1980-81 O-Pee-Chee 137 Dave Taylor Hockey Card (Front)
1980-81 O-Pee-Chee 137 Dave Taylor Hockey Card (Back)
1980-81 O-Pee-Chee NHL Checklist
Card Notes
Has been recognized as the Kings’ most inspirational & aggressive player at conclusion of 1978-79.
En Français
A la fin de la saison 1978-79, il fut reconnu comme le joueur le plus agressif et le plus encourageant des Kings.
Details
Inspirational? Dave Taylor was a 15th round pick by the Los Angeles Kings at the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft, 210th overall. Yet, he went on to play 1,111 regular season games in the National Hockey League, scoring 431 goals and totaling 1,069 points, all with the Kings.
1980-81 would be a career year for Taylor. He scored 47 and assisted on 65 for 112 points over 72 games playing on the “Triple Crown Line” with Marcel Dionne and Charlie Simmer. The point total placed him fifth in the race for the Art Ross Trophy, seven points behind Mike Bossy and three ahead of Peter Stastny. Dave was named a Second Team All-Star.
In 1980-81, Los Angeles had an outstanding regular season, finishing fourth overall. However, they made a quick exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs, bounced in the first round by the New York Rangers. The Blue Shirts finished the regular season 25 points below the Kings.
Despite his success, Taylor has been left outside the Hockey Hall of Fame. However, the Los Angeles Kings appreciate his contributions and his number 18 was retired by the club in 1995. His is one of just seven numbers to be hung from the rafters by the Kings.