Phil Esposito on The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos

www.cbc.ca/thehour
Phil Esposito, undoubtedly one of hockey's all-time greats and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. He's best known for grabbing rebounds and scoring goals - a lot of 'em. Until Gretzky came along he held the NHL record for most goals in one season with 76. Phil started his career with Chicago in the early '60s but the Blackhawks traded him to Boston in 1967. Big mistake. The Bruins already had a certain Mr. Bobby Orr and when Phil joined the team he kept on scoring, helping them to win the holy grail - twice. Phil was also a big part of Team Canada's win over Russia, in the 1972 'Summit Series', one of the most important sporting victories in Canadian history. Espo was team captain, he set up that winning goal and led the team in scoring. True to his outspoken nature, he also famously called out Canadian fans for booing their own players. In 1981, Phil retired from playing and got into coaching and managing. As GM of the New York Rangers, he was nicknamed 'Trader Phil' and in the early '90s founded the expansion Tampa Bay Lightning. These days Phil's got a daily XM satellite radio show about hockey and has appeared in a few TV shows, most recently playing himself on 'Rent-A-Goalie'.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

Bruins fans were lucky to have Phil, Bobby, Chief and so many other great players to entertain them. They created a lot of magic that we'll never forget.

[@JoelElRican]

The Godfather of Tampa Bay hockey. He's such a legend! Its so fun to listen to him doing color commentary for Lightning games on the radio!

[@GTM59]

George Stroumboulopoulos is by far one the best interviewers I've ever seen. I loved Phil Esposito as a player and all he's done in his career and tells things like they are without fear of reprisal. Great job interviewing George, keep up the great work!

[@mckessa17]

Phil is cool George is gay.

[@danielupsdell2697]

He was wanted in Hollywood to do his own show he said no

[@marisalombardi385]

I fell in love with the Bruins because of Esposito and Orr, and to this day I am still a Boston fan...

[@Lava1964]

Likewise!

[@chazboner7041]

Phil has the biggest,greatest personality of all of sports! Funny,passionate,and honest. Love Woppo!

[@user-th9dw4bu7h]

Великий игрок!

[@dennis3351]

I always appreciate Phil Esposito for telling it like it is. And he's very intelligent. One game I attended in Boston in the late 1970s at the Garden . yea I was young then too. not knowing the building layout I mistakenly took a wrong way during intermission and was standing at the zamboni door ramp area when the players were coming off the ice. security said he's gotta get outta there . other said its too late the players are coming off the ice. I stood there like glued to the wall with the security guard watching me who said don't make one move buddy .with Espo. Orr. Hodge. etc. walking by me. I was in awe. and I didn't say a word. then again after they went thru I exited out the wrong way after the team thru a canopy leading to a doorway. And shazam I'm standing in the Bruins dressing room and see and hear Hey Bobby. and theres Orr and the team and I'm in the dressing room unnoticed thinking WHOA. I slowly backed out and found my way out. no one even noticed I was there. lol. I finally found my way to the mens room and concessions after ha. love Phil Espo.

[@justincoleman2740]

What a legend! You make me so proud Phil.

[@classyfilms]

Esposito rocked in his prime time. He also played his best hockey in the 72 Summit Series.

[@iron60bitch62]

Met Phil Esposito years ago Westchester county don’t remember the event what struck me was how genuinely seemed and he had the biggest pair of hands of any professional athlete I ever met in my life

[@anneliddle2368]

Thanks for the memories Phil.....

[@leafyutube]

Wow! This is a phenomenal interview!!! Gotta love Espo.

[@pacalvotan3380]

One of my favorite players ever.

[@russhook6595]

Yup, me too! Too bad my Hawks traded away how many Cups when they shipped him to BAWstun for Jack Norris.

[@halwarner3326]

Met Phil in Palm Springs, he was unassuming and nice as pie.

[@russhook6595]

WHO met???

[@deedonnerramone4757]

Could listen to Original 6 stories for hours, thanks Phil, you are a real Paizan.

[@sammy11232003]

wow I love listening to him he was my number 1 hockey player I loved watching him play when he was with boston. and he seems like such a lovely man

[@jaykendall7557]

+sammy11232003 Did you know he was a serial adulterer?

