Bob Probert, One of a kind

Sad news of the passing of one of the most unique NHL players ever in Bob Probert. Drafted in the third round in 1983 by the Wings, the 6'3", 225lb Probert go on to score 35 goals the following season for Brantford in the OHL, then 72 points in 44 games for Sault Ste. Marie. He had 189 and 172 PIMs each season as well. He then scored almost a point per game and had 152 PIMs in half a season with the Wings AHL farm team in Adirondack.

Probert's breakout season in the NHL was his third one in 1987/88 when he had perhaps one of the most unique seasons in history. He scored 29 goals and collected 398 PIM's and played in the All-Star game. He also led the Red Wings in points in the playoffs (with Yzerman injured) with
8 goals and 21 points in 16 games. He would finish seventh overall playoff scoring, and tops among players who didn't play in the Final. His 51 playoff PIMs were actually 26th overall in the league and only third on the Wings behind Rick Zombo and Gerard Gallant. When he put his mind to it, Probert was a real player.
He would also have seasons of 20,19, 16 and 14 goal seasons.
Bob Probert was one of only seven players in NHL history to have a 20 goal and 300 PIM season. Tiger Williams had two such seasons, topping out with 35 and 343 with Vancouver in 80/81. Paul Holmgren, Chris Nilan and Dave Schulz also turned the trick and in 81/82 Al Secord had 44 goals and 303 PIMs for Chicago.
Bob Probert is however the only man in NHL history to score at least 25 goals and have at least 350 PIMs. One of a kind.

Comments

Geoff_9 said…
Crazy 87/88 season ... Just 1 Yzerman pass and 1 minor roughing penalty away from an unheard of 30 Goal, 400 Penalty Minute season.
July 8, 2010 at 7:51 PM
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