#99: RICK MIDDLETON: The Raw Knuckles Podcast

[@chrisod22]

In his prime (78-79 to 83-84), Middleton had the following stat line: 466GP, 269G, 307A, 576P, +149. For those same years, his playoff numbers are 55GP, 25G, 42A, 67P, +9. In his prime, he was one of the best right wingers in the league. He was a rarity in that he was a finesse player who was a consistent scorer and played outstanding defensive hockey (career +175 with 25 SHG)). Middleton's stats are comparable to Bernie Federko and Federko is deservingly in the Hall of Fame (Federko: 1000GP, 369G, 761A, 1130P, -131; Middleton: 1005GP, 448G, 540A, 988P, +175). Should be in the Hall. Great interview, Knuckles.

[@Nsdus5676]

Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate why he should be in the Hall. That aside I also learned a little more about him reading your comment

[@Madisonrvr]

Chris- awesome breakdown. Totally agree about his HoF worthiness.

[@pjpredhomme7699]

Wow I had forgotten that he is not in the HoF - that is ridiculous - just give it the eye test - he did things that few if any players could do - along with the #s he absolutely belongs in the HoF. Never heard a bad word about him - the name Nifty should pretty much guarantee he was going to be in the hall - I wonder who has it in for him? Kudos to Neely for retiring #16

[@johnvatistas6569]

"It's definitely not a Herb Brooks speech!" Classic response! Ricky is a real gentleman. Great hockey player.

[@merc340sr]

Rick Middleton was a class act! 448 goals!

[@laborlabor7526]

The Nifty one was magic.

[@michaelp7185]

Hey Nifty, I used to see you on Sunday nights at the rink in Concord. I was in a league there and you would be watching your daughter play before our ice time. We always got a big kick out of talking to you. You were always in a good mood and gave us a few minutes of your time. Those were great days!

[@rickc1338]

When Lafleur scored to tie the game, and then Lambert in OT, my 14 inch TV got destroyed. Great interview guys.

[@kenmilley5085]

Chris,, you guys have the very best podcast going! Down to earth and genuine.

[@thesickpodcastrawknuckles]

Wow thank you so much appreciate the kind words

[@ejatravels]

Met Nifty at an autograph signing event when he was still playing, in Groton,Conn. I had my Rangers’ jersey on and he said «i still have a soft spot in my heart for them»…. :-)

[@johnross6180]

Rick one of the best! Exciting to watch. Thanks for having him on.

[@tommclaughlin5354]

Great show! Nifty got us out of our seats many nights.

[@christopherbenson9942]

Love it...grew up watching this guy as a Boston kid in late 70's & 80's

[@Guildofarcanelore]

Nice to see you talking to Ricky Middleton! Had I had sons, the eldest would have been 'Stan Jonathan' and the youngest 'Rick Middleton'. My nicknames for my daughters are "Stan" and "Rick"!

[@pjpredhomme7699]

wow - you drank all the kool aid - is your dogs name blue or grapes too ?

[@Guildofarcanelore]

@@pjpredhomme7699 no. I have met Don...twice. Chris Nilan too, in Afghanistan, but there weren't many Bruins on that visit, mostly former habs, leafs, Canucks and flames... but I did get all their autographs. Have some kool-aid, it's very refreshing.

[@matlabatt]

Great episode! Great stories! Important to Give all these older players their flowers while they still with us. Much respect.

[@jean-paulmorin913]

Thank you Chris and Rick and Tim.❤. Rick was never still, always flying.

[@DTrent-uy1wl]

Tim just keeps getting better and better as time goes on

[@ba1428]

He needs to take a trip to West Roxbury to get a feel for where Chris is coming from.

[@thesickpodcastrawknuckles]

Thanks for commenting, and listening to our show

[@ba1428]

No problem. Second toughest guy out of WR here. Cya@@thesickpodcastrawknuckles

[@modelbass]

Just an incredibly UNDERRATED hockey player and a super nice humble guy! Thanks so much for this interview Chris! In my top 5 favorite players ever!

[@alexdelvento1273]

Belongs in HOF no doubt

[@SamjoHagerty]

My favorite player of all time.Nifty! When he played for Team Canada I was excited cuz he was playing on a line with Gretzky! That was cred to my buddies that Nifty was the real deal!

[@JamesKenneally-le1zd]

Amazing player with incredible moves! ! And a great person to match his skills. Has to be in the rafters of the Boston garden.

[@bigbadbruins1]

Nifty you’re awesome. I had never been so mad after seeing Nilan do that to Nifty. I swear I was ready to drive to wear the Habs we’re going next.I was so upset I was shaking.

[@davessparetime83]

Rick got to play with John Wensink. We never put tape on street hockey sticks because the road would always rip the tape.

[@TRKEWEENAW]

We could put tape on our sticks in Upper Michigan because we always had 1 inch or more of hard pack snow/ice on the roads. It made the blades last longer obviously. We would skate home on the road from the ice rink.

