1970-71 O-Pee-Chee 36 Bob Pulford Hockey Card (Front)
1970-71 O-Pee-Chee 36 Bob Pulford Hockey Card (Back)
1970-71 O-Pee-Chee NHL Checklist
Card Notes
Bob moved right from Junior “A” to the NHL and was outstanding performer for the Maple Leafs for fourteen seasons. Bob has the ability to score “clutch” goals and is usually at his best when playoffs roll around – will give the Kings strength and experience in their drive for a playoff position.
Details
On September 3, 1970, Bob Pulford was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Los Angeles Kings for Garry Monahan and Brian Murphy. The trade was actually to Toronto’s benefit, getting four full seasons out of Monahan while Pulford played just two seasons with the Kings. Murphy would never play a game for the Maple Leafs.
As a player, Pulford didn’t change the Kings chances for a shot at the post season. However, the team did enjoy a 25 points increase in 1970-71 over their dreadful 1969-70 season. It wasn’t until Bob was behind the bench that Los Angeles would participate in the post season again.
After playing for the Kings in 1970-71 and 1971-72, Pulford moved behind the bench as head coach. The didn’t make the playoffs in his first season as coach but did for the next four campaigns. Bob was awarded the Jack Adams Trophy as coach of the year in 1974-75 with Los Angeles finishing fourth overall with 105 points, behind the powerhouse Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers.
Bob Pulford played 1,079 regular season and 89 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1956-57 and 1971-72 with the Maple Leafs and Kings. He came out of the Toronto Marlboros Junior A team. Pulford coached the Kings until the end of 1976-77 before taking over behind the bench for the Chicago Blackhawks.