I used to see Rick around Hampton, NH quite a few times and I met him and talked to him briefly twice. He was very approachable, nice and accommodating. Great guy, congrats to him.
Born in the Boston area and Rick Middleton was my guy when I was a young boy I wanted to play like him he was incredible his balance on his skates and the way he played truly was a pleasure to watch him
Me a Georgia boy fifth grade moved to North East Mass. knew nothing about Hockey started watching Bruins play in 1977 on WSBK Fred & Johnny on the mic. goosebumps when #16 had the puck. My life has been so great since I became a Bruin. (fan). I'm back in Ga.for 30 yrs now, spreading love for the B's. Thank you Mass. and The Boston Bruins!
I’m a life long Bruins fan. Watched Rick Middleton his whole career. Just incredible. I was at the game against Detroit at the Old Boston Gahden when he scored his 400th goal. He had a hat trick that day scoring his 399 , 400 and 401 goal. Will never forget it. Was lucky enough to obtain one of his game used sticks ( an old Blonde Sherwood) through a good friend of mine. Got it autographed at a show on the blade. He didn’t use tape on his sticks so it was on the perfect spot.
I met him today in Newburyport, MA. He signed a Bruins puck that was just sitting in my room for years and now I have good use for it and it's now safe in a case.
A total miscarriage of justice that he’s not in the Hall of Fame. If they can put Dale Hunter in , than they most assuredly can and Should put Rick Middleton in. Here’s to ya Nifty. 🙏
Never extracted more joy watching sports as a youngster than watching Nifty dazzle for the B’s. Bourque was the best player, O’Reilly the grittiest Bruin, Neely the best goal scorer and I just missed watching Orr live...Ricky Middleton slithering between and around defenders brought the most joy. Luv ya Rick!! So happy I can look up and see that #16!!!
Craig Kates -As entertaining as those Don Cherry teams were, you missed something that will never be seen again in those 70-75 Bruins teams. You had to watch because you didn’t want to miss the next impossible thing Orr might do that took you breathe away...and I bullshit you not. The California Seals average attendance was an average 7000+ but when Boston came to town it was a sellout. When Orr got his 100th point in Toronto (his 4th assist of the game) the fans stood up and gave him a standing ovation. A glimps of how special a hockey player is..how opposing fans appreciate the talent even if it’s against him. One Goal against California was so spectacular their whole bench started to applaud him after the goal!!
Max Power -They were a hard working hard checking team that played sound hockey and inspired each other to overachieve. That mid to late 70’s Montreal teams was a powerhouse with one of the best goaltenders and the Bruins almost beat them in 79. If the were not so determined Montreal would have wiped them out...and we had Don Cherry!
I remember the shock when Esposito and Vadnais were traded for Park and Ratelle. Park somehow took a lot of the sting of us losing Bobby, and Ratelle ( the next thing to Beliveau ), became even more of a star than he was; ( Bergeron reminds me of Ratelle ).
@@lincolnmaceachern2410 Harry Sinden said the key to that big trade was Brad Park. Sinden wanted Park because Harry knew Orr didn't have much time left.
@@jamesanthony5681 There is no doubt Park was the main piece in that trade. He was under 30, with a little bit of a banged up knee, but was the next best defenseman to Bobby Orr. Eventhough the trade went good for the B’s it was hard to see Esposito go.
I watched his whole career,even saw him in the minors. a really beautiful soul, such a wonderful person,and a pretty good hockey player. love that his number hangs up high.!
(from a Hab's fan) Great and dangerous player. There was only one highlight against Montreal because the Canadiens knew they had to take him out of the picture.
Probably my favorite Bruin of all time. What he and Barry Pedersen did to Buffalo in that epic playoff series in '83 will always be etched in my memory.
I knew Rick back in junior. I’ve been asked if I was ever on the ice with guys that I thought were ringers for the NHL. My answer has always been ‘2, Marc Napier & Rick Middleton’.Watched them for about 5 minutes & was in awe. I was right also.
@@5inthehole Sadly I don't think he'll make it, but every woman who plays for Team Canada and Team USA will; I think women's hockey will remain a two team sport for decades.
He should be in the HOF with 988 points in a 14 year NHL career. He played in an era with Lafleur, McDonald and Bossy, and Middleton deserves to be with them in the Hall.
Watched Rick Middleton when he came up with the Rangers, even as a teenager you could see he was going to be great. Never could figure out why the Rangers traded him!
that's right. i used to laugh in anticipation when middleton would get a one on one. you knew he was going to turn the guy inside out, no matter who it was. as a player, i would try to decipher what he was doing but it was not easy. sometimes i think he approached the defenseman with no plan, but he would put the puck in the guy's skates and make him look down. when he looked down, he was cooked. most guys can't understand putting the puck in the guy's skates because you always try to keep the puck away from them. maybe that's why his moves were so amazing -- they were against conventional puck control thought.
