martin, Robert and Gilbert Perreault) were all among the league leaders in important scoring statistics. 2 Transactions Goaltender Dave Dryden was lost to the World Hockey Association following the 1973–74 season.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/d/drydeda01.html Dave Dryden June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com November 12, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111112154958/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/d/drydeda01.html live During the 25-round May 1974 NHL amateur draft that was held by conference call, the team participated in the first twelve rounds of the draft. Although several of their selections eventually played in the NHL, the Sabres only drafted three players that played for the team that year.https://www.hockey-reference.com/draft/NHL_1974_amateur.html 1974 NHL amateur draft June 25, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com August 16, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110816061849/http://www.hockey-reference.com/draft/NHL_1974_amateur.html live The Sabres acquired defenseman Lee Fogolin (1st round, 11th overall), right winger Danny Gare (2nd round, 29th overall) and defenseman Paul McIntosh (4th round, 65th overall) in the 1974 NHL amateur draft.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/fogolle02.html Lee Fogolin June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com January 18, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100118120058/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/fogolle02.html livehttps://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/gareda01.html Danny Gare June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com May 20, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110520013436/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/gareda01.html livehttps://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/mcintpa01.html Paul McIntosh June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com January 27, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120127010335/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/mcintpa01.html live They had acquired left winger Morris Titanic in the 1973 NHL amateur draft (1st round, 12th overall) and he was called up from the team's American Hockey League minor league affiliate, the Hershey Bears during the season.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/titanmo01.html Morris Titanic June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com September 20, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110920043928/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/titanmo01.html live In addition, the Sabres drafted fictional Japanese forward Taro Tsujimoto with the 183rd overall pick, presenting the protest selection as real until well into training camp that year.Mendes Ian Fairburn Matthew June 26, 2024 Fifty years ago, the Sabres drafted a player who didn't exist: The legend of Taro Tsujimoto https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5578683/2024/06/26/buffalo-sabres-taro-tsujimoto-nhl-draft/ 2024-06-29 The New York Times 0362-4331http://www.hockeydraftcentral.com/1974/74rnd11.htm 1974 NHL amateur draft October 12, 2010 hockeydraftcentral.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100923082538/http://hockeydraftcentral.com/1974/74rnd11.htm September 23, 2010 live Round # Player Nationality College/Junior/Club team111Lee Fogolin (D)United StatesOshawa Generals (OHA)229Danny Gare (RW)CanadaCalgary Centennials (WCJHL)347Michel Deziel (LW)CanadaSorel Eperviers (QMJHL)465Paul McIntosh (D)CanadaPeterborough Petes (OHA)583Garry Lariviere (D)CanadaSt. Catharines Black Hawks (OMJHL)6101Dave Given (RW)United StatesBrown University (ECAC)7119Bernard Noreau (RW)CanadaLaval National (QMJHL)8136Charles Constantin (LW)CanadaQuebec Remparts (QMJHL)9153Rick Jodzio (LW)CanadaHamilton Fincups (OMJHL)10168Derek Smith (LW)CanadaOttawa 67's (OMJHL)11183Taro Tsujimoto (C)Tokyo Katanas (JIHL)12196Bob Geoffrion (LW)CanadaCornwall Royals (QMJHL) Prior to the season, the team had lost right winger Ron Busniuk to the Detroit Red Wings in the June 10, 1974 NHL intra-league draft.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/busniro01.html Ron Busniuk June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com August 25, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110825061333/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/busniro01.html live Buffalo lost right winger Steve Atkinson and center Randy Wyrozub to the Washington Capitals in the June 12, 1974 NHL expansion draft.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/a/atkinst01.html Steve Atkinson June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com July 26, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110726025632/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/a/atkinst01.html livehttps://www.hockey-reference.com/players/w/wyrozra01.html Randy Wyrozub June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com August 20, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110820115938/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/w/wyrozra01.html live The team also lost defenseman Paul Terbenche to the Kansas City Scouts in the same draft.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/terbepa01.html Paul Terbenche June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com November 13, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111113005807/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/terbepa01.html live On October 14, 1974, The Sabres acquired 1974 All-Star defenseman Jocelyn Guevremont and forward Bryan McSheffrey from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for left winger Gerry Meehan and defenseman Mike Robitaille.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/guevrjo01.html Jocelyn Guevremont June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com September 18, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110918214208/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/guevrjo01.html live On January 27, 1975, Buffalo acquired left winger Fred Stanfield from the Minnesota North Stars for right winger Norm Gratton and Buffalo's 3rd round choice in 1976 NHL amateur draft. The veteran Stanfield had finished in the top ten in the league four times in assists before being acquired by the Sabres.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/stanffr01.html Fred Stanfield June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com September 8, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110908133141/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/stanffr01.html live The Sabres acquired the NHL rights to goaltender Gerry Desjardins from the New York Islanders for defenseman Garry Lariviere on February 19, 1975.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/d/desjage01.html Gerry Desjardins June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com November 13, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111113021155/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/d/desjage01.html live In May, after the season ended, left winger Rick Dudley, who later coached the Sabres for three seasons, signed to play in the WHA.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/d/dudleri01.html Rick Dudley June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com May 19, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110519144729/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/d/dudleri01.html live After 11 seasons in the NHL, 1974–75 was the final one for right winger Larry Mickey before his retirement.