1972
In the 1971–72 NHL season, Ratelle, Hadfield, and Gilbert finished third, fourth, and fifth in league scoring, respectively. Ratelle had been leading the Boston Bruins' Phil Esposito in the scoring race, until Ratelle broke his ankle and was sidelined for a month. In the playoffs, they defeated the defending champions Montreal Canadiens, and last year's finalists Chicago Blackhawks, to reach the Stanley Cup Finals where they lost to the Boston Bruins.
The trio also started the Summit Series, but Hadfield failed to register a point in his 2 games, and he walked out on Team Canada when the series shifted to Moscow. Three other Canadian players also left the team as well, and the Canadian press at the time considered them "deserters". Hadfield blamed series promoter Alan Eagleson for not holding a press conference to come to their defense. Otherwise, there was no lasting animosity about the decision to leave, as Hadfield and the others had the full support and respect of the coaches and teammates, and the four are welcomed members at alumni events. Hadfield's LW position was filled by Dennis Hull of the Chicago Blackhawks.
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