Forgotten Red Wings milestones: celebrating Detroit's overlooked hockey legends
Throughout their storied history, the Detroit Red Wings have celebrated numerous iconic moments.
While Gordie Howe's 700 goals and Steve Yzerman's record-setting seasons are well-remembered, many remarkable achievements have slipped through the cracks. Bob Probert's 1987-88 season is a prime example. Known for his legendary fights, Probert nearly hit 30 goals and 400 penalty minutes in a single season, earning an All-Star Game nod despite his reputation.
Frank Mahovlich's 49-goal season in 1968-69, sharing the ice with Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio, was another feat that faded into obscurity after Mickey Redmond broke the 50-goal barrier. Similarly, Bill «Flash» Hollett set a long-forgotten NHL record by scoring 20 goals as a defenseman in 1944-45, a record unbroken until Bobby Orr's 1968-69 season.
Even Gordie Howe's own extraordinary 1952-53 season, where he broke his own NHL points record with 95 points, often goes underappreciated. In contrast, Bill Quackenbush's penalty-free 1948-49 season earned him the Lady Byng Trophy but also saw him traded by GM Jack Adams, who preferred a more rugged defense.
Source: Detroithockeynow
Detroit Red WingsGreat Red Wings Performances That Need to be Talked About More
| POLL | ||
Which overlooked Red Wings milestone do you find most impressive? | ||
| Bob Probert's near 30-goal, 400-PIM season | 56 | 78.9 % |
| Frank Mahovlich's 49-goal season | 4 | 5.6 % |
| Bill Hollett's 20-goal season as a defenseman | 2 | 2.8 % |
| Bill Quackenbush's penalty-free season | 9 | 12.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
