Settling an Old Score

Are We Learning Yet...?

Glen Featherstone
1990-91 Score #25T

1990-91 Score Rookie and Traded
Total Cards: 110

As I finally get around to sorting all these old cards, and making sense of the Score sets...

I'm just now discovering that there was a yellow "Traded" set alongside the original 1990-91 Score.

(Was previously only aware of the green "Traded" cards from the following year, 1991-92)

Really enjoy the composition of this shot.
Shows grit and determination appearing to flip the puck.

Just lucky that the photo was snapped just in time for us to see the round, airborne disk.

Ken Linesman
1990-91 Score #95T

Now this is a cool card!
Of course, we've seen better...
But considering the photo contains at least half an ounce of excitement, this card gets a passing grade.

Especially enjoyable since the Kings and Oilers were bitter rivals, meeting in the Playoffs several times after the Gretzky trade.

Saint Marty...

Martin Brodeur
2011-12 Score #21

It's fun to make fun of Martin Brodeur - But only because he's one of the greatest goalies ever.

When your team is facing him, you really wish that anyone else was in net...

Just a few years before his retirement, I thought this card was a fitting tribute.

Career Highlight with over 25,000 saves.
That's a hell of a lot of stops.

(I'd like to see those pucks stacked up in a pile!)

Often not a fan of Highlight or Milestone cards - Unless there's a cool picture or really interesting stat.


Brodeur would finish his career with 28,928 saves.

Really Waxy Junk Wax...

Mark Fitzpatrick
1990-91 Score Young Superstars #32

Found a lone card and had no idea what this was...

A glossy card, appearing to be from the 1990-91 Score era...
Couldn't even locate it on TCDB.

Found two different sources that were selling a version of the card.
One on ebay.com, the other on isolatedcards.com.

Apparently it's from a set called "Score Young Superstars".
It's the first time I've ever seen a card from this set.

Mark Fitzpatrick played 47 games for the Islanders in 1989-90.

Diving into Score...

Hubie McDonough
1991-92 Score #450

Back in the day, I really didn't care much for the 1991-92 Score hockey cards...

After completing most of my 1991-92 sets, my attention has turned to organizing these cards, and I'm discovering some that don't totally suck!

Diving into 1991-92 Score and exploring Series 2.


A scoring chance is thwarted by Toronto netminder Peter Ing.

Bonus point for the visible puck on edge, still technically airborne.

Sean Burke
1991-92 Score #465

Sean Burke with (presumably) Dirk Graham of the Chicago Blackhawks on the doorstep.

Murray Craven
1991-92 Score #482

Another NJD goaltender on this card...
This time, it's Chris Tererri.
A bit blurry, but still enjoy the action.

Jimmy Waite
1991-92 Score #632

A tense moment for Jimmy Waite as he reacts to a shot, and the puck goes dangerously close to the top corner and sails just over the net.

We Are The (Conference) Champions...

Boston Bruins
1990 Conference Champions
Prince of Wales Conference
1990-91 Score #368

Most hockey card sets don't have nearly enough emphasis on the real NHL season: The Playoffs.

In the Third Round of the 2023 NHL Playoffs, it's the Carolina Hurricanes against the Florida Panthers... While the Dallas Stars battle the Seattle Kraken.

A blast from the past, from a much simpler time...

Edmonton Oilers
1990 Conference Champions
Campbell Conference
1990-91 Score #369

Organizing my growing pile of previously unsorted 1990-91 Score hockey cards, didn't even realize that I owned this pair of cards.

Was actually pleased to discover that I had both these cards in my collection.

Surely I'm not the only hockey fan who'd rather see Boston taking on Washington, with Edmonton encountering Chicago. (Well, maybe not Chicago - Not until the Hawks are done rebuilding, anyway...)

Spring Cleaning My Card Collection...

Found a couple loose cards from 1993-94 Score that belong in the binder with the rest.