The Bruins finally did the right thing; they retired Rick “nifty’ Middleton’s jersey number up into the rafters with Bruins greats like Orr, Esposito, Clapper, Chief (Bucyk), Neely, O’Reily and others. Congrats Ricky it should have come a lot sooner!!
If you love the Bruins of the 1970s, you'll enjoy my new book. it's titled Too Many Men on the Ice: The 1978-79 Boston Bruins and the Most Famous Penalty in Hockey History. It can be acquired though Amazon.
I still can't believe it to this day . But that trade Esposito and I forget who else I'm thinking a had seen better days Ken Hodge for park ,Ratelle and Middleton was the biggest steal in nhl history with the exception of the trade that brought Esposito to Boston in the 1st place.the sad part was the Bobby orrs knee to shreds kept him and park from any long term career with Boston. This is the trade that ruined the rangers as a viable Stanley cup threat and had the Bruins in or near the finals for the 10 yrsvafter Bobby was gone .
Harry Sinden made 2 great trades: 1. With the decline of Bobby Orr, Harry always valued a stud defenceman, hence Brad Park coming to the Bruins. Park was the key to the trade. 2. Harry Sinden literally STOLE Rick Middleton from John Ferguson and the Rangers. Ferguson wanted Esposito's old winger from the Bruins, not knowing Hodge was pretty much washed up.
B Kelly -He was one smooth mother, wasn’t he? But lets be fair, Mike Bossy has the best wrist shot ever seen. Two extremely talented players who got their goals different ways.
When I met Guy Lafleur he said Middleton was the Best one on one players he ever faced! Nifty was one of the best GOAL Scorers in his prime before concussions ended his career.
@@GrowthruGod Imagine, winning the Cup ( 50 years ago ), losing the great Beliveau, but you have the consolation of the #1 draft pick, and get to choose between 2 superstar French Canadians, Lafleur or Marcel Dionne. Oh yeah, Scotty Bowman was also coming on board that summer.
I'm not sure if it was natural maturity or the trade to Boston from New York, but Rick seemed to be a better all around player in Boston, especially his play without the puck and his lead-by-example style. He and Brad Park were fantastic NY Rangers, but they took their game to a new level in Boston. Thanks for your work on this Mark! A lot of good memories!
don cherry rode middleton until he accepted the fact that he now had to be a two way player. as his game got more complete and rounded, he got more responsibility.
Middleton should be in HOF, If Lanny McDonald, Steve SHUTT, Bill Barber who played in almost same era as him if they are in do should Nifty. He holds 4 NHL Record's and was the Best 1 on 1 player/deker from 1979-1985. The guy is a highlight machine, Nobody will break his Single Playoff most points scoring record (19) in (7) games.
Exceptional player. Nifty ruled.
I used to see Rick around Hampton, NH quite a few times and I met him and talked to him briefly twice. He was very approachable, nice and accommodating. Great guy, congrats to him.
Man gets goals no matter what
Born in the Boston area and Rick Middleton was my guy when I was a young boy I wanted to play like him he was incredible his balance on his skates and the way he played truly was a pleasure to watch him
Me a Georgia boy fifth grade moved to North East Mass. knew nothing about Hockey started watching Bruins play in 1977 on WSBK Fred & Johnny on the mic. goosebumps when #16 had the puck. My life has been so great since I became a Bruin. (fan). I'm back in Ga.for 30 yrs now, spreading love for the B's. Thank you Mass. and The Boston Bruins!
I’m a life long Bruins fan. Watched Rick Middleton his whole career. Just incredible. I was at the game against Detroit at the Old Boston Gahden when he scored his 400th goal. He had a hat trick that day scoring his 399 , 400 and 401 goal. Will never forget it. Was lucky enough to obtain one of his game used sticks ( an old Blonde Sherwood) through a good friend of mine. Got it autographed at a show on the blade. He didn’t use tape on his sticks so it was on the perfect spot.
I met him today in Newburyport, MA. He signed a Bruins puck that was just sitting in my room for years and now I have good use for it and it's now safe in a case.
Hearing that organ in the garden brought back memories
Middleton was an anchor
He needs to be in the Hall of Fame
A total miscarriage of justice that he’s not in the Hall of Fame. If they can put Dale Hunter in , than they most assuredly can and Should put Rick Middleton in. Here’s to ya Nifty. 🙏
the infamous words of the Bruins radio voice Bob Miller: "Pretty, Pretty play by RICK MIDDLETON" !!