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/mickela01.html Larry Mickey June 25, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com November 12, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111112151739/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/mickela01.html live Regular season thumb|The Sabres played their home games in the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium (dark rimmed building in front of the HSBC Arena, pictured in 2007). October–December The Sabres returned after a season of injury and tragedy in which their captain Tim Horton died in an automobile accident. The team also seemed to have mended an apparent preseason feud between Perreault and Martin.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M64yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=n-wFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1574,4154007&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en Harmony Makes Sabres Winners October 12, 2010 October 11, 1974 Ottawa Citizen January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M64yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=n-wFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1574,4154007&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en live On October 10, 1974, in the season-opening game, Danny Gare set the tone for the new season by scoring a goal 18 seconds into the first game of his career.National Hockey League Official Guide and Record Book 2006, p.187, Dan Diamond & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 0-920445-98-5 Perreault added a hat trick and two assists in the 9–5 victory over the Boston Bruins.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=clEgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=b8wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6792,4167677&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en Bruins Drop Opener October 12, 2010 October 10, 1974 Daytona Beach Morning Journal January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=clEgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=b8wEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6792,4167677&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en live After starting the season 3–3–1, the Sabres had an 18–1–3 hot streak between October 26 and December 8, 1974, to move to a 21–4–4 record. By the time they reached 7–3–1 following a November 3 victory over the New York Rangers, they had taken over the Adams Division lead.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PaQrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tvwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4812,818233&dq=1974+buffalo+sabres&hl=en B's Hope to Settle Score With Explosive Buffalo July 3, 2010 November 4, 1974 The Telegraph 17 January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PaQrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tvwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4812,818233&dq=1974+buffalo+sabres&hl=en live The streak included two unbeaten stretches of at least 10 games. They went 9–0–1 on a streak that extended until November 14 with a win against the Minnesota North Stars.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OHY0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=TI0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=2101,3251498&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en Goalie In Awe Of Sabres October 12, 2010 November 15, 1974 Sarasota Journal January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OHY0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=TI0EAAAAIBAJ&pg=2101,3251498&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en live The penultimate win of the streak was the Sabres' first ever win at the Montreal Forum on November 13.https://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/14/archives/sabres-win-first-time-at-montreal.html Sabres Win First Time At Montreal October 12, 2010 November 14, 1974 The New York Times July 23, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180723064556/https://www.nytimes.com/1974/11/14/archives/sabres-win-first-time-at-montreal.html live After a November 16, loss to the Bruins, they started a 9–0–2 streak on November 17 against the Atlanta Flames. In the third game of this streak, which was also against the Flames, they made a comeback from two separate three-goal deficits to tie the game.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R2QtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eokFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4074,2039937&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en Islanders Rip Leafs; Sabres Knot Flames October 12, 2010 November 23, 1974 Schenectady Gazette January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=R2QtAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eokFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4074,2039937&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en live The other tie during the streak was also a comeback.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/615999702.html?dids=615999702:615999702&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+01%2C+1974&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Buffalo+rally+ties+Penguins&pqatl=google Buffalo rally ties Penguins October 12, 2010 December 1, 1974 D2 Chicago Tribune November 4, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104044535/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/615999702.html?dids=615999702:615999702&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+01,+1974&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Buffalo+rally+ties+Penguins&pqatl=google dead By the end of the two unbeaten streaks and before the 30-game mark, the Sabres had the best record in the NHL, the league's leading scorer in Perreault, three 20-goal scorers among the French Connection and the leading rookie scorer in the league in Gare.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4JAjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v6EFAAAAIBAJ&pg=907,2362482&dq=1974+buffalo+sabres&hl=en Streaking Sabres tops in points, scoring October 12, 2010 December 25, 1974 Chicago Tribune E3 January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4JAjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v6EFAAAAIBAJ&pg=907,2362482&dq=1974+buffalo+sabres&hl=en live Martin had the second four-goal game of his career in a December 3 5–3 victory against the Washington Capitals on the road.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/645661822.html?dids=645661822:645661822&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+04%2C+1974&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Martin+Scores+4+Goals+as+Sabres+Roll+to+Win&pqatl=google Martin Scores 4 Goals as Sabres Roll to Win October 12, 2010 December 4, 1974 Los Angeles Times G4 November 4, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104044629/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/645661822.html?dids=645661822:645661822&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+04,+1974&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Martin+Scores+4+Goals+as+Sabres+Roll+to+Win&pqatl=google deadhttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gPsqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OdoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4579,776468&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en Buffalo Powers Past Caps October 12, 2010 December 4, 1974 Beaver County Times January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=gPsqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OdoFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4579,776468&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en live Perreault had three goals and an assist in the December 5 9–2 victory against the Washington Capitals at home.