[@colbiecolbie6979]

Geez what happened to our youth? Young fellas look and learn , true gentleman!

[@jasonpatrick5660]

Another great podcast. You guys are getting really good at it. I can't wait to see episode 100!

[@jamesborg333maya]

You were one of my favourite players growing up. Great interview.

[@StephenMacInnis]

One of the best

[@billivimey6478]

this interview is awesome

[@cprolland1539]

KNUCKLES.....Maybe you could interview Oleg Petrov , He also lives in Montreal

[@jean-paulmorin913]

Because of your podcast ive learned ti like a lot players that i used to hate and never let go. Thank you Chris. Even Dave Shultz and Stan Jonathan. I truly wish them all the best and you too of course.❤

[@tconapauli1630]

NIFTY...SURE ENJOYD WATCHN THAT SILKY HAIR STREAKING DOWN THE ICE😊

[@BlueBlood3]

I loved this podcast. Great to see Middleton! What a player. man. That was so sincere, Chris. I know you meant every word about the "incident". And Timmy...You should have been with Winnipeg for more years. I live here, and you were a great centerman, good intuition and penalty kill...slick yourself. Take Care

[@Gregory-sm9pf]

Saw Middleton many times on breakaways going one on one with the goalie and he always scored, seen him do it a few times when the B's were shorthanded, those were the best, man was an incredible stick handler with the puck and and had a very high hockey IQ

[@girouxgisele2]

Number 30 is a great number cause my son's goalie number was 30 and today is my grandson's number also. Love you knuckles, enjoying all your podcasts

[@jamesdelaney4741]

Another great interview! I was a die hard Bruins fan and I find it fascinating and somewhat heartwarming when I hear all the Bruins legends call Chris by his nickname: knucjs!

[@pladz9988]

I never knew about Nifty's Timmins origins. Awesome! Hello from Timmins guys. And yes, it is a s*@thole, lol, but highly connected to the origins of the NHL. You can see my profile pic is Boston Bruin Real Chevrefils of Timmins, selected second to Jean Beliveau. Amazing interview yet again. The Paralympic accomplishment alone is worthy of a HHOF induction. It sounds like it could be in the running for one of the best hockey movies of all time. A very compelling story. Knuckles/Tim, you are getting better all the time. Keep your momentum going! Cheers.

[@StephanDuguay]

Great interview. Chris I love your show would be great if you had a segment where fans could call in.

[@thesickpodcastrawknuckles]

Thanks for commenting! We actually just launched our Show over on Patreon and by becoming a member, listeners will be given the opportunity to call in, ask questions, etc. here’s the link to check it out! patreon.com/TheRawKnucklesPodcast

[@todd3563]

Nifty and Barry Pederson were a great combo..

[@paulfraser8682]

Knuxs I always appreciate your sincerity and honesty. Another great podcast please get #4 on your podcast. I'll take off work to hear that one live. Keep up the amazing work

[@Bruins-vq5ey]

Honesty?

[@Madisonrvr]

I second that one- let’s get Bobby on there!!

[@gerryd8283]

Major trade mistake by the New York Rangers in trading away Middleton.

[@jamesmonteverde5538]

For Ken Hodge, 10 years older a d washed up.

[@4orrcountry]

Yet ANOTHER of master trader Harry Sinden's great trades. Sinden doesn't get enough credit for being probably THE best trading GM in NHL history. Don't believe me? Look what he gave up to acquire Middleton, McNab, Park and Ratelle, Bourque and Neely, among many others.

[@pjpredhomme7699]

I think that was Fergie - and I bet Espo must have talked him into it - Fergie didn't last too long in NY after that deal.

[@Jamesthepilgrimjourney]

That was funny for mr as i said larry before they did . I was such a habs fan!!!😊

[@BPD1618]

As great as Rick was on the ice, he’s even greater off…first class gentleman

[@Madisonrvr]

Tim drops the -38 bomb on Nifty!! 😂😂

[@detkornatz8037]

That "comraderie" was taken away in T O. by Pal Hal & not sure if it ever came back?

[@bigdaddy4197]

Great Oshawa General

[@derekmorse9951]

What's up Buster it's Derek from Forest Park. I don't know how I came across this but I'm glad I did. I hope you and yours are healthy and happy. Say what's up to Buddie and the rest of the family for me. Be well kid🙌🏾💪🏾👌🏾

[@yotoober1]

Another great interview Nux. Funny about how the Middleton incident caused the bruins to call up Jay. I mean, didn't they already have enough hired guns, like you named them, O'Reilly, Cashman, Stan, Secord, they needed still another one? 🤣 Speaking of hired guns, still looking forward to the Hammer🔨 on your show and hoping somehow you can pull a rabbit out the hat and get O'Reilly on same time and give stapes the night off. They had 8 fights with each other. Also Funny to what you said about flyers Big Bird, stopped yapping after they traded his "Daddy" away to protect him to LA 😆.

