My number 1 choice for the Montreal Canadiens’ greatest defensemen of all-time is Larry Robinson. Selected 20th overall in the same draft year as Guy Lafleur in 1971, Robinson’s 6’4” 225 lbs frame was essential in patrolling the blue line for 17 seasons. He’s the last piece of the “Big Three”, and his well-rounded overall playing style allowed him to put up points like no other defenseman ever has for the Habs.
In 1,202 regular season games, he had a monstrous output of 197 goals and 883 points, while his 134 points in 203 career postseason appearances are among the highest ever recorded by a blue-liner. He was the total package; tall, strong, mobile and skilled offensively. He played a brand of aggressive yet clean hockey, delivering punishing hits regularly while steering clear of injuring anyone as much as possible. Rare were the opponents who dared to drop the gloves with the aptly-nicknamed “Big Bird”- that was a losing game.
It didn’t take long before Robinson would make a name for himself. He’d eventually play in 10 All-Star Games, and as he began to lead his team towards numerous championships, he’d rack up individual honors. He was instrumental in helping the Habs win the Stanley Cup in 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 and once more in 1986. He was the recipient of the Norris Trophy awarded to the most outstanding defenseman twice- once in 1977 and again in 1980, where his 75-point season earned him an achievement that few have matched.
He’d also win the Conn Smythe Trophy for the playoffs’ most valuable player in 1978, after posting 4 goals and 17 assists in only 15 games. A force to be reckoned with, Robinson was dominant in every single aspect of the game as is evidenced by his career (and record-holding) +730 plus-minus rating.
He’d attempt to retire in 1986 but was seduced into extending his playing career in Los Angeles. Shortly after his actual retirement, he’d join the New Jersey Devils as an assistant coach in 1993 where he’d help the team win a Stanley Cup two years later. Shortly thereafter, he became head coach of the Kings for a few years before opting to go back to New Jersey as interim head coach in 2000 where the Devils would excel under his tutelage and bring home yet another Cup. The following year, they lost in the Finals against the Colorado Avalanche in 7 games and Robinson was relieved of his duties. He returned in 2002-2003 and- you guessed it- won another Cup.
Currently, he is the director of player development with the San Jose Sharks. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995 and his #19 jersey was retired by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007. While such an illustrious and impressive career with tons of records is nothing for Big Bird to scoff at, he has mentioned in his book “The Great Defender: My Hockey Odyssey” that his only regret is not having closed out his playing days with the Montreal Canadiens.
Below, you’ll find a video of the jersey retirement ceremony.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»