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/619665752.html?dids=619665752:619665752&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+06%2C+1974&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Sabres+roll%2C+3+for+Perreault&pqatl=google Sabres roll, 3 for Perreault October 12, 2010 December 6, 1974 Chicago Tribune C2 November 4, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104044702/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/619665752.html?dids=619665752:619665752&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+06,+1974&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Sabres+roll,+3+for+Perreault&pqatl=google dead Then, Martin was lost with a recurring thumb injury.Sabres lose Martin for two weeks December 10, 1974 The Montreal Gazette Following Martin's injury, the Sabres eleven-game unbeaten streak came to an end, and the team had two different three-game stretches without a win that started in December. January–February The team posted a season high six-game win streak between January 12, 1975 – January 25, 1975. The streak culminated in a second win against the Montreal Canadiens on the road.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/602623112.html?dids=602623112:602623112&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Jan+26%2C+1975&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Sabres+Hand+Canadiens+Third+Home+Loss+in+Row&pqatl=google Sabres Hand Canadiens Third Home Loss in Row October 12, 2010 January 26, 1975 Los Angeles Times D4 November 4, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104044737/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/602623112.html?dids=602623112:602623112&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Jan+26,+1975&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Sabres+Hand+Canadiens+Third+Home+Loss+in+Row&pqatl=google dead After a February 1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, the Sabres went undefeated for the rest of the month. The team had a season-high 12-game unbeaten streak between February 2, 1975 – February 27, 1975. During that streak, the team went 7–0–5. The 4–4 February 16 tie with the St. Louis Blues clinched a playoff spot for the Sabres.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=f7EFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MDMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4040,2058792&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en Flyers Topple Bruins October 12, 2010 February 17, 1975 Rome News-Tribune January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=f7EFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MDMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4040,2058792&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en live The February 18 3–2 victory over the New York Islanders at the Nassau Coliseum was only the second loss of the season for the Islanders at home.https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0D15FE385A11738DDDA00994DA405B858BF1D3 Islanders Lose To Sabres, 3–2; Islanders Beaten, 3–2, By Sabres October 12, 2010 February 19, 1975 The New York Times 58 Herman, Robin November 4, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104024055/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0D15FE385A11738DDDA00994DA405B858BF1D3 live The February 20 6–6 tie against the Flyers, in which the Sabres lost several leads, extended the Flyers unbeaten streak against the Sabres to nine.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uZ80AAAAIBAJ&sjid=dXIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2638,1131867&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en Flyers, Sabres Tie; Habs Beat Scouts October 12, 2010 February 21, 1975 Schenectady Gazette January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=uZ80AAAAIBAJ&sjid=dXIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2638,1131867&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en live The final game of the streak was a 5–0 shutout victory over the Los Angeles Kings, who had handed the Sabres three of their eleven defeats prior to that point in the season.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HoI0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=F5YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7358,5021210&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en Sabres Beat LA, Feel Like Kings October 12, 2010 February 28, 1975 The Pittsburgh Press January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HoI0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=F5YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7358,5021210&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en live March–April At the beginning of March, Desjardins quit the Baltimore Blades of the World Hockey Association to join the Sabres.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/1745420852.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+04%2C+1975&author=&pub=The+Sun+%281837-1985%29&desc=Desjardins+quits+Blades+to+join+Sabres+of+NHL&pqatl=google Desjardins quits Blades to join Sabres of NHL October 12, 2010 March 4, 1975 The Baltimore Sun C9 November 4, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104044754/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/1745420852.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+04,+1975&author=&pub=The+Sun+(1837-1985)&desc=Desjardins+quits+Blades+to+join+Sabres+of+NHL&pqatl=google dead Desjardins was frustrated at not getting paid when attendance was sparse.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1d8jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7CgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5704,191076&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en Sabres Goalie Tough As Team Wins October 12, 2010 March 21, 1975 The Milwaukee Journal January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1d8jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7CgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5704,191076&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en live On March 16 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Martin dislocated his thumb during a fight. This necessitated that he wear a cast.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jQYvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OTMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5211,2738837&dq=buffalo+sabres+injured&hl=en Cast On Thumb October 12, 2010 March 18, 1975 Rome News-Tribune January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=jQYvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OTMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5211,2738837&dq=buffalo+sabres+injured&hl=en live Desjardins made his first appearance in a March 20 6–3 victory over the New York Rangers. In their last win of the month, the Sabres clinched the division title on March 23 with a 9–4 victory over the California Golden Seals.