[@Bruins-vq5ey]

Those players were gone at that time

[@TedSmith-m4k]

Chris wouldn't have that two bit punk on. That guy was a disgrace to the game. He's the reason for the name broad st bullies.

[@petermot645]

Rangers fans were sick when Nifty was traded to Boston. What a wonderful career he had.

[@patrickkerin9445]

Big Ranger Fan and Bruins a close 2nd during this time. It would be great to ask about the helmet wearers and non helmet wearers. You had to be tough to play without and Middleton known as a scorer but tough to not wear one.

[@gocirf3433]

My uncle was friends with Reggie Leach and he would stay with him while playing The Bruins got to meet him when he was passed out on my uncle’s apartment in Dorchester, got a Flyers puck off of him

[@rocknroll368]

What does Raw Knuckles think of Matt Rempe of the NY Rangers?

[@thesickpodcastrawknuckles]

I love the kid but he needs to start fighting smarter or he’ll never last. I’d lime to see him do well

[@octobersky64]

wow he use to play for the Oshawa Generals

[@michaelmichael3308]

Glad to hear the apology. First time hearing that. NIfty was my first ever favorite NHL player.

[@stinkfinger630]

That cheap shot on Ricky was brutal and inexcusable. But Knuckles was guilty of other crap, too. He started the whole brawl with Quebec by suckering Randy Moller when Moller was tied up. People always remember the Louis Sleigher sucker on Hamel, but Nilan’s punch on Moller started the whole giant brawl.

[@gocirf3433]

I still can’t watch that again I’m 60 now from the Boston area

[@johnm8096]

Worst trade in Rangers history

[@ChrisMay-mw4cy]

Rick Middleton nickname Nifty.

[@pjpredhomme7699]

Its pretty well known that the 6th player was Jonathan. To his credit Cherry has never said it. Just one of those things that made history. If you were alive and in Canada at the time everyone remembers Flower with that flow - coming down the right wing - and burying that slapshot in the corner - with Gilles Gilbert falling backward.

[@marcsportsvideo464]

I wore 16 my whole career, because of him and Clarke.

[@4orrcountry]

POS Clarke, who vouched for Alan Eagleson's character while on the stand during Bobby Orr's lawsuit vs Eagleson. ALSO: During the 1972 Canada-Soviet Summit series, Clarke...under orders from Asst. Coach John Ferguson...intentionally broke Valeri Kharlamov's ankle with his stick. At the time, Kharlamov wasn't just the Soviet's best player, he was considered one of the best players in the world. So NEVER be singing Clarke's praises in Boston - or anywhere else in the hockey world for that matter!

[@garyknowles8378]

How the hell is Middleton not in the HOF? I’m a lifelong Habs fan so I gotta give him credit because he was a dynamite player. 2 reasons I hate the NHL is the officiating and the HOF voting peculiarities. Oh and the DoS led by infamous goon Parros. Make it an even 3.

[@Jamesthepilgrimjourney]

I grew up TO and ive always hated the leafs as my father was a habs fan so i was too

[@yotoober1]

Quickies: 1) I see that Chicago retired you're teammate Chelly's number 2) what do you think of this NY rangers Matt Rempe. It's like every game during warmups, the other teams goon goes and does his stretches next to him telling him we're gonna go during the game. He's been in 3 fights every night with delaurier, Oliver, Matt Martin, etc I mean this guy is 22 years old he's gonna get hurt. He can't seem to keep his balance, he's 6'7" and the last 2 fights they were able to knock him down. The punches may have helped but more I think he needs help learning to keep his balance when fighting. I actually wrote comment somewhere that he should contact you because he doesn't need to go every time, he gonna get worn out. Wtf ranger coach laviolette don't advise the kid. He's gonna ruin the kid.

[@bigbadbruins1]

Guys I have to ask how did you guys come up with a podcast ? Were you friends?

[@thesickpodcastrawknuckles]

We met through mutual friends and I asked Tim to do the podcast with me before we even met each other

[@bigbadbruins1]

You could not ask for a better partner @@thesickpodcastrawknuckles

[@merc340sr]

Funny, I do remember when Knuckles hit Middleton in the mouth...

[@ba1428]

I think we all do

[@johnarouet5030]

Best player not in the Hall of Fame.

[@Lebneck]

Great player!

[@fredblassie9523]

An no brainer HALL OF FAMER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Middleton was a highlight reel and a very good 2 way player. His stats are good enough, he was a leader on a team of leaders and served as captain at one time. His teams always challenged for the Cup in the 70's and they were very good in the 80's. Put this man in the Hall. It is way overdue. The Rangers were nuts to trade him for Ken Hodge. Maybe the worst trade in hockey history.