RETELL:In these 60 pages the book talks about the transition of Robinson to the NHL the Montreal Canadians of the 70"s and their enemies the Boston Bruins. After his drafting Robinson spent the summer working on the construction of the highway 417 because he had to support his wife and son and his salary from the junior's wasn't very good. In September of 71-72 he reported to the training camp along with legends such as Serge Savard and Henri Richard, he was an imposing figure at 6ft4 and 220 pounds with his lanky stride and aggressive playing style but he just wasn't good enough to make the team full of hockey legends. He was sent to the AHL affiliate the Halifax Voyageurs, there he developed while getting used to the big leagues style of play, he began to create his famed one-pass rush style and developed as a player. The next season he was cut again and forced to get a summer job to sustain his family. He decided to train harder then ever while playing in the AHL and he eventually got called up due to a series of injuries to the defence of the Canadians. He played a couple dozen games but didn't log much ice time as the seventh defenceman. He did manage to show his offensive prowess but his defensive play lacked. Thus he was sent down for three months. He improved his defensive game and was never returned to the AHL. This was recall was right before the playoffs. The Canadians beat the flyers and won and they would repeat in 75,76,77 and 78 because of his steady play. Then the author talked about the Boston Bruins the arch-rivals of the Montreal Canadians, their strong team of ,Orr and the loud-mouthed Esposito backed by the legendary Gary Cheevers. Although the Boston Team never won a Stanley cup they always made the playoffs and usually had a thrilling series against the Canadians where the Canadians always won. The author made a point of how Larry hated the big bad Bruins and their antics. Mostly the loud-mouthed Esposito and Linseman A.K.A "the rat" who was the Sean Avery of their time, his fame was attributed to chirping and cheap penalties. Then the book went onto the topic of the legacy of Canadian players of that era such as , the hard-working Lemaire, the talented Lafleur, the astounding Dryden and the genius of Scotty Bowman.
Reflect: I enjoyed learning about the development of Larry Robinson and the Canadians 70"s legacy that I heard about but never saw in detail. I would have never thought that Robinson was demoted to the minors, he seemed to me like one of those elite players without need of development went they get drafted. I also enjoyed the short parts explaining the players he played alongside and what they we're like as people such as Dryden, Lafleur and Lemaire. The only thing I didn't like was the chapter dedicated to the Boston Bruins, I honestly don't care about the players on the bruins team or how many points they got every year for 10 years. That chapter was incredibly boring and I hope I don't find another one like it further on in the book.
Relate: I can't relate to Larry because I have never done what he did but I can relate to him on the fact that we both love hockey and we are both defenseman. I also don't like it when when my opponents make dirty plays and chirp , but then again who does?..
