Sittler's record night

Busy morning round here with appointments and work (yeah, it happens, fancy that) getting in the way of the serious business of blogging.

I can't let this day go by without a mention of it, though -- 30 years ago tonight, Darryl Sittler's NHL record 10-point night happened, against Boston's Dave Reece, a goalie who vanished as quickly as he appeared.

RON BULL/TORONTO STAR

Sittler's final goal -- No. 6 on the night -- 30 years ago today.

(For a PDF file of the sports front page the day after -- actually, it was two days after, The Star not publishing a Sunday paper back in '76 -- click here.)

What's been airbrushed out of that long ago night was the role Harold Ballard played -- and you knew he did, Ballard making so much of Sittler's performance afterward. But before, it was a little bit different story. This from Frank Orr's sharp report in the (Monday) Feb. 9 Star:

Sittler's epic performance came one day after the latest of owner Ballard's carefully pipelined assaults against the dignity of the people he employs.
In ranting No. 345, Ballard claimed he was "determined to find a sensational centre" to play between the team's two top wingers, Lanny McDonald and Errol Thompson.
"We'd set off a time bomb if we had a hell of a centre in there," said Ballard.
<snip>
"Undoubtedly Mr. Ballard will figure his little blast inspired me to set the record but it just isn't that way," said Sittler. "Maybe now he won't have to hunt quite so hard for that centre he wants."

Two things about this: Who's more improbable to be involved in a similar catfight now --Mats Sundin, or the anonymous bunch who dip into the petty cash to pay him?

And: Was this the finest post-1967 moment in Leafsland, given that the playoffs since have invariably ended in disappointment?

Comments

[David Johnson]

Where was I went Sittler had the 10 point night ? I was watching the game on TV. Later on in the year Ian Turnbull had a great night for a defenceman.
Two highlights from a Leaf team which had many lowlights.

[Carla]

That Sittler/Turnbull team that you and David reference is the one that I have always thought of as "my" team. It was the first time I ever bought a Leafs sweater (Turnbull's #2). It was the first time I can remember making an emotional investment in the team, even though I had been watching Leafs games with Dad long before then.

I can't think of a more memorable Leafs team since then, although the '93 Gilmour/Clark team comes pretty darned close. It gave us a helluva ride, but I'm not sure it ever had quite as fine a moment as Sittler's (or Turnbull's, for that matter!).

[Bob Nickleford]

I was at the game with my Brother and 2 friends. The best part of the game was actually after it. Everyone stayed until the end. They even stayed after to cheer more. The funniest and greatest part of the night was the announcer gave a recap of the game.

Fans started to leave when this started and it went something like this.

"First goal scored by Toronto number 27 Darryl Sittler, assisted by Borje Salming and Ian Turnbull. Second goal scored by Ian Turnbull, assisted by Darryl Sittler and Salming..." It was at this point that the entire Maple Leaf Gardens stopped dead in their tracks to listen to the rest of the game summary. Every goal by Toronto except for one had Sittler's name in it. People laughed and clapped and everyone knew this was a night to remember.

[Chris Stokes]

I was at the game. February 7 is my birthday and I was at MLG with my younger brother sitting in the REDS. I was 15 at the time and will always remember it especially the goal when he ends up behind the net with his arms raised.

Lousy team that year but what a night!