The Bruins qualified for the playoffs in Cheevers’ next three seasons, their best run to the 1983 Eastern Conference Final, a six-game loss to the Islanders. He was fired 56 games into 1984-85, his GM stepping in before hiring Butch Goring, who went 37-31 with 12 ties in 1985-86 and was fired 12 games into 1986-87 (5-7, one tie).
Today in Boca Raton, Florida, Cheevers admits that he’ll see more of the Florida Panthers, who play a half hour from his home, than he will his Bruins. He good-naturedly declines the opportunity to offer any advice to Marco Sturm, who finished his first season as Bruins coach and played part of his career wearing the spoked-B crest.
“I met Marco at a golf tournament last year and I was quite impressed with him,” Cheevers said. “He was positive, upbeat and I think he’s going to be a great coach for the Bruins. I like his attitude and he was a good player, too.
“I’d hesitate to offer advice to any coach. It’s so different than it was nearly 50 years ago when I coached.”
And then, with a chuckle: “Best I can say is just try to win, then get out of town.”
Top photo: Boston Bruins goalie Gerry Cheevers in action during a 1970s game at Boston Garden.