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2N8jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7CgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7181,2137150&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en Canadiens Beaten On Road October 12, 2010 March 24, 1975 The Milwaukee Journal January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2N8jAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7CgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7181,2137150&dq=buffalo+sabres&hl=en live Rookie defenseman Hajt was injured with a broken bone in his foot during a 5–1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on March 26.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Q3QlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=t_IFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6834,2781384&dq=buffalo+sabres+injured&hl=en Broken Bone Stops Rookie Defenseman October 12, 2010 March 28, 1975 Gettysburg Times January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Q3QlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=t_IFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6834,2781384&dq=buffalo+sabres+injured&hl=en live The Sabres would lose the next two games for the season's only three-game losing streak. The Sabres ended the season by winning all three regular season games in April. The Sabres did not clinch the Prince of Wales Conference until winning the final game of the season against the Maple Leafs.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/604468612.html?dids=604468612:604468612&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+06%2C+1975&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Sabres+Beat+Leafs+to+Win+Conference&pqatl=google Sabres Beat Leafs to Win Conference October 12, 2010 April 6, 1975 B4 Los Angeles Times November 4, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121104045037/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/604468612.html?dids=604468612:604468612&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+06,+1975&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Sabres+Beat+Leafs+to+Win+Conference&pqatl=google dead The season was the first of three full seasons coached by Floyd Smith, who had coached one game during the 1971–72 season.https://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/smithfl01c.html Floyd Smith June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com May 19, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110519104548/http://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/smithfl01c.html live Smith had played for the Sabres during their first two seasons.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/smithfl01.html Floyd Smith June 25, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com July 9, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170709061431/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/smithfl01.html live The team played its home games at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. Two members of the team later coached the Sabres: Dudley and Jim Schoenfeld.https://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/schoeji01c.html Jim Schoenfeld June 25, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com May 19, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110519104551/http://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/schoeji01c.html livehttps://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/dudleri01c.html Rick Dudley June 25, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com May 19, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110519105345/http://www.hockey-reference.com/coaches/dudleri01c.html live Season standings BUF Record vs. opponents BUF Results The following is a Sabres game log.https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BUF/1975_games.html 1974–75 Buffalo Sabres Schedule and Results June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com August 16, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110816114936/http://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BUF/1975_games.html live background:#fff; border-top:#003087 5px solid; border-bottom:#FFB81C 5px solid; 1974–75 regular season y background:#fff; border-top:#003087 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFB81C 2px solid; October Game Result Date Score Opponent Record |- |1||W||October 10, 1974||9–5 || style="text-align:left;"| Boston Bruins (1974–75) ||1–0–0 |- |2||L||October 12, 1974||1–6 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Philadelphia Flyers (1974–75) ||1–1–0 |- |3||L||October 13, 1974||1–4 || style="text-align:left;"| Los Angeles Kings (1974–75) ||1–2–0 |- |4||W||October 17, 1974||6–1 || style="text-align:left;"| California Golden Seals (1974–75) ||2–2–0 |- |5||W||October 18, 1974||2–1 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Minnesota North Stars (1974–75) ||3–2–0 |- |6||T||October 20, 1974||5–5 || style="text-align:left;"| Toronto Maple Leafs (1974–75) ||3–2–1 |- |7||L||October 24, 1974||2–7 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Los Angeles Kings (1974–75) ||3–3–1 |- |8||W||October 26, 1974||2–0 || style="text-align:left;"| @ St. Louis Blues (1974–75) ||4–3–1 |- |9||W||October 27, 1974||3–2 || style="text-align:left;"| Montreal Canadiens (1974–75) ||5–3–1 |- y background:#fff; border-top:#003087 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFB81C 2px solid; November Game Result Date Score Opponent Record |- |10||W||November 2, 1974||6–3 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Toronto Maple Leafs (1974–75) ||6–3–1 |- |11||W||November 3, 1974||4–3 || style="text-align:left;"| @ New York Rangers (1974–75) ||7–3–1 |- |12||T||November 5, 1974||2–2 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Boston Bruins (1974–75) ||7–3–2 |- |13||W||November 6, 1974||6–4 || style="text-align:left;"| Chicago Black Hawks (1974–75) ||8–3–2 |- |14||W||November 9, 1974||6–1 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Kansas City Scouts (1974–75) ||9–3–2 |- |15||W||November 10, 1974||8–3 || style="text-align:left;"| Pittsburgh Penguins (1974–75) ||10–3–2 |- |16||W||November 13, 1974||8–6 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Montreal Canadiens (1974–75) ||11–3–2 |- |17||W||November 14, 1974||5–3 || style="text-align:left;"| Minnesota North Stars (1974–75) ||12–3–2 |- |18||L||November 16, 1974||5–7 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Boston Bruins (1974–75) ||12–4–2 |- |19||W||November 17, 1974||4–0 || style="text-align:left;"| Atlanta Flames (1974–75) ||13–4–2 |- |20||W||November 20, 1974||7–3 || style="text-align:left;"| Washington Capitals (1974–75) ||14–4–2 |- |21||T||November 22, 1974||4–4 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Atlanta Flames (1974–75) ||14–4–3 |- |22||W||November 24, 1974||6–4 || style="text-align:left;"| Montreal Canadiens (1974–75) ||15–4–3 |- |23||W||November 27, 1974||3–1 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Chicago Black Hawks (1974–75) ||16–4–3 |- |24||W||November 28, 1974||5–2 || style="text-align:left;"| Detroit Red Wings (1974–75) ||17–4–3 |- |25||T||November 30, 1974||5–5 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Pittsburgh Penguins (1974–75) ||17–4–4 |- y background:#fff; border-top:#003087 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFB81C 2px solid; December Game Result Date Score Opponent Record |- |26||W||December 1, 1974||6–3 || style="text-align:left;"| Pittsburgh Penguins (1974–75) ||18–4–4 |- |27||W||December 3, 1974||5–3 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Washington Capitals (1974–75) ||19–4–4 |- |28||W||December 5, 1974||9–2 || style="text-align:left;"| Washington Capitals (1974–75) ||20–4–4 |- |29||W||December 8, 1974||5–0 || style="text-align:left;"| Minnesota