5 Things: Luc Robitaille's 50th birthday edition
As an NHL player, Luc Robitaille was accustomed to reaching milestones on the ice. On Wednesday, the former left winger and current LA Kings President of Business Operations celebrates his 50th birthday just a week after the Kings commemorated 50 years as a team.
As the saying goes, "it's sometimes better to be lucky, than good." And if you're Luc Robitaille, you're "Lucky" enough to be both. In celebration of Lucky Luc's 50th, here's a look at five moments that standout in the LA King's career:
Most Goals in a Kings Uniform
With all the great names to have worn the Kings sweater in the past, you might have guessed Gretzky, Dionne or even Taylor would hold this record. You'd be mistaken.
Robitaille's 557 goals as a King narrowly surpasses the record forever held by the great Marcel Dionne. As for Gretzky, his 246 goals isn't quite half of Robitaille's career take as a King.
Retired Number and a Statue
There are six numbers keeping watch high above the ice at Staples Center, way up in the rafters. Robitaille's No. 20 sits among them. In further tribute, Robitaille's statue graces the front of the arena, arms extended in celebration of one of his many Kings goals.
Greatest Left Wing of All-Time
Not just the greatest left winger in Kings history. Robitaille has the distinction of being the highest scoring left winger in NHL history as well. Most goals all-time at LW, that is Robitaille's with 668. Most points by a LW in one season, Robitaille's too with 125.
If you were wondering who might have the most points all-time at LW? Yup, it's Robitaille. Racking up 1,394 from the left side in his career.
Stanley Cups On and Off the Ice
Revered for his scoring exploits, Robitaille was equally loved by LA for his passion and enthusiam for the game. While forever a King, it's a testament to Robitaille's character that while his only Stanley Cup win on the ice was with a rival team (Detroit in 2002), he's still beloved in all the cities he's played in.
It's that same enthusiam and passion that he's transferred over to his job off the ice with the Kings that continues to make him such a likeable indivdiual throughout the NHL and has resulted in two more Stanley Cups as a Kings front office member.
Hall of Fame
Shortly after his jersey was retired by the Kings in 2007, Robitaille was bestowed the ultimate hockey honor with induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. And what a class it was. Robitaille joined former teammates Brett Hull, Steve Yzerman and Brian Leetch in 2009's Hall of Fame class.
