SABRES 101

In the latest installment of the Record Book series, Sabres 101 looks at opposite sides of the hockey spectrum in the points and penalty minutes categories.

As many expect, Gilbert Perreault's name is all over the points section of Buffalo's record books. In 17 seasons, Perreault totaled 1,326 points, which is most by a Sabre, and obviously most by a Sabres' center career wise. He had an 18-game point streak in 1971, that stretched from October to December, and is also a team record. He also holds the record for most points in a game, when he posted seven against the California Golden Seals on Feb. 1, 1976. But what may come as a surprise to many fans, is that Perreault also holds the record for most penalty minutes for a center in team history with 500. Penalty minutes are usually a stat to determine how gritty and tough a player is, and Perreault's legacy doesn't fit that mold. However, being in the league for almost two decades in an era where bench brawls weren't unusual, and it's easy to see how even the prolific Perreault could rack up 500 penalty minutes.

The playmaker. One that selflessly dishes the puck to a teammate and puts them into perfect position to score the goal. The Buffalo Sabres have had many playmakers throughout the years, but few of them were able to get themselves into the organization's record books.

Once again, Gilbert Perreault owns the bulk of the records that he could possess. Afterall, the legend played for the Blue and Gold for 17 seasons. His 814 career assists are good for most all-time as a Sabres, and most as a center for the team. He also holds the record for most consecutive games in a season with an assists with 11 and his record of five assists in a game is shared with Pat Lafontaine and Dale Hawerchuk, who posted their five-assist nights almost exactly two months apart. Lafontaine holds the record for most assists in a season with 95 in the 92-93 season, as his linemate, Alexander Mogilny, scored 76 goals that season. 

When fans think of the all-time greatest goal scorers in Buffalo Sabres history, the French Connection is usually the first group that comes to mind. 

However, a deeper look at the team's record books sheds light on all of the prolific goal scorers the organization has had, and how they measure up to the legendary line.

It's interesting to note that Gilbert Perreault holds the majority of career goal scoring records for the team; goals (512), goals by center (512), game-winning goals (81), 20-goal seasons (15), consecutive 20-goal seasons (12) and 30-goal seasons (10) are all team records held by Perreault. Perreault's linemate, Rick Martin, also owns a good chunk of the team's records in the goal department. Career goals by a left wing (382), goals by a left winger in a single season (52), career hat tricks (21), career games with four or more goals (4), consecutive 30-goal seasons (6), 40-goal seasons (5), consecutive 40-goal seasons (3) and consecutive 50-goal seasons (2) are all records held only by Martin. He also shares two other records; hat tricks in a season (7), also held by Alexander Mogilny and 50-goal seasons (2), also held by Danny Gare. Simply, the French Connection line was the best line in team history, and the record books support that notion.