North Stars (1974–75) ||21–4–4 |- |30||L||December 12, 1974||3–5 || style="text-align:left;"| Vancouver Canucks (1974–75) ||21–5–4 |- |31||L||December 14, 1974||2–4 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Minnesota North Stars (1974–75) ||21–6–4 |- |32||T||December 15, 1974||5–5 || style="text-align:left;"| California Golden Seals (1974–75) ||21–6–5 |- |33||W||December 18, 1974||3–2 || style="text-align:left;"| New York Islanders (1974–75) ||22–6–5 |- |34||W||December 22, 1974||4–0 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Washington Capitals (1974–75) ||23–6–5 |- |35||W||December 26, 1974||3–1 || style="text-align:left;"| Chicago Black Hawks (1974–75) ||24–6–5 |- |36||L||December 27, 1974||5–9 || style="text-align:left;"| @ New York Rangers (1974–75) ||24–7–5 |- |37||L||December 29, 1974||2–5 || style="text-align:left;"| Philadelphia Flyers (1974–75) ||24–8–5 |- y background:#fff; border-top:#003087 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFB81C 2px solid; January Game Result Date Score Opponent Record |- |38||T||January 3, 1975||2–2 || style="text-align:left;"| @ California Golden Seals (1974–75) ||24–8–6 |- |39||W||January 5, 1975||4–2 || style="text-align:left;"| St. Louis Blues (1974–75) ||25–8–6 |- |40||L||January 9, 1975||2–5 || style="text-align:left;"| Los Angeles Kings (1974–75) ||25–9–6 |- |41||T||January 11, 1975||3–3 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Detroit Red Wings (1974–75) ||25–9–7 |- |42||W||January 12, 1975||5–1 || style="text-align:left;"| Vancouver Canucks (1974–75) ||26–9–7 |- |43||W||January 15, 1975||4–0 || style="text-align:left;"| @ California Golden Seals (1974–75) ||27–9–7 |- |44||W||January 17, 1975||4–2 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Vancouver Canucks (1974–75) ||28–9–7 |- |45||W||January 19, 1975||5–0 || style="text-align:left;"| Kansas City Scouts (1974–75) ||29–9–7 |- |46||W||January 23, 1975||5–1 || style="text-align:left;"| Detroit Red Wings (1974–75) ||30–9–7 |- |47||W||January 25, 1975||7–6 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Montreal Canadiens (1974–75) ||31–9–7 |- |48||L||January 26, 1975||3–4 || style="text-align:left;"| Atlanta Flames (1974–75) ||31–10–7 |- |49||W||January 30, 1975||6–3 || style="text-align:left;"| New York Rangers (1974–75) ||32–10–7 |- y background:#fff; border-top:#003087 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFB81C 2px solid; February Game Result Date Score Opponent Record |- |50||L||February 1, 1975||0–6 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Philadelphia Flyers (1974–75) ||32–11–7 |- |51||W||February 2, 1975||8–1 || style="text-align:left;"| Kansas City Scouts (1974–75) ||33–11–7 |- |52||W||February 4, 1975||6–1 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Detroit Red Wings (1974–75) ||34–11–7 |- |53||T||February 6, 1975||2–2 || style="text-align:left;"| @ New York Islanders (1974–75) ||34–11–8 |- |54||T||February 9, 1975||4–4 || style="text-align:left;"| Montreal Canadiens (1974–75) ||34–11–9 |- |55||T||February 12, 1975||3–3 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Pittsburgh Penguins (1974–75) ||34–11–10 |- |56||W||February 13, 1975||3–1 || style="text-align:left;"| Boston Bruins (1974–75) ||35–11–10 |- |57||T||February 16, 1975||4–4 || style="text-align:left;"| St. Louis Blues (1974–75) ||35–11–11 |- |58||W||February 18, 1975||3–2 || style="text-align:left;"| @ New York Islanders (1974–75) ||36–11–11 |- |59||T||February 20, 1975||6–6 || style="text-align:left;"| Philadelphia Flyers (1974–75) ||36–11–12 |- |60||W||February 21, 1975||9–4 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Washington Capitals (1974–75) ||37–11–12 |- |61||W||February 23, 1975||4–1 || style="text-align:left;"| Toronto Maple Leafs (1974–75) ||38–11–12 |- |62||W||February 27, 1975||5–0 || style="text-align:left;"| Los Angeles Kings (1974–75) ||39–11–12 |- y background:#fff; border-top:#003087 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFB81C 2px solid; March Game Result Date Score Opponent Record |- |63||L||March 1, 1975||2–3 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Detroit Red Wings (1974–75) ||39–12–12 |- |64||T||March 2, 1975||3–3 || style="text-align:left;"| New York Islanders (1974–75) ||39–12–13 |- |65||W||March 5, 1975||6–3 || style="text-align:left;"| @ New York Rangers (1974–75) ||40–12–13 |- |66||T||March 8, 1975||3–3 || style="text-align:left;"| @ St. Louis Blues (1974–75) ||40–12–14 |- |67||W||March 9, 1975||8–4 || style="text-align:left;"| Pittsburgh Penguins (1974–75) ||41–12–14 |- |68||T||March 11, 1975||2–2 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Los Angeles Kings (1974–75) ||41–12–15 |- |69||W||March 12, 1975||7–2 || style="text-align:left;"| @ California Golden Seals (1974–75) ||42–12–15 |- |70||L||March 14, 1975||1–5 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Vancouver Canucks (1974–75) ||42–13–15 |- |71||W||March 16, 1975||11–3 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Toronto Maple Leafs (1974–75) ||43–13–15 |- |72||W||March 20, 1975||6–3 || style="text-align:left;"| New York Rangers (1974–75) ||44–13–15 |- |73||W||March 22, 1975||4–2 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Kansas City Scouts (1974–75) ||45–13–15 |- |74||W||March 23, 1975||9–4 || style="text-align:left;"| California Golden Seals (1974–75) ||46–13–15 |- |75||L||March 26, 1975||1–5 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Chicago Black Hawks (1974–75) ||46–14–15 |- |76||L||March 28, 1975||2–3 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Atlanta Flames (1974–75) ||46–15–15 |- |77||L||March 30, 1975||4–5 || style="text-align:left;"| Toronto Maple Leafs (1974–75) ||46–16–15 |- y background:#fff; border-top:#003087 2px solid; border-bottom:#FFB81C 2px solid; April Game Result Date Score Opponent Record |- |78||W||April 1, 1975||3–1 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Boston Bruins (1974–75) ||47–16–15 |- |79||W||April 3, 1975||4–2 || style="text-align:left;"| Boston Bruins (1974–75) ||48–16–15 |- |80||W||April 5, 1975||4–2 || style="text-align:left;"| @ Toronto Maple Leafs (1974–75) ||49–16–15 |- |- | Legend: #cfc Win (2 points) 1px solid black #fcc Loss (0 points) 1px solid black #ffc Tie (1 point) 1px solid black Player statistics The French Connection members led the Sabres in scoring by finishing 1–2–3 in both goals and points, although none of them played as many as 75 of the team's 80 games. Perreault's eight game-winning goals was fifth highest in the NHL for the season, although he only played 68 games, he finished ninth in the league in scoring with 96 points (39 goals and 57 assists).https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/perregi01.html Gilbert Perreault June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com August 16, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110816015647/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/perregi01.html live Martin also only played 68 games and finished third in goals (52) and tenth in points (95).https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/martiri01.html Rick Martin June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com November 9, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181109190516/https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/martiri01.html live Martin's 21 power play goals was second in the league. Robert was seventh in points (100), tenth in goals (40) and tenth in assists (60) in 74 games.https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/roberre01.html Rene Robert