Never extracted more joy watching sports as a youngster than watching Nifty dazzle for the B’s. Bourque was the best player, O’Reilly the grittiest Bruin, Neely the best goal scorer and I just missed watching Orr live...Ricky Middleton slithering between and around defenders brought the most joy. Luv ya Rick!! So happy I can look up and see that #16!!!
Craig Kates -As entertaining as those Don Cherry teams were, you missed something that will never be seen again in those 70-75 Bruins teams. You had to watch because you didn’t want to miss the next impossible thing Orr might do that took you breathe away...and I bullshit you not. The California Seals average attendance was an average 7000+ but when Boston came to town it was a sellout. When Orr got his 100th point in Toronto (his 4th assist of the game) the fans stood up and gave him a standing ovation. A glimps of how special a hockey player is..how opposing fans appreciate the talent even if it’s against him. One Goal against California was so spectacular their whole bench started to applaud him after the goal!!
Who that saw the Don Cherry Era Bruins doesn't LOVE all those players. Middleton was truly MAGIC. McNab, O'Reilly, Park, Johnathan, Ratelle, Ect.
Max Power -They were a hard working hard checking team that played sound hockey and inspired each other to overachieve. That mid to late 70’s Montreal teams was a powerhouse with one of the best goaltenders and the Bruins almost beat them in 79. If the were not so determined Montreal would have wiped them out...and we had Don Cherry!
I remember the shock when Esposito and Vadnais were traded for Park and Ratelle. Park somehow took a lot of the sting of us losing Bobby, and Ratelle ( the next thing to Beliveau ), became even more of a star than he was; ( Bergeron reminds me of Ratelle ).
@@lincolnmaceachern2410 Harry Sinden said the key to that big trade was Brad Park. Sinden wanted Park because Harry knew Orr didn't have much time left.
@@jamesanthony5681 There is no doubt Park was the main piece in that trade. He was under 30, with a little bit of a banged up knee, but was the next best defenseman to Bobby Orr. Eventhough the trade went good for the B’s it was hard to see Esposito go.
I watched his whole career,even saw him in
the minors. a really
beautiful soul, such a
wonderful person,and a
pretty good hockey player. love that his number hangs up high.!
(from a Hab's fan) Great and dangerous player. There was only one highlight against Montreal because the Canadiens knew they had to take him out of the picture.
Thank you for that! And thanks Niffty for the great memories!
An awesome player, and a class act.
Sure could use him today.
For that era he was a silky smooth skater and stick handler.
This guy Middleton was were all these guys today learned their tricks
WoW so happy to see these specals moments a very talented player your the best
Probably my favorite Bruin of all time. What he and Barry Pedersen did to Buffalo in that epic playoff series in '83 will always be etched in my memory.
I knew Rick back in junior. I’ve been asked if I was ever on the ice with guys that I thought were ringers for the NHL. My answer has always been ‘2, Marc Napier & Rick Middleton’.Watched them for about 5 minutes & was in awe. I was right also.
As a sign in the Garden balcony used to say "Magic 16" And it's so good to see McNab. Another under appreciated Bruin as well as Brad Park!
That goal against Quebec that was also featured at the end of Don Cherry's Grapevine is as good a goal as I've ever seen. It needs to be more popular.
The best player never to win The Stanley Cup. 😞
"They Didn't Call Him Nifty Rick Middleton For Nothing!"
It was awesome to see his number raised to the rafters, well deserved. Now he needs to be in the HOF.
Ghtrvsa -Agreed, but detractors mention elite players like Bossy, Lafleur, Parault and Gretzky to keep him out. That’s bullshit.
@@5inthehole Sadly I don't think he'll make it, but every woman who plays for Team Canada and Team USA will; I think women's hockey will remain a two team sport for decades.
He should be in the HOF with 988 points in a 14 year NHL career. He played in an era with Lafleur, McDonald and Bossy, and Middleton deserves to be with them in the Hall.
You can, and did, magic.
Watched Rick Middleton when he came up with the Rangers, even as a teenager you could see he was going to be great. Never could figure out why the Rangers traded him!
For ken hodge no less!!!
the rangers thought adding ken hodge would help espie.
А Вы видите, какие сдесь великие игроки, кажется совсем недавно их видел, Пит Макнаб и Жан Раттель? !!!!