[@teddymax9427]

how the fuck could exposito be your favorite bruin when orr was on the team

[@teddymax9427]

+JAY KENDALL big hands big feet.his wife never left did she.women never leave the husband with the big dick no matter what they do

[@orbitring]

How many times during a Bruin game can you remember, " Orr to Cashman behind the net ... over to Hodge ... Hodge back to Orr ... Orr to Esposito .... HE SCORES !!!

[@godhere6459]

76 timed one year..

[@pamillar7521]

PHil was a great story teller...very funny....

[@ponomar]

Phil is the best there ever was. He never quit. His team could be behind 6 to 1, in the last minute, and he'd still be hustling. A natural star, yet he was all about the team.

[@jaykendall7557]

+Chris Shaskin Bruins coach Bep Guidolin in 1974 whe we lost the cup to Philly "ESPO QUIT ON ME!"

[@richardsweeney713]

And you never saw Bep again. Ever.

[@iron60bitch62]

One of my favorite things that Phil Esposito ever did was he called out the nation of Canada when the Canadian players were competing against Russia and not doing well he was shocked that is country would pull him and he called him out for it and he was right

[@user-th9dw4bu7h]

Помню матчи 72 года, и Великолепное падение! И голы Фила! В Бостоне, он был как бы в тени Бобби Орра, но в этой серии он показал всем, насколько он Великий игрок! Я русский, он Эспозито для меня, пример того как нужно биться до последней секунды!. И конечно Пол Хендерсон, это был его звездные час

[@mckessa17]

Loved Espo after he played for Team Canada, the guy was awesome.

[@mylesbiss13]

id love to meet him he seems like a great guy

[@thinkingjack]

Anytime i see a Phil Esposito interview i have to watch it, the guy is pure gold.

[@dgcmusi]

He seems like a very cool dude...

[@tommysoprano1441]

Being Italian in the NHL back in the day was not easy

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Phil is just himself ... thumbs up

[@dougmphilly]

gawd this is so much fun...i have to buy his book

[@timfronimos459]

Best interview show ever.

[@laborlabor7526]

My hero!

[@Theo-hc5ob]

In Boston we always said "Jesus saves and Espo scores on the rebound.

[@russhook6595]

Funny, I just quoted that on another Summit Series video here. Henderson was talking about Jesus and I couldn't resist.

[@britishamerican4321]

LOL

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

That was actually a bumper sticker that you can find an image of on the internet.

[@dempalundquist703]

The only problem I have with Phil is some things he said in the Summit Series documentary. When they played Sweden before the games in Russia a Swede shoved his stick into a canadians face and split his tounge. Phil referred to this person as "an idiot swede". But when Bobby Clarke chased down a russian player, swinged his stick at him with all his strength and broke that guys ancle, it was all just "part of the game, I have no problem with that". Yeah......

[@jaykendall7557]

+skifusya WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON? In 1972 I have NO complaints on Phil. It was a heroic performance and justice prevailed.

[@snowballcorners]

Dempa Lundquist I have a problem with Swedes.

[@ccramit]

That happens all the time. I like Brad Marchand but I guarantee I'd hate him if he didn't play for the Bruins. Even though I know he's a dirty player.

[@rickrick5041]

He's not supposed to be neutral and not take sides. He's on a team. Of course he is going to have the back of his own teammates as they do for him.

[@4orrcountry]

Appalling. And a disgrace to Canada and hockey fans everywhere. Clarke INTENTIONALLY...per orders from Team Canada Asst. Coach John Ferguson...breaking the ankle of Soviets best player Kharlamov...is one of...if not THE...worst moments in hockey history. If you can't beat a team LEGITIMATELY, you don't deserve to win. End of story. Clarke should hang his head in shame for that, as should all of his teammates.

[@JudasAngel666]

Espo was/is a true Canadian/hockey player he really loved the game

[@Theo-hc5ob]

I remember bumper stickers in Boston, in the late 60s-early 70s, that said Jesus saves; but Espo scores on the rebound. God love him. The Godfather of hockey

[@ronniejamesdio3951]

Theo 80126 what a great slogan love espo

[@Theo-hc5ob]

Yeah, I saw it was SO good I posted the same thing three years ago. Never said I was the brightest tool in the shed, or something like that

[@4wardstraight]

Good interview, Great Player

[@leafyutube]

This was a great interview.