I think this is the only card I have that depicts Ciccarelli near his own net... (Typically, he's busy harassing the other team's goaltender)

Bonus point for goaltender Tim Cheveldae in the background with a checkered flag on his mask.

Just noticed these teammates wearing numbers 22 and 32 respectively.

Celebration Time... (Card Number 420)

Steven Rice
1991-92 Score #420

Enjoying the Four-Twenty festivities with this card.

As I continue to sort my nineties junk wax, the images often take me on a trip full of nostalgia...

Kings & Isles Goalie Swap of '89...

Kelly Hrudey
1991-92 Score #231

After completing most of my 1991-92 sets, finally taking an interest in the "less than exciting" Score hockey cards...

Both of these cards are relatively new to my collection.

Just so happens that these two goalies were basically traded for one another February 22, 1989.

First up is longtime LA Kings goaltender Kelly Hrudey.

From the back of the card:

"No one will ever forget his heroic performance against the Capitals in Game 7 of the 1987 Patrick Division Semifinals. Kelly was absolutely brilliant, stopping 73 of 75 shots to lead the Islanders to a 3-2 victory in quadruple overtime."

From nhltradetracker.com

Mark Fitzpatrick
1991-92 Score #266

Drafted by the Islanders, Mark Fitzpatrick eventually joined the Florida Panthers, and even saw brief action as a backup during the 1996 Playoff run by the Florida Panthers.

Was completely unaware that he also played for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He became a member of the Chicago Blackhawks in 1998-99, and finished his career at the turn of the century, appearing in 3 games with the Carolina Hurricanes during 1999-00,

From the back of the card:

"Mark returned to the Islanders' lineup in March after being sidelined all season with a life-threatening illness. He was afflicted with a rare disease that caused swelling of his muscles and tissues.

'It's important to me to prove I can play again.' said Mark. 'There were times I didn't know which way my health was going to go.' "

2011 Winter Classic

Eric Fehr
2011-12 Score #3

Another great card with a player celebrating a goal.

This one's from the 2011 Winter Classic.
 
Not only are the Capitals wearing red helmets with their white uniforms, but the pants are also red...

The Caps have had red pants from 2011-2015, which must be why it seemed familiar to me.

Apparently the team did have red pants in their very first NHL season (1974-75).


As for the red helmets? Not sure where the idea came from, but it kinda works - Surely just an attempt to make the Winter Classic look even more like old time hockey.

Jim Bedard
1979-80 O-Pee-Chee #62

The only other Capitals card I have that depicts a  player with a white jersey and red helmet.

Sure, it's the goaltender - But it's still an awesome card.

Number 40...

Frank Pietrangelo
1991-92 Score #440

Frank Pietrangelo was the first goalie that I can recall wearing (what was at the time) a rather unorthodox number 40 (It's since become quite common; Lalime, Rask)

Apparently Ron Tugnutt briefly wore number 40 during 1988.

Robin Lehner wore 40 for the Senators, Sabres, Islanders and Blackhawks.

Devan Dubnyk also known as 40 (Oilers, Predators, Coyotes, Wild, Avalanche, Sharks)

Also: Scott Clemmensen (NJD)
And of course, Alexandar Georgiev of the NYR

Noteable forwards include Henrik Zetterberg
and Vincent Lecavalier with the Flyers
(Lecavalier wore 40 with the Flyers, as his usual number 4 having been retired by the Flyers in honor of Barry Ashbee, a member of the Flyers from 1970-74 until suffering a career-ending injury)


From the back of the card:

"While Tom Barasso rightfully earned a lot of the credit for the Penguins' first-ever Stanley Cup title in '90-91, Frank's contribution should not be overlooked. With Barasso injured and the Penguins trailing three games-to-two in their opening round series against the Devils, Frank stepped in and took command. Playing brilliantly, he guided Pittsburgh to two straight wins, including a 4-0 shutout in Game 7."

Battle of Florida...

Daren Puppa
1994-95 Score #72

Exploring some of my Tampa Bay Lightning cards has caused me to take a second look at this one.

