In 72-73, he supplanted Favell as my favorite Flyer (only to be replaced by Bernie Paren't the next year). It was very exciting as a nine year old to watch either the last or 2nd to last game at Pittsburgh on a Saturday night and see him score his 50th goal. And again, a couple of weeks later, the OT goal over Dryden's catching glove.
I remember seeing a highlight from a late 70's home game against the Bruins that ranks up there with the 72 Summit series game 2 shorthanded goal by Pete Mahovlich. He stole the puck from a Bruin just inside the blue line along the far boards, got through the defenseman and deked to the outside around Gilbert. At that point, MacLeish was wide and below the the goal line. He slid the puck parallel to the goal line through the crease, skated around the net, collected the puck and put it into the empty net.
He was money on a breakaway as he would snap a wrister, top-shelf from between the dots (ones against Tretiak, Billy Smith and the aforementioned Dryden come to mind).
Last thing: My personal opinion is that "Flyers' goal scored by number nineteen, Rick MAC Leish!" is Lou Nolan's most iconic goal call.
In 72-73, he supplanted Favell as my favorite Flyer (only to be related by Bernie Paren't the next year). It was very exciting as a nine year old to watch either the last or 2nd to last game at Pittsb. urgh on a Saturday night and see him score his 50th goal. And again, a couple of weeks later, the OT goal over Dryden's catching glove.
I remember seeing a highlight from a late 70's home game against the Bruins that ranks up there with the 72 Summit series game 2 shorthanded goal by Pete Mahovlich. He stole the puck from a Bruin just inside the blue line along the far boards, got through the defenseman and deked to the outside around Gilbert. At that point, MacLeish was wide and below the the goal line. He slid the puck parallel to the goal line through the crease, skated around the net, collected the puck and put it into the empty net.
He was money on a breakaway as he would snap a wrister, top-shelf from between the dots (ones against Tretiak, Billy Smith and the aforementioned Dryden come to mind).
Last thing: My personal opinion is that "Flyers' goal by number nineteen, Rick MAC Leish!" is Lou Nolan's most iconic goal call. - GeorgeBailey
I became a Flyers fan during the '72-'73 season thanks to my dad. While teaching my brothers and I how to play hockey (street hockey), he favored us emulating the shooting style of MacLeish. He taught us that the wrist shot was a much more controlled, and therefore accurate, shot than the slap shot and used MacLeish as the example. Truth be told I think he mostly didn't want our wild slappers breaking car windows and mirrors lol, but whatever, it worked and to this day I much prefer taking a wrist shot over the slapper.
Location: best smile, 14 without fake tees Joined: 03.28.2008
May 31 @ 10:17 AM ET
His wrist shot was special but I remember him more for his skating. He could fly around on the ice and it seemed effortless.
For those that didn't get to see him play, the tape of the Flyers vs the Soviet Red Army team is a great game to watch. The Soviets had a ton of tremendous skaters but for me MacLeish was the best guy on the ice that day. Pure talent and a joy to watch.
His wrist shot was special but I remember him more for his skating. He could fly around on the ice and it seemed effortless.
For those that didn't get to see him play, the tape of the Flyers vs the Soviet Red Army team is a great game to watch. The Soviets had a ton of tremendous skaters but for me MacLeish was the best guy on the ice that day. Pure talent and a joy to watch. - Marc D
For sure he was an amazing skater, one of the best of his era. In fact, in the mid 70s, I would only rank Bobby Orr and Yvan Cournoyer as better.
His wrist shot was special but I remember him more for his skating. He could fly around on the ice and it seemed effortless.
For those that didn't get to see him play, the tape of the Flyers vs the Soviet Red Army team is a great game to watch. The Soviets had a ton of tremendous skaters but for me MacLeish was the best guy on the ice that day. Pure talent and a joy to watch. - Marc D
I did have the honor to watch him play live in person, although later in his career. Even then, he wristed a puck home with a wrist shot from a standing position on the PP. Skated like the wind, and was a lethal goal scorer, as well as being one tough SOB. Rest in peace, and thanks for the memories.
Back in like 94 or 95 - I was about 9 or 10 - MacLeish was a special guest at the Maple Shade Street Hockey end-of-year awards ceremony and he was just the coolest dude. Funny, present, and engaging, even for a tiny podunk little hockey league. Started wearing #19 that day forward (Renberg influenced this decision as well).
Location: Be nice from now on, NJ Joined: 03.17.2006
May 31 @ 1:35 PM ET
Rick was just a good guy. In the late 90's his daughter worked for me and he used to come in and visit from time to time. He was always ready to talk hockey and even signed my copy of Full Spectrum. He would call the store for his daughter and in a quiet voice with that Canadian accent would say, hey this is Rick MacLeish.
I would giggle and hand her the phone like a little kid.
Rick was just a good guy. In the late 90's his daughter worked for me and he used to come in and visit from time to time. He was always ready to talk hockey and even signed my copy of Full Spectrum. He would call the store for his daughter and in a quiet voice with that Canadian accent would say, hey this is Rick MacLeish.
I would giggle and hand her the phone like a little kid. - MBFlyerfan
