Leafs Mike Palmateer, Steve Thomas recall Ken Dryden's influence

Leafs Mike Palmateer, Steve Thomas recall Ken Dryden's influence

The difference between the two goalies in was, in a word, towering.

Almost a half century ago, it was 6-foot-4 stand-up Ken Dryden, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, about to start a run of four more with the Montreal Canadiens, versus Mike Palmateer, 5-foot-8, 169 pounds, bouncing around his crease like a red-hot popcorn kernel.

Where Dryden leaned on his stick during breaks to preserve energy and strategize, Palmateer often spent the pre-game on the toilet at Maple Leaf Gardens, sneaking a cigarette and studying the opposing lineup. On this November night, Toronto’s record of 6-7-4 probably didn’t faze the Habs, but the home team managed a 1-0 shutout on 39 Palmateer saves, his first appearance against the storied rivals.

“We’re

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