The goaltender appears to block a shot, with iconic Florida Panther Dave Lowry hungrily prowling for a possible rebound.

This card also features an ad for Blockbuster video (RIP).

Washington VS Boston

Zdeno Chara
2011-12 Score #61

My fascination with this 2021 playoff matchup is Washington's Zdeno Chara facing his former teammates in Boston.

This marks the fourth time that these franchises will meet in the postseason.

In previous meetings, the Bruins emerged as the victors in 1990 (en route to the Finals), with the Caps winning in 1998 (also making it to the Finals). The teams also met in a 2012 playoff matchup won by the Capitals.















A number of trades between these two franchises during the 1990s and early 2000s also managed to catch my attention, for whatever reason...

From nhltradetracker.com:

Steve Leach
1993-94 Pinnacle #73

After 6 seasons in Washington, Steve Leach played 5 seasons in Boston where he would score 159 of his 283 career NHL points.

Al Iafrate
1994-95 Select #80

The acquisiton of Al Iafrate was definitely exciting for Bruins fans...

Unfortunately, the big defenceman with the booming slapshot would only suit up for a dozen games with the Bruins. He missed a couple seasons due to injury, returning to play briefly with the San Jose Sharks.

Joe Juneau
1994-95 Topps/OPC Premier #100

Washington landed Joe Juneau in the Al Iafrate trade. Juneau would spend six seasons in Washington, scoring 234 points in 312 games with the Caps.

(Juneau would also play in Buffalo, Ottawa, and Phoenix before finishing his career in Montreal)

Adam Oates
1999-00 O-Pee-Chee #202

After nearly 6 seasons with the Bruins, Adam Oates became a member of the Washington Capitals, and would provide veteran leadership for the Caps during their 1998 appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Sergei Gonchar
2002-03 Upper-Deck #175

In a season when the Bruins were already heavy favorites to win The Cup, the 2004 acquisition of Sergei Gonchar and Michael Nylander definitely seemed to improve the Bruins' chances...

However, the Bruins were defeated in the first round in a seven game series against their hated rivals, the Montreal Canadiens.

Legendary!

Mike Gartner
2000-01 Upper Deck Legends #129

NHL Legends (Mike Gartner)

2000-01 Upper Deck Legends
Total Cards: 135

Wasn't even aware of this set, until finding this lone card.

1980s photograph of sniper Mike Gartner playing for the Caps.


From the back of the card:

"Gartner holds the NHL record for the most career 30-goal seasons with an amazing 17 in 19 seasons."

Incidentally, he was inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001.

Mike Gartner
2000-01 Upper Deck Legends #129
(card back)

Somehow I never realized that Mike Gartner had been a member of the Minnesota North Stars for almost a year... In March 1989 Gartner was traded (along with Larry Murphy) from Washington to Minnesota in exchange for Dino Cicarelli and Bob Rouse.

The Rangers would acquire Gartner a year later, in March 1990.

Mike Gartner (Highlight)
1992-93 Score #443

Recently added a pair of cards to my collection, celebrating Mike Gartner's milestones.

I like the way the puck is still on edge, rolling out of the net.


From the back of the card:

"...scored his 500th NHL goal in a game against the Capitals... kind of ironic that it came against Washington"

[Mike having been a long-time member of the Washington Capitals]

Mike Gartner (Highlight)
1994-95 Score #242

From the back of the card:

"...wearing the colors of the New York Rangers on December 26, 1993 ...he scored the 600th and 601st goals"
[of his NHL career]

Gartner was traded to Toronto in March of 1994 so the Rangers could acquire the services of Glenn Anderson.

Playoff Highlights from 2011

Dwayne Roloson
2011-12 Score #486

2011-12 Score
Total Cards: 570

The NHL regular season is over-rated... The Stanley Cup Playoffs quickly separate the teams who want to be there from the guys who'd rather be golfing or checking the view at the beach.

Really enjoy what I've found so far from the "Playoff Highlight" cards within the base set.

