Philadelphia Flyers: 5 best captains in franchise history
By Tim Boyle
1. Best Philadelphia Flyers Captain – Bobby Clarke
Was there anyone else to choose for the top spot? Flyers captain from January 17, 1973, through August 10, 1979, and then again from January 6, 1983, until May 15, 1984, Bobby Clarke is possibly the best player in franchise history. One might debate the honor goes to goalie Bernie Parent. As far as non-goalies go, Clarke should get the nod.
Clarke played in more games than anyone else for the franchise and his 1,210 points surpass all others who have dared to try. He did it with his own goal-scoring abilities but also by feeding the puck to his teammates.
Wouldn’t you know, the Flyers won the Stanley Cup in Clarke’s first full season as captain of the team. Then they went out and repeated as champions the very next year. This raised the bar for what Flyers captains need to accomplish. Sadly, he remains the only captain in franchise history to win a Stanley Cup with the team.
Through many great captains, Clarke remains the last and only to lead his team all the way. They even had a shot for a three-peat but couldn’t capture the title in their third straight trip to the finals.
Next. The end of the Claude Giroux era in Philadelphia. dark
No Flyers captain may ever come close to accomplishing the things Clarke did with the team. Until someone else wins a Stanley Cup for the city, Clarke is the guy.