Bobby Sheehan, Rangers Playoff Hero, Dies at 77

Sheehan, a 5-foot-7 forward known for his speed, died at his home in Massachusetts on November 7. The Canadiens announced his death; no cause was given. The Rangers said he played an important part in their run to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final and offered condolences to his family, friends and former teammates.

Sheehan had spent the 1978-79 season with the Rangers’ AHL affiliate in New Haven, recording 33 goals and 48 assists. After New York lost the first game of its playoff series against Philadelphia, coach Fred Shero brought him up and placed him on a line with Pat Hickey and Ron Duguay. The Rangers won the next four games to take the series, and Sheehan scored in his third game with the team.

He also scored in each of the first three games of New York’s following series against the Islanders, helping the Rangers move ahead 2-1. They reached the Final, where Montreal beat them in five games. Former Rangers forward Don Maloney later described Sheehan’s speed and energy as a boost that created more room for his teammates.

Sheehan began his professional career with Montreal and was part of the Canadiens’ 1971 Stanley Cup-winning team. His career included 310 NHL games, from 1969-70 through 1981-82, as well as 241 games in the World Hockey Association. He also played for the California Golden Seals, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Kings, and spent time with several WHA teams.