The Hockey Legacy of Larry Robinson
Born in Winchester, Ontario, Larry Robinson's path to hockey greatness began on frozen ponds, where his raw talent and relentless work ethic caught the eye of scouts. His junior career with the Kitchener Rangers showcased his rare combination of size and skill, leading to his 1971 draft by the Montreal Canadiens. Robinson's rookie season in 1972-73 was a glimpse of what was to come—his calm under pressure and ability to read the game set him apart from peers.
Robinson's peak years with the Canadiens were a masterclass in defensive excellence. His iconic performance in the 1978 Stanley Cup Finals, where he logged over 30 minutes per game and stifled the Bruins' top lines, earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy. Teammates often joked about his 'knitting breaks' between periods, a ritual that kept him focused. His 1980 Norris Trophy season saw him tally 85 points, a staggering feat for a defenseman in that era, blending physicality with pinpoint passes.
After retiring in 1992, Robinson transitioned seamlessly into coaching, guiding the New Jersey Devils to two Stanley Cups as an assistant and head coach. His influence extended to player development, mentoring stars like Scott Niedermayer. Today, his legacy endures not just through his stats but through the 'Robinson Rule'—a shorthand for defensemen who dominate both ends of the ice.
- The 1978 Conn Smythe Run: Robinson's 21 playoff points and +20 rating anchored the Canadiens' Cup win, capped by a Game 6 overtime assist to Mario Tremblay.
- Norris Trophy Dominance (1980, 1981): Joined Bobby Orr as the only defensemen to post back-to-back 80-point seasons, revolutionizing the position.
- The 'Big Bird' Nickname: Teammates coined it after his lanky stride resembled Sesame Street's character—a moniker he embraced with humor.
- 1986 Trade to Los Angeles: A shock move that revitalized the Kings; his leadership turned a struggling team into playoff contenders.
- 1,308 Games Played: A testament to durability, ranking among the top 10 all-time for defensemen at retirement.
- Knitting for Focus: Unraveled stress by knitting scarves during road trips, once gifting one to a young fan in Boston.
- 2005 Hall of Fame Induction: Honored for 'changing how defense is played,' as stated by his idol, Doug Harvey.