(card numbers 486-500 fall into this category

Dwayne Roloson
2011-12 Score #486
(card back)

From the back of the card:
"A storm cloud was looming over Tampa Bay after stumbling out of the gate and dropping three of the first four games to the Penguins in the first round of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs. That's when Roloson and the Lightning pulled it together, storming back and stunning the host Penguins, 1-0 in Game 7."

Card back is neat and clean, in typical Panini style. A snapshot of playoff action on the back of the card would be an excellent addition.

Enough room for a wide-angle photo, as each player in the highlight reel has a single line of stats, regardless of how many seasons played.

(But once again, going without a photo on the back can be more pleasing than re-using the same shot)

Michael Ryder
2011-12 Score #487

From the back of the card:
"It wouldn't be the Stanley Cup Playoffs if Boston and Montreal didn't cross paths. The 33rd playoff meeting between the rivals was another classic, with the Habs stealing the first two games in Boston before Ryder tied the series, 2-2, with an overtime goal in game 3. The Bruins won it in seven."

Milan Lucic
2011-12 Score #494

Just look at all that Orange Crush in the background...

From the back of the card:
"Boston's blood still had to be boiling thinking about a 2010 second-round series against Philadelphia, which it squandered a 3-0 series lead. Lucic and the Bruins got another crack at the Flyers in the second round in 2011, and this time they didn't buckle. Boston got its payback, sweeping Philadelphia."

Teams to overcome a 3-0 series deficit:
1942 Toronto Maple Leafs defeat Detroit Red Wings
1975 New York Islanders defeat Pittsburgh Penguins
2010 Philadelphia Flyers defeat Boston Bruins
2014 Los Angeles Kings defeat San Jose Sharks

Michael Ryder
2011-12 Score #164

Just like the previous year's Score hockey card set, a Stanley Cup graphic (this time with team logo) appears with the players who won the Stanley Cup during previous season.

In this case, former Bruin Michael Ryder has since joined the Dallas Stars.

2010: Winter Classic to Stanley Cup Final...

Tim Thomas
2010-11 Score #13

2010-11 Panini Score
Total Cards: 659

Marking 20 years since the debut of the Score hockey card set, Panini borrowed the card design from that very first year.

Printed on much better cardstock, the handful I picked up had me more enthused than the original 1990-91 cards did.

This photo was presumably taken during a Boston Bruins practice at the outdoor venue, before the 2010 Winter Classic. Can even see the snowflakes.

Ben Eager
2010-11 Score #59

Always like snapshots from the Stanley Cup Finals, especially if we can see a SCF badge on a jersey.

A miniature Stanley Cup graphic appears on the cards of the 2010 champion Chicago Blackhawks. Even in this case, where the player has since joined Atlanta.

Just realized that coincidentally, the Philadelphia Flyers were in the 2010 Winter Classic AND the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals, ultimately winning neither.

More Random Cards...

Sandis Ozolinsh
1997-98 SP Authentic #41

My first card from the very first year of SP Authentic...
Future incarnations of the product would be brilliant white, while the early years are "Ooh, shiny!".

The "SP Authentic" brand effectively replaced the original brand simply known as "SP" (which had three releases, 1994-95, 1995-96 and 1996-97)..

Since it's debut in 1997-98, SP Authentic has been released every single season.

Dominik Hasek
2018-19 SP #95

Seems they revived the regular "SP" brand in 2018-19 & 2019-20, after an absence of 22 years.

The card numbers and player photos are the same, but the SP Authentic set has considerably more insert cards...

My research suggests that it's basically a more affordable alternative to "SP Authentic". Perhaps the regular SP is more suitable for those of us who simply enjoy to collect the base set.

Tomas Vokoun
2010-11 Upper Deck #117

I'll always think of Tomas Vokoun as a member of the Nashville Predators, but here he is with the Florida Panthers.... Either way, he still has a vicious cat painted on his mask.

Just noticing that Vokoun catches right.

