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The success of the Flyers was criticized by purists. But
the Flyers adamantly defended their position. "Sure we
hit hard," said Hall of Famer Bill Barber, "but there
was also a high skill level on the team, from Bernie
Parent in goal on out to Bobby Clarke at center. You
have to score goals to win hockey games, and we did
plenty of that too."
Like it or not, the Flyers picked up where they left off
the previous season, bulldozing their way to a 51-18-11
record. Parent's goaltending was good for a 2.03 GAA,
which earned him the Vezina Trophy.
It was appropriate that Philadelphia and Buffalo made it
to the finals, as the two teams tied for the regular
season lead with 113 points. It also marked the first
time two
modern-era teams met in the Finals. The Flyers became
the first to defend the Stanley Cup successfully.
The Sabres put up a good fight, but could not cope with
Bernie Parent's goaltending and Philadelphia's all-ice
checking. Philly defeated the Sabres in six
games. It was symbolic that the Flyers' Cup-winning goal
was scored by hard-nosed Bob "Hound Dog" Kelly.
Bernie Parent's netminding highlighted the series as he
allowed only 12 goals in six games and recorded his
second consecutive Cup-winning shutout to defeat the
Buffalo Sabres. Parent became the first player to win
the Conn Smythe Trophy in consecutive years and joined
Boston's Bobby Orr as the only players to win the award
twice.
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