PHIL ESPOSITO Hockey Cards

Philip Anthony Esposito, OC (born February 20, 1942) is a former Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League. He is an Honoured Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and is considered to be one of the best to have ever played in the NHL. Phil is the older brother of Tony Esposito, a goaltender who, like Phil, is a Hall-of-Famer.

Midway through the 1964 season, Esposito was called up to the parent Black Hawks to make his NHL debut. Centering for the great Bobby Hull beginning in the 1965 season, he proved himself a quality playmaker, twice finishing amongst the league-leading scorers over the next three seasons.

In 1967, he was dealt to the Boston Bruins in a blockbuster trade. Phil Esposito blossomed into the greatest scorer of his day, becoming the first NHL player to score 100 points in a season with 126 in the 1969 season. He would top the 'century' mark six times in all, including five consecutive seasons between 1971 and 1975 (plus a 99-point season in 1970), capturing the Art Ross Trophy in 1969 and 1971–74 as the top regular season scorer, and leading the league in goals for six straight seasons, (69/70 to 74/75).

Phil Esposito was named to the NHL's First All-Star team six consecutive times (from 1969–74), and won the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player in 1969 and 1974. His Boston fans printed and displayed bumper stickers during his best years to celebrate his scoring: they read, 'Jesus saves, Espo scores on the rebound.' Esposito, while not a fast or graceful skater, was best known for his unmovable presence in front of the opposition net from which he could score from all angles. Esposito has said: “Scoring is easy. You simply stand in the slot, take your beating and shoot the puck into the net.”

Phil Esposito as a statue unveiled in his honor in front of the Tampa Bay Times Forum on December 31, 2011.

PHIL ESPOSITO NHL Seasons Stats