Eric Fehr
2013-14 Score #529

Always enjoy cards where a player has just scored a goal... This one has it all, from ecstatic fans to dejected goaltender.

Bee's Knees to the Cat's Meow...

John Vanbiesbrouck
1993-94 Score #445

This is a really terrific snapshot from The Coolest Game on Earth.

The only card I have featuring the John Vanbiesbrouck bumblebee mask with the city skyline. This would be the final season in New York for the Beezer, as he was drafted by the expansion Florida Panthers (along with Joe Cirella, the New York Ranger wearing number 6 in the photo).

At 5' 8", The Beezer is the only netminder featured in the "Little Big Men" category. Other players are Fleury, Recchi, Ronning, and Granato. Never realized that Recchi was 5' 10", which is considered little in the NHL.

Strange how they didn't include goaltender Chris Terreri at 5' 9".

Score Ritual...

Uwe Krupp
1996-97 Score #175

Always find plenty of Score while gambling on re-packs... At least the designs were getting better by the mid-nineties...

Uwe Krupp
1996-97 Score #175
(card back)

From the back of the card:

"The big defenceman scored a pair of key goals, including a game winner, in the Avalanche's semifinal series victory over Detroit".

Not to mention his game-winning goal in triple overtime for the Stanley Cup, securing a victory against the Florida Panthers in a lopsided 4-0 series victory.

Scott Clemmensen
2011-12 Score #215

Just realized that the set design bares a slight resemblance to some of the modern designs of the Score brand (specifically 2011-12)...

A good snapshot of a hockey scene... I like the red cat with demonical eyes on his mask.

Scott Clemmensen
2011-12 Score #215
(card back)

The flip side of the card scores a win in my books... (Just realized that Panini actually does cardbacks quite well)

Team logo, vitals, stats... Only thing absent is a photo on the back - Although I'm starting to believe that a photo on the reverse side is only worthwhile if it's a different photo than on the front.

At 6 foot 3, Clemmensen would have been one of the tallest goaltenders...
While goaltenders have no doubt gotten bigger and taller, at the moment, only a handful of active NHL goalies are over 6'3".

Three different stints with the New Jersey Devils over his career, yet he played almost twice as many games as a member of the Florida Panthers.

Random Goaltender: Manny Fernandez

Just hearing his name, one could assume that Manny Fernandez belongs on a baseball field, not a hockey rink...

Apparently his uncle is Jacques Lemaire. (according to hockey-reference.com)

For some reason, I think it's kinda neat that the Dallas Stars traded him to Minnesota (where the Stars were previously located).

Manny Fernandez
2002-03 O-Pee-Chee #74

Also never realized that he spent the last two seasons of his career with the Boston Bruins. He won the Jennings trophy in 2006-07 with the Wild, and again in 2008-09 with the Bruins.

NHL Record: 143 wins, 123 losses, 15 ties with a 2.50 GAA and .912 save percentage in 325 career games.

Scott Young (1989-90 O-Pee-Chee #209)

Scott Young RC
1989-90 O-Pee-Chee #209

While acquiring cards towards completing my 1989-90 O-Pee-Chee set, I happened upon an extra copy of this card. It now gets added to my Rookie Card Collection.

(Still missing 11 cards towards completing this set!)

Scott Young is shown here as a member of the Hartford Whalers, wearing number 27. He wore 34 for the Pittsburgh Penguins, then while in Quebec/Colorado, wore number 48 for the rest of his career.

Scott Young
1992-93 Upper Deck #397

Also wore number 19 while playing with Team USA.

Just felt like scanning this one, because I had a loose copy of this card kicking around from a random re-pack. Reminds me of pulling this one from an actual pack of 92-93 Upper Deck back in the day.

Scott Young
1996-97 Score #140

Another re-pack yielded this card. I remember Scott Young as an unsung hero for the Colorado Avalanche franchise.

Impressive stat: Scored at least one goal in every single playoff year in which he's participated. 19 goals in 44 playoff games.