2. Rene Robert
The French Connection will go down as one of the top lines to never win a Stanley Cup. All 3 players: Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert, have their numbers retired by the Buffalo Sabres, are in the Sabres Hall of Fame, and have statues in their honor outside of the KeyBank Center.
The Fog Game.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) May 20, 2016
41 years ago today. Rene Robert wins it in overtime at The Aud.https://t.co/XRruiTq9JB
Rene Robert was the last of the three to join the organization. The Sabres sent aging veteran winger Eddie Shack to the Pittsburgh Penguins in March 1972 in exchange for the 23 year old Robert. Robert was brought in to join former first-round picks Perreault and Martin who were already clicking on the ice together. Robert also excelled in killing penalties and playing the point on the power play.
Robert’s time in Buffalo was the most successful era in franchise history. The Sabres had 4 straight 100 plus point season and made it to their first Stanley Cup Final. The Sabres only missed the playoffs once during Robert’s tenure, the year Perreault missed most of the season due to a broken leg. The French Connection also led the Sabres to their first playoff appearance ever in 1973.
The Buffalo Sabres career leaderboards are still peppered with Rene Robert’s numbers. Robert is top 10 in goals, assists, points, hat tricks, and game winning goals. What makes these numbers more impressive is that he is not among the franchise leaders in games played.
Rene Robert is the perfect example of bringing in one more piece to move the organization to the next level.
Next: Number One