[@trevmac8362]

i hate the Bruins but man i could listen to this guy talk for a month,man Phil is as old school and as tough as they get,

[@iron60bitch62]

When he lived in New York my wife had him as a client and I’m not gonna say what the service was let’s just say it was a weight loss service and Phil Esposito was the nicest most respectful and easiest guy to get along with but my wife had no clue who he was

[@leafyutube]

You can actually learn something listening to Espo.

[@appletile2887]

As Phil got older he looked more and more like my dad. Phil was deadly in the slot and Orr was his key.

[@brianb3730]

Bobby Orr is the most overrated player of all time. I could name 5 defenceman that were as good or better than him.

[@ronmailloux8655]

@@brianb3730 ok name them and why

[@mrdave4714]

Coming from an Italian background myself, I'm a fan of Espo...but that's where it stops, I've been a Canadiens fan my whole life...still a fan of him though

[@soulscanner66]

Yeah, these guys love hockey ... and they love to talk ... lol. I'd like to see these two in a longer interview. You can see how they get along.

[@johnkidd1226]

Dont forget that florida is 50% canadian in the winter, lots of ticket sales there.

[@countperpenfuhrerhostofder7909]

I still think Phil's wrong about Tretiak. I don't think Tretiak was as good as his brother Tony in that series, but come on!! Jesus, Tretiak did come over and play NHL teams and against Montreal, whom he did shut out. Phil has admitted he has a mouth, and here, though he won't admit it for some scary reason, he is being a bit of a blow hard here, no? Tretiak was a damn good goalie...PERIOD.

[@peachman1970]

Calling Tretiak the worst goalies he ever faced was incredibly absurd. Tretiak came within 34 seconds of tying Team Canada (NHL ALL Stars) 3-3-2 as a 20 year old. He was also awesome in tying the 75-76 Montreal Canadiens (one of the best NHL clubs of all time) 3-3 despite being out shot 38-13 in the most exciting game even played. Tretiak was also amazing in the 1981 Canada Cup where he smoked Team Canada 8-1 in the final game.

[@johnlothrop6680]

Deadly around the net.

[@DonQwantsyou]

Orr "made" Espo to a point, certainly with the B's , although B's never won as many Cups as they should have because despite having Orr on his side Espo often produced little in the playoffs. also Espo did not have Orr with him during Team Canada series in '72, when he was MVP of series.

[@dzanier]

I've heard many say that Tikanov's pulling Tretiak was an absurd thing to do. But I think you're letting your personal dislike for Phil cloud your judgement. He was a great player. You can't score as much as he did without being a very good player. And he three times led the league in assists. So he could pass too.

[@philipdumont2286]

He can thank Bobby Orr

[@michaelgriffiths7603]

for what

[@michaelohalloran2800]

Legend

[@jansuch]

What is Esposito talking about? In the 3rd period of Game 5 in Russia there was only one power play AND IT BELONGED TO CANADA.

[@jaykendall7557]

Hey gang....here are my credentials Attended first game Feb10 1963. Famiy had sason tickets from 1968-1993 in Balcony. Was at Cup clinching game MAY 10, 1970 Attended at least 12 games /year....family took turns Bought Super 8 Movie CAMERA IN 1973, Have tons of footage from that era a lot of ORR ETC. Played small college hockey in 70's After Bobby Orr left the building was wide open and I got my own ticket first row BALCONY. Attended every game every season from 1977-1993. Now to all you "Johnny come lately's" who has more credibility to offer an opinion on a player or a team?

[@walkergillette3918]

LOVE THIS GUY, SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE SOPRANOS

[@russhook6595]

Yup, but he can't sing! L0L

[@huckhockey]

yea , he's big but it's a bit of an optical illusion that the camera has created as well. it happens. What a great series

[@iron60bitch62]

He exposed the Canadian fans for being ignorant and out of touch and then wanted to hold the Canadian hockey players accountable good job Phil

[@thinkingjack]

I'm a Habs fan too, unfortunately i never got to see him play, but my hatred for the Bruins makes me understand you saying that. I love his interviews, the way he speaks the candid and truthfulness compared to the automated players that say "and uhhhh, ummm and uhhhh" starting every sentence and to the end of it.

