Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – Joe Crozier led the Buffalo Sabres to their first playoff appearance in franchise history during the 1972-73 season, thanks to the "French Connection" line of Gil Perreault, Rick Martin and Rene Robert.
The Sabres announced on Tuesday that Crozier died at the age of 93.
The Sabres franchise was only three-years-old when Crozier came in fourth place in the Eastern Division, which earned them a series with the mighty Montreal Canadiens. They lost that series in six games, 4-2.
Buffalo lost the first three games of the series, but the team got their first playoff win in franchise history in Game 4 at the Aud, 5-1, and then took Game 5 in Montreal in overtime on Robert’s fourth goal of the series.
Perreault had 10 points in the six games, while Robert had five goals and eight points.
Buffalo lost the series in Game 6, but after it was over, the fans started chanting, “Thank you, Sabres.” Fans that were there said it brought chills to them.
Crozier coached 192 games with the Sabres, going 77-80-35. He also coached the Rochester Americans to three championships in the '60s.
For years, Crozier was always around the offices and made appearances for the club. Crozier is a member of the Sabres Hall of Fame, as well as the American Hockey League Hall of Fame.
In 1986, Crozier was also inducted into the Amerks Hall of Fame.