June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com July 9, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170709115607/http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/roberre01.html live Luce's 8 shorthanded goals was second and Craig Ramsay had 7, which was third. Other statistical leaders included Luce who had a 61 plus/minus, which ranked fourth and Peter McNab who led the league in shooting percentage. Over the course of the season, the team scored a total of 354 goals, which ranked second in the 18 team league and its 49–16–15 record ranked it first in the league. The team used several goaltenders. Although Gary Bromley led the team with 26 wins in the regular season, and Roger Crozier was second with 17 wins, the team was led in the post season by Desjardins who recorded 7 of the team's 10 post season victories. The following are the season statistics for the Sabres.https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BUF/1975.html 1974–75 Buffalo Sabres Roster and Statistics June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com August 13, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110813020950/http://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BUF/1975.html live Key +GoaltendersGPGames playedMinMinutes playedGAGoals againstGAA Goals against averageWWinsLLossesTTiesSvsSavesPctSave percentage ENEmpty net goals againstSOShutoutsGGoaltender +SkatersPosPositionRWRight wingAAssistsDDefencemanCCenterPPointsLWLeft wingGGoalsPIMPenalty minutes Skaters #Player nameAcquisitionBirthdateAgePosGPGAPPIMGPGAPPIMRegular-seasonPlayoffs 0014 14Rene Robert —1948 12 3125RW0074 740040 400060 600100 1000075 750016 160005 50008 80013 130016 16 0011 11Gilbert Perreault —1950 11 1323C 0068 680039 390057 570096 960036 360017 170006 60009 90015 150010 10 0007 7Rick Martin —1951 7 2623LW 0068 680052 520043 430095 950072 720017 170007 70008 80015 150020 20 0020 20Don Luce —1948 10 225C 0080 800033 330043 430076 760045 450016 160005 50008 80013 130019 19 0009 9Rick Dudley —1949 1 3125LW 0078 780031 310039 390070 700116 1160010 100003 30001 10004 40026 26 0008 8Jim Lorentz —1947 5 127C 0072 720025 250045 450070 700018 180016 160006 60004 40010 100006 6 0010 10Craig Ramsay —1951 3 1723LW 0080 800026 260038 380064 640026 260017 170005 50007 70012 120002 2 0018 18Danny Gare —1954 5 1420RW 0078 780031 310031 310062 620075 750017 170007 70006 60013 130019 19 0004 4Jerry Korab —1948 9 1525D 0079 790012 120044 440056 560184 1840016 160003 30002 20005 50032 32 0016 16Peter McNab —1952 5 822C 0053 530022 220021 210043 430008 80017 170002 20006 60008 80004 4 0021 21Brian Spencer —1949 9 324LW 0073 730012 120029 290041 410077 770016 160000 00004 40004 40008 8 0017 17Fred Stanfield From Minnesota 1944 5 430LW 0032 320012 120021 210033 330004 40017 170002 20004 40006 60000 0 0022 22Jocelyn Guevremont From Vancouver 1951 3 123D 0064 640007 70025 250032 320032 320017 170000 00006 60006 60014 14 0024 24Bill Hajt —1951 11 1822D 0076 760003 30026 260029 290068 680017 170001 10004 40005 50018 18 0006 6Jim Schoenfeld —1952 9 421D 0068 680001 10019 190020 200184 1840017 170001 10004 40005 50038 38 0023 23Larry Carriere —1952 1 3022D 0080 800001 10011 110012 120111 1110017 170000 00002 20002 20032 32 Norm Gratton To Minnesota 1950 12 2223LW 0025 250003 30006 60009 90002 2-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 — 0005 5Lee Fogolin —1955 2 1519D 0050 500002 20002 20004 40059 590008 80000 00000 00000 00006 6 0029 29Gary Bromley —1950 1 1924G 0050 500000 00004 40004 40002 2-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 — 0012 12Larry Mickey —1943 10 2130RW 0023 230002 20000 00002 20002 2-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 — 0001 1Roger Crozier —1942 3 1632G 0023 230000 00002 20002 20008 8-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 — Gerry Meehan To Vancouver 1946 9 327C 0003 30000 00001 10001 10002 2-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 — Mike Robitaille To Vancouver 1948 2 1226D 0003 30000 00001 10001 10000 0-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 — 0003 3Paul McIntosh —1954 3 1320D 0006 60000 00001 10001 10005 50001 10000 00000 00000 00000 0 0015 15Michel Deziel —1954 1 3120LW -0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 — 0001 10000 00000 00000 00000 0 Bryan McSheffrey —1952 9 2521RW0003 30000 00000 00000 00000 0-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 — Rocky Farr —1947 4 727G 0007 70000 00000 00000 00000 0-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 — 0030 30Gerry Desjardins —1944 7 2230G 0009 90000 00000 00000 00000 0-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 — 0019 19Morris Titanic —1953 1 721LW 0017 170000 00000 00000 00000 0-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 — Bench Minora 1 ———-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —0018 18-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —-0001 —0000 0 aNote 1: A bench minor is when the team is penalized for a minor infraction that is not attributed to any individual player. Goaltenders Regular season Player NameGPMinGAGAAWLTSvsPctENSO Roger Crozier231260552.6217215180.90403 Gerry Desjardins9540252.786212390.90500 Gary Bromley5027871443.102611119890.87324 Norm "Rocky" Farr7213143.940121000.87700 Playoffs Player NameGPMinGAGAAWLSO Roger Crozier5292142.88320 Gerry Desjardins15760433.39750 Playoffs Schedule and results The following was the team playoff schedule. RoundGameDateVisitorScoreHomeScoreOT Preliminary roundBye Quarter-finalsGame 1 13-Apr-75Chicago Black Hawks 1Buffalo Sabres 4 Quarter-finalsGame 2 15-Apr-75Chicago Black Hawks 1Buffalo Sabres 3 Quarter-finalsGame 3 17-Apr-75Buffalo Sabres 4Chicago Black Hawks 5(OT) Quarter-finalsGame 4 20-Apr-75Buffalo Sabres 6Chicago Black Hawks 2 Quarter-finalsGame 5 22-Apr-75Chicago Black Hawks 1Buffalo Sabres 3 Semi-finalsGame 1 27-Apr-75Montreal Canadiens 5Buffalo Sabres 6(OT) Semi-finalsGame 2 29-Apr-75Montreal Canadiens 2Buffalo Sabres 4 Semi-finalsGame 3 1-May-75Buffalo Sabres 0Montreal Canadiens 7 Semi-finalsGame 4 3-May-75Buffalo Sabres 2Montreal Canadiens 8 Semi-finalsGame 5 6-May-75Montreal Canadiens 4Buffalo Sabres 5(OT) Semi-finalsGame 6 8-May-75Buffalo Sabres 4Montreal Canadiens 3 Stanley Cup finalsGame 1 15-May-75Buffalo Sabres 1Philadelphia Flyers 4 Stanley Cup finalsGame 2 18-May-75Buffalo Sabres 1Philadelphia Flyers 2 Stanley Cup finalsGame 3 20-May-75Philadelphia Flyers 4Buffalo Sabres 5(OT) Stanley Cup finalsGame 4 22-May-75Philadelphia Flyers 2Buffalo Sabres 4 Stanley Cup finalsGame 5 25-May-75Buffalo Sabres 1Philadelphia Flyers 5 Stanley Cup finalsGame 6 27-May-75Philadelphia Flyers 2Buffalo Sabres 0 Quarter-finals The Sabres had a bye in the first round of the playoffs and then met the first round victor Chicago Black Hawks in the quarter-finals. In the first game of the series, the Sabres were the beneficiaries of an 18–2 penalty minutes differential and won 4–1.Hawks ruffled by officiating in loss April 14, 1975 C3 Chicago Tribune Condon, David Although the Black Hawks scored in the first minute of game two, the Dudley scored a pair of goals on the way to a 3–1 Sabres victory.http://digitalnewspapers.libraries.psu.edu/Default/Skins/BasicArch/Client.asp?Skin=BasicArch&&AppName=2&enter=true&BaseHref=DCG/1975/04/16&EntityId=Ar00903 Sabres Score July 3, 2010 April 16, 1975 Daily Collegian https://web.archive.org/web/20120403234751/http://digitalnewspapers.libraries.psu.edu/Default/Skins/BasicArch/Client.asp?Skin=BasicArch&&AppName=2&enter=true&BaseHref=DCG%2F1975%2F04%2F16&EntityId=Ar00903 April 3, 2012 dead In game three, the Black Hawks took a one-goal lead four times and the Sabres tied the score each time, which led to sudden death overtime in which Chicago came out on top.Makita: Hawks getting bounces April 18, 1975 C3 Chicago Tribune Condon, David The Sabres scored five times in the third period to post a 6–2 victory in game 4.Hawks' slim cup chances dangle at Tony O's feet April 21, 1975 C8 Chicago Tribune Condon, David The Sabres won the series 4–1, with Robert scoring the series clinching goal after getting into fisticuffs with Pit Martin and third man Phil Russell (who got ejected) earlier in the clinching game.