On March 29, 1971, a historic Sports Illustrated cover showcased the Esposito brothers, Phil and Tony. This marked a significant moment in their careers, as it was their first joint appearance on a magazine cover. Phil, known as "Mr. GO," and Tony, affectionately called "Mr. NO," had carved their own paths of excellence in the world of ice hockey.
Phil Esposito is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. As the older brother of fellow Hall-of-Famer Tony Esposito, a renowned goaltender, Phil's achievements were nothing short of remarkable. In 1968-69, Phil became the first player to score over 100 points in a single season, tallying an impressive 126 points. This feat would be repeated five more times throughout his career. Furthermore, he holds the record for being the first player to score 50 goals in a season for five consecutive years, including an astonishing 76 goals in the 1970-71 season. Phil's exceptional performance that year also earned him the record for the most points in a season, with an astounding 152.
Throughout his illustrious career, Phil Esposito garnered numerous accolades. He claimed the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading point scorer five times, dominated the league in goals six times, and was twice honored with the Hart Trophy as the league's Most Valuable Player. Additionally, he was named a first-team All-Star center six times, solidifying his status as one of the game's finest players.
Tony Esposito, on the other hand, made a name for himself as an exceptional goaltender. He was awarded the NHL's Vezina Trophy, given to the goaltender with the fewest goals allowed in a regular season, three times. Tony's standout year came in 1970 when he set a modern NHL record of 15 shutouts in a single season. His outstanding performance that year also earned him the Calder Trophy for being the league's best rookie. Tony was recognized as one of the league's top goaltenders, being named to the First All-Star Team three times and the Second All-Star Team twice. He also proudly represented Canada as one of the team's goaltenders in the historic 1972 Summit Series against the Soviet Union.
In acknowledgement of their incredible contributions to the sport, both Phil and Tony Esposito were recognized as two of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in history in 2017. Their passion, skill, and dedication to the game have left an indelible mark on ice hockey that will be remembered for generations to come.
The Esposito brothers have etched their names in the annals of hockey history, not only as exceptional athletes but as true pioneers of the game. Their legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring players and a testament to the power of determination and hard work. The March 29, 1971 Sports Illustrated cover immortalizes the bond between two extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible impact on the world of ice hockey.