Philadelphia Flyers 50 Greatest Moments in History

45. Reggie Leach Scores Five Goals

Written by Marc Naples

Reggie Leach, aka the “The Riverton Rifle,” seemed destined to play hockey with Bobby Clarke.  The pair was dynamic in junior hockey, catapulting both players to high draft picks. While Clarke was a fast success in Philadelphia, Leach struggled to make his mark in the NHL.  After having a difficult time way out west with the California Seals, Leach’s career changed dramatically when he was traded to the defending cup champs in Philadelphia and reunited with his old junior linemate Clarke.

Leach and Clarke combined with Bill Barber to form the LCB line.  They would go on to set records for the best offensive performance the NHL had seen to date, en route to another Stanley Cup for the Flyers. Going for a third straight title in 1975-76, Leach did all he could.  He set a still-standing franchise record with 61 goals.  Once the playoffs rolled around, he did even better, although his best game was an unlikely one.

The morning of one game, Leach was nowhere to be found as the team skated.  His teammates eventually found him passed out and hungover.  Leach, who had a known drinking problem, could not be revived by coffee and a shower, but a few beers seemed to do the trick. Coach Fred Shero wasn’t convinced and decided to sit him for the game.  Leach’s teammates intervened and claimed he could play.  Leach was added to the lineup, and all Leach did was score a playoff-record 5 goals.

This incredible game was just part of Leach’s Spring.  Although the Flyers lost to the Canadiens in the finals, Leach finished the playoffs with 19 goals in only 16 games.  This performance resulted in Leach being the first skater ever to win the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP for a non-championship team.

Next: Number 44: Bernie Parent Makes Hall of Fame