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9pAjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yqEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4524,2148705&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Sabres Oust Chicago July 2, 2010 Montreal Gazette April 23, 1975 January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9pAjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=yqEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4524,2148705&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live Semi-finals The Sabres won the first game with an overtime goal by Gare.http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nhl/buffalo/sabres.html Historical Moments July 3, 2010 May 14, 2003 sportsecyclopedia.com July 3, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090703185809/http://www.nhl.com/futures/firstoverall.html live In game two, Robert was sidelined with the flu and Dudley was inactive due to a sprained knee, but the checking line of Luce, Ramsay and Gare each scored a goal as the Sabres took a 2–0 lead with a 4–2 victory.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iOoeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zEYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6850,5041232&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Flyers, Sabres score wins despite problems July 3, 2010 April 30, 1975 Daily News January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iOoeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zEYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6850,5041232&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live In the game, Henri Richard surpassed his brother Maurice Richard with his 127th Stanley Cup playoff point.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6swVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zBEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4264,6050759&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Sabres Win Again July 3, 2010 April 30, 1975 The Milwaukee Sentinel 2, part 2 January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=6swVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=zBEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4264,6050759&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live Following their strong 7–0 game three performance, the Canadiens handily won game four at home by an 8–2 margin. The game was marked by a bench clearing incident when Doug Risebrough and Gare squared off. Bill Hajt got ejected as third man in and Larry Robinson who took on Hajt was also ejected.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ip4uAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hKEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2561,1305510&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Minor officials fumble fight rule July 3, 2010 May 5, 1975 The Montreal Gazette Bacon, Dick 33 January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ip4uAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hKEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2561,1305510&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live The Sabres surrendered an early 3–1 lead, but won in overtime of game five on Robert goal.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0fIhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=etUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3128,1199671&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Sabres down on overtime jobs July 3, 2010 May 6, 1975 The Southeast Missourian Pike, Marvin R. 26 January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0fIhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=etUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3128,1199671&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live The Sabres scored three goals in the first period of game six on their way to a series-clinching 4–3 victory. They led 3–1 after one period and added one in the second before withstanding a third period two-goal rally by Montreal.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2MQRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2uwDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4727,2101296&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Sabres cinch Stanley semi at Montreal July 3, 2010 May 9, 1975 The Spokesman-Review January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2MQRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=2uwDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4727,2101296&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live Stanley Cup finals 1975 Stanley Cup Finals The Flyers came into the series with their own good luck pre- game singer in the form of Kate Smith who sang "God Bless America" before home games at The Spectrum.https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/csmonitor_historic/access/98936295.html?dids=98936295:98936295&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=May+15%2C+1975&author=By+Larry+Eldridge+Sports+writer+of+The+Christian+Science+Monitor&pub=Christian+Science+Monitor&desc=Kate+Smith%2C+Flyers+down+Islanders%3B+Sabres+next&pqatl=google Kate Smith, Flyers down Islanders; Sabres next July 3, 2010 May 15, 1975 The Christian Science Monitor Eldridge, Larry November 2, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121102202536/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/csmonitor_historic/access/98936295.html?dids=98936295:98936295&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=May+15,+1975&author=By+Larry+Eldridge+Sports+writer+of+The+Christian+Science+Monitor&pub=Christian+Science+Monitor&desc=Kate+Smith,+Flyers+down+Islanders%3B+Sabres+next&pqatl=google dead The Flyers had a 43–3–1 record following her pregame performances in lieu of the traditional "Star Spangled Banner".https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=P-wjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C1YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5751,5046239&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Can Kate Smith's Singing Bless Flyers July 3, 2010 May 13, 1975 The Pittsburgh Press 12 January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=P-wjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C1YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5751,5046239&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live In addition, the Sabres had never won a game against the Flyers in Philadelphia in their short five-year franchise history, had never beaten Flyer starting goalie Bernie Parent, and entered the series on a 13-game streak against the Flyers without a win. Although the Sabres held the Flyers to two shots in the first period of game one, eight in the second, and were the beneficiaries of a 1:04 two-man advantage at one point, the game remained scoreless until the third period when the Flyers connected four times in a 4–1 victory.