Middleton was the best 1 on 1 hockey player of all time!
that's right. i used to laugh in anticipation when middleton would get a one on one. you knew he was going to turn the guy inside out, no matter who it was. as a player, i would try to decipher what he was doing but it was not easy. sometimes i think he approached the defenseman with no plan, but he would put the puck in the guy's skates and make him look down. when he looked down, he was cooked. most guys can't understand putting the puck in the guy's skates because you always try to keep the puck away from them. maybe that's why his moves were so amazing -- they were against conventional puck control thought.
Hall of Fame.
Absolutely !
He plays a lot like the Lafleur, my best of all time overall Mario Lemieux best ever only my thoughts
Getting Middleton, Ratelle and Park from the Rangers is still hard to grasp.
Shame on the hall for not inducting niffty
Agreed.
The Bruins finally did the right thing; they retired Rick “nifty’ Middleton’s jersey number up into the rafters with Bruins greats like Orr, Esposito, Clapper, Chief (Bucyk), Neely, O’Reily and others. Congrats Ricky it should have come a lot sooner!!
And may we see him in the Hall of Fame next!
Should have been in the HOCKEY HALL of FAME years ago.
GG #79 No doubt
If you love the Bruins of the 1970s, you'll enjoy my new book. it's titled Too Many Men on the Ice: The 1978-79 Boston Bruins and the Most Famous Penalty in Hockey History. It can be acquired though Amazon.
I don't know; reading it might traumatize me.
Remember Chris Niland butt ended Middletons teeth out? That was brutal!
Can't believe Bourque got the year wrong for when the B's finally beat the Habs, and made the final ( '88 ).
Rick Middleton for Ken Hodge. Is Harry Siden up for parole yet in his life sentence for robbing the Rangers.?
I think the real crime was John Ferguson impersonating a General Manager. That has to be THE worst trade of the 1970's.
NHL HOF doesn’t consider his penalty killing or defensive abilities at all - not to mention the exciting plays even up to his last year
I still can't believe it to this day . But that trade Esposito and I forget who else I'm thinking a had seen better days Ken Hodge for park ,Ratelle and Middleton was the biggest steal in nhl history with the exception of the trade that brought Esposito to Boston in the 1st place.the sad part was the Bobby orrs knee to shreds kept him and park from any long term career with Boston. This is the trade that ruined the rangers as a viable Stanley cup threat and had the Bruins in or near the finals for the 10 yrsvafter Bobby was gone .
Espo n company did get to the finals against Montreal in 79
2 separate trades; Middleton for Hodge, and Park and Ratelle for Esposito and Vadnais.
Harry Sinden made 2 great trades:
1. With the decline of Bobby Orr, Harry always valued a stud defenceman, hence Brad Park coming to the Bruins. Park was the key to the trade.
2. Harry Sinden literally STOLE Rick Middleton from John Ferguson and the Rangers. Ferguson wanted Esposito's old winger from the Bruins, not knowing Hodge was pretty much washed up.
Ricky scored more exciting goals than anyone this side of Orr, Lemieux or Gretzky
B Kelly -He was one smooth mother, wasn’t he? But lets be fair, Mike Bossy has the best wrist shot ever seen. Two extremely talented players who got their goals different ways.
When I met Guy Lafleur he said Middleton was the Best one on one players he ever faced! Nifty was one of the best GOAL Scorers in his prime before concussions ended his career.
Brady Dog Yes Bossy was greatest players - shooters ever just deadly
GG #79 wow that’s great stuff - I was in awe of Lafleur
@@GrowthruGod Imagine, winning the Cup ( 50 years ago ), losing the great Beliveau, but you have the consolation of the #1 draft pick, and get to choose between 2 superstar French Canadians, Lafleur or Marcel Dionne. Oh yeah, Scotty Bowman was also coming on board that summer.
I'm not sure if it was natural maturity or the trade to Boston from New York, but Rick seemed to be a better all around player in Boston, especially his play without the puck and his lead-by-example style. He and Brad Park were fantastic NY Rangers, but they took their game to a new level in Boston. Thanks for your work on this Mark! A lot of good memories!
don cherry rode middleton until he accepted the fact that he now had to be a two way player. as his game got more complete and rounded, he got more responsibility.
Middleton should be in HOF, If Lanny McDonald, Steve SHUTT, Bill Barber who played in almost same era as him if they are in do should Nifty. He holds 4 NHL Record's and was the Best 1 on 1 player/deker from 1979-1985. The guy is a highlight machine, Nobody will break his Single Playoff most points scoring record (19) in (7) games.
1987 they went on to the Stanley Cup finals? Edmonton beat Philadelphia in 87. I'm confused Ray. 🤷
1988 😉
Way to long coming…way to long. Time for Ghe Hall of Fame in Toronto to wake up!