[@daveyboy_]

They aint strugglin' in Nashville anymore

[@Jordan8789]

it's actually a decent question its not like its a sport show. Most series this days are best of 7 so he might've just been wondering why play 8. Maybe he also thought that it was likea best of 7 where if you the first 5 games you didn't have to play the rest.

[@djm.326]

Go Lightning!⚡

[@TheTHCbaby]

why is george's watch on backwards?

[@nick0mac]

only being 27 and just buying and watching the dvd set of the summit series, i almost feel the russians won, the cheap two hander to break russias best player s ankle was dispicable and I found to tarnish our image. Also the russians were going to shake our hands after game one and we skated away like sore losers. And as pro canadian hockey as i am we litterally looked outclassed both in skating and sportsmanship, this is why i believe the 72 team was booed at home,not for the losses themselves

[@Jordan8789]

it's actually a decent question its not like its a sport show. Most series this days are best of 7 so he might've just been wondering why play 8.

[@godhere6459]

orr did the work espo put the garbage out. great players

[@scottwill19]

phil esposito is canada's "the fonz".

[@russhook6595]

SIT ON IT Hosebag! :P

[@michaelcanney7218]

Espo was a good player. Bobby orr made him great

[@jockejocke1]

-George, truth is every day I think that I could still play. -Good to see you, thanks for coming in. Seemed rather abrupt. Something must have been edited out?

[@calvinw8470]

That's how TV works, they only have so much time. The interview is never aired live, it's pre-taped and edited.

[@raitisfreimanis]

1:13 "Massive summit series win".

[@AdamtheGrey02]

I think Phil was shocked Canada was losing but he's not realizing how much Canada losing also is hurting the fans. They're lashing out because it hurts and they're angry because they can't do a thing about it plus they didn't realize Russia were such a good team or they had no clue how much the players were trying. Lots of reasons and not just "We give up on you" because I can guarantee the fans were still listening to their radios and watching the TVs even if they said those words hoping the players would come around. And 15 million Canadians out of a population of 22 million watching that last game proved this IMO.

[@joedellaselva1251]

Carolina + Nashville are doing great in 2019 ;)

[@stevenaudet]

I love Phil and I love the Bruins! Go Black N' Gold!

[@mayblob]

Phil, the NHL GM who signed a lady goalie from Quebec, just to send a message to his little brother. Why else!

[@andrewmente]

What a dumb trade by Chicago to get rid of Espo.

[@jameswade9375]

with orrs help....

[@gcdcjccc]

Howe was thee most complete hockey player ever...I suggest you do more reading. Put the comic books down

[@bionicbigfoot]

Jesus Saves...and Espo Scores on the Rebound

[@fredparker7403]

"...too many negative votes"? I guess the truth must hurt some people...

[@andrelebaron]

"may be the most important victory in Canadian sporting history" "may be"??? what else is even close?

[@mradams16]

I saw about 2 weeks ago Bobby Clarke and Frank Mahovlich say the exact same thing on TSN that Phil Esposito said. They said that Tretiak was way overrated and it was their own team that made him look good. They were adamant. I was surprised because I thought that Tretiak was supposed to be decent. They seemed really annoyed that people think he's good so they probably have merit.

[@19cohen]

MAnnnn its a shame to make an interview of Phil Esposito for 12 minutes ..WTF is this.he deserves at lest 40 mins

[@bbso8cu9]

""why did it go eight games"" Seems to me he meant meaningful games.

[@maidenfan237]

when your brother is a goilie and your a forward and your both hall of famers whats that say really

[@Blackphillipsupporter]

8:58 He has to be talking about Jeremy Jacobs in Boston

[@jaykendall7557]

***** GOOD POINT,.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@teddymax9427]

I thought the same.also thought he could shit on orr and Sanderson in his book but won't dare say anything about jacobs

[@4orrcountry]

A bunch of Boston morons here, you guys are classic imbeciles.