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VTAqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=w0YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7135,3058763&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Parent leads Flyers to win July 3, 2010 May 15, 1975 Park City Daily News Brown, Frank January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VTAqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=w0YEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7135,3058763&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live In game two, the Sabres were held to 19 shots on goal with none coming after Bobby Clarke scored at the 6:43 mark of the third period.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7esgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C3IFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2622,3836764&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Bobby Clarke is Hero as Flyers nip Sabres July 3, 2010 May 19, 1975 The Day Brown, Frank January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7esgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=C3IFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2622,3836764&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live Due to unusual heat in Buffalo in May 1975, portions of game three, which is known as "The Fog Game", were played in heavy fog. The game was stopped 12 times due to the conditions. Buffalo goalie Desjardins gave up three first period goals, and Crozier started the second period. After having surrendered goals on his first two shots faced and three of his first six, Desjardins removed himself from the game.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2fIhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=etUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=913,3312833&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Sabres square series July 3, 2010 May 23, 1975 The Southeast Missourian January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2fIhAAAAIBAJ&sjid=etUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=913,3312833&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en livehttps://news.google.com/newspapers?id=voU1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=g4kFAAAAIBAJ&pg=880,5264032&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Desjardins saves the day for Sabres July 3, 2010 May 23, 1975 Tri City Herald July 12, 2012 https://archive.today/20120712002656/http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=voU1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=g4kFAAAAIBAJ&pg=880,5264032&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en dead The Sabres recovered from the three-goal deficit on two goals 17 seconds apart by Gare and Martin. After a goal by Luce netted the score, Reggie Leach gave the Flyers the lead again. Bill Hajt scored his first career playoff goal to tie the score. Robert scored the game winner in overtime with a goal that Flyer goalie Bernie Parent did not see until it was too late. The game was the longest NHL overtime game in over four years.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MLASAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dvgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6026,1487506&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Sabres Survive Heat and Overtime July 3, 2010 May 21, 1975 Spokane Daily Chronicle January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MLASAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dvgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6026,1487506&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live Players, officials, and the puck were invisible to many spectators. During a face-off and through the fog, Sabres center Jim Lorentz spotted a bat flying across the rink, raised his stick, and killed it. Many superstitious Buffalo fans considered this to be an "Evil Omen", pertaining to the result of the series. It was the only time that any player killed an animal during an NHL game. This was one of three playoff appearances for Crozier. Desjardins surrendered a goal on the third Flyer shot in game four, but he stayed in the game for a 4–2 victory. In game four, the unseasonable temperature only caused the play to be stopped twice (with 8:08 and 4:44 remaining) as five pairs of arena employees skated around the ice with bed sheets to clear the haze. By game five of the finals Dave Schultz had claimed both the single-season regular season penalty minutes record and the post-season record. However, he contributed his first two goals of the playoffs in a 5–2 win to help the Flyers take a 3–2 lead in the series. It was Schultz' first two-goal performance of the season and his first goal since March 9.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KAcQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9o4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3373,3121679&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Schultz scores twice as Flyers take hockey lead July 3, 2010 May 26, 1975 Ellensburg Daily Record January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KAcQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=9o4DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3373,3121679&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live In the sixth game Conn Smythe Trophy MVP Bernie Parent shut out the Sabres 2–0 to clinch the series four games to two.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_BcVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8QUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5755,6041681&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en Sabres Absorb Shutout July 2, 2010 May 28, 1975 Ocala Star-Banner January 22, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160122070726/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_BcVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8QUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5755,6041681&dq=1975+playoffs+sabres&hl=en live Crozier held the Flyers scoreless for the first two periods of the final game.http://www.sabreslegends.com/crozier_r_bio.html Roger Crozier July 3, 2010 sabreslegends.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100619163739/http://www.sabreslegends.com/crozier_r_bio.html June 19, 2010 dead mdy-all Awards and records Prince of Wales Trophy Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Don Luce Rick Martin, 1975 NHL All-Star Game,https://www.hockey-reference.com/allstar/NHL_1975_roster.html 1975 NHL All-Star Game Rosters June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com October 20, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111020224251/http://www.hockey-reference.com/allstar/NHL_1975_roster.html live NHL All-Star team,https://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1975.html 1974–75 NHL Season Summary June 24, 2010 Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com August 15, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110815225910/http://www.hockey-reference.com/leagues/NHL_1975.html live Left wing (1st team) Rene Robert, 1975 NHL All-Star Game, NHL All-Star team, Right Wing (2nd team) Don Luce 1975 NHL All-Star Game Jerry Korab 1975 NHL All-Star Game Peter McNab NHL shooting percentage leader (24.4%) Club Record, Most Goals For, (354) Notes 30em External links 1974–75 Sabres at Hockeydb.com 1974–75 Sabres at Hockey-reference.com Category:Buffalo Sabres seasons Buffalo Category:Adams Division champion seasons Category:Eastern Conference (NHL) championship seasons Buffalo Buffalo Category:1970s in Buffalo, New York