Philadelphia Flyers: All-time 10 Best Flyer Goal Scorers
By Marc Naples
#6 – Rick MacLeish
- 12 seasons, 328 goals, .44/game
Rick MacLeish falls under the unsung heroes of this list. His name has never the cache of Broad Street Bullies like Clarke, Parent, Barber, or even Leach, but he is a near textbook example of a guy whose under-the-radar contributions on the second line makes championships possible.
MacLeish seemed destined to play second-fiddle from day one. Rick MacLeish was taken #4 overall in the 1970 draft, one pick after Reggie Leach. Both players were drafted not by the Philadelphia Flyers, but by Boston, although MacLeish never played a single game in a Bruins uniform. He was traded to the Philadelphia the next year, being the second most famous player involved in a 3-way trade, the most memorable name being Bernie Parent who was sent to Toronto.
It would take 2 years for MacLeish to settle into the Flyers lineup, playing only 43 totals games for the Flyers in 1970-71 and 1971-72. MacLeish put an end to any questions about his place on the up-and-coming team, scoring 50 goals and 100 points in 1972-73. He was the first Flyer ever to hit the 50 goal mark, although Clarke stole his thunder by winning league MVP the same season.
Stanley Cup seasons for the Flyers would follow the next two seasons. MacLeish simply did his part, playing at a point per game pace and bringing depth to the Flyers attack by giving the second line offensive teeth. An effortless skater and offensive talent, MacLeish quietly went about his business. Some may have targeted him for his apparent lack of grit on the ice, but there was no doubting he could perform under pressure.
MacLeish led the team in playoff scoring during both Cup runs, scoring 24 goals and 42 points in 34 games over the two seasons (Bob Clarke was a distant second in team scoring, with 32 points). When MacLeish missed the 1976 playoffs due to injury, the Flyers saw their Stanley Cup run end.
MacLeish remained a staple in the Flyers lineup through the 1980-81 season. Now in his early-30s, his career quickly fizzled out after leaving Philadelphia. What is left is his career as a great player who finished just off the podium in many ways; #6 in games played, #6 in goals scored, #4 in point. Not glamorous, but still one of the best.
Next: “#5”