[@vintri8]

phil is a great player and guy but i lost a lot of respect for him because of his comments on tretiak what is it wit phil hes never liked tretiak but his comments make him look like a fool, hes pissed because tretiak gets more love than his brother

[@izzypop100]

Man, thank you for realizing this.. Everyone I know praises Stroumboulopoulis because they think he's so knowledgable about everything. Fuck, he probably just does a quick read up on wikipedia before every interview. I can't stand listening to him talk. He's a true bullshitter. He's a master of nothing, just learns general/basic information and puts on an act. Most people from Bigger cities are like that as well, can't focus on anything.

[@mayblob]

Well, you know, "hey Tony even a girl can play goal!" Remember, real girls never liked hockey back then, especially when watched during dinner. Things have changed alot.

[@casparuskruger4807]

It's okay Phil. You can say Bill Wirtz.

[@dm19609721]

Bring Strombo back!!! Great interviewer

[@russhook6595]

R U SERIOUS, or just his mother?

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

I took a greyhound through Sault S. Marie ...I actually thought of staying there ... I thought, maybe I'll bump into Tony, or Phil? ...but I kept going

[@jfq722]

Is this recent? I am from Philly, but I always liked Espo. Even in the middle of the Broad Street Bully days. He's ok.

[@beatleboy9020001]

the bruins were not a good team when phil got there, espos first year in boston was the first year the bruins made the playoffs since 59

[@Peteripattaya]

Han som skulle spöa Stig Salming.

[@unknowunknow4462]

the better half....bobby orr

[@nick0mac]

@stilleavy if what u are saying is true,that wouldnt be the russians fault,,they can't predict or influence biased officiating,especially in our country , that would be like saying Woods wouldn't play a hole untill he had the wind at his back. The refs had to make the calls ,its their job,why have them if they dont make calls. I see what you are saying but we were alot dirtier in that series hands down,and deserved to be more penalized.I bleed canaidian hockey it was just my unbiased look @ it

[@dzanier]

When he was Ranger GM I wondered why he was making trades left & right without understanding that the team could not gel if personnel is constantly changing. He made a good trade for Walt Poddubny, but the one trade he made as GM with us that hurt us that year and for years to come, was trading Mike Ridley, Kelly Miller & Bob Crawford to the Caps for Bobby Carpenter. That was Dec. of 86. Carpenter was traded to LA in March of 87. Ridley & Miller were already good players who became standouts.

[@davidvansickle563]

Jesus saves………….. Esposito scores on the rebound 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MrChessgator]

Wow! The owners do not want to win and pay bonuses just fill the building!! Sounds like the Toronto Maple Leafs!! Very sad state of affairs for the NHL and their fans. Hockey is just a business now, the fans do not matter :(

[@DonQwantsyou]

Orr wasn't available in '72 anyways, otherwise they had all the best Canadiens

[@richardsweeney713]

No wha players like Hull or Cheevers, Sanderson. Eagleson would not invite them.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

That's so true what he said about the Leafs fans lol.

[@classyfilms]

Also interesting comments on Tretiak. But when you think about it, Espo's right. Tretiak always got smoked in international games. In the Summit Series, the 76 Canada Cup, and the 1980 Olympics. Great point Espo!

[@peachman1970]

Phil was intoxicated. Tretiak came within 34 seconds of tying Team Canada (NHL ALL Stars) 3-3-2 as a 20 year old. He was also awesome in tying the 75-76 Montreal Canadiens (one of the best NHL clubs of all time) 3-3 despite being out shot 38-13 in the most exciting game even played. Tretiak was also amazing in the 1981 Canada Cup where he smoked Team Canada 8-1 in the final game.

[@vrokhlenko]

@@peachman1970 Tretiak was an excellent goalie and it took creativity to score on him. Dumb Canadian tactics with shooting first and then trying to rebound usually was not enough to beat him. But he was NOT outstanding in the Summit Series. The player Esposito was impressed the most was Yakushev, not Kharlamov and most certainly not Tretiak

[@AdamtheGrey02]

Are you kidding me. They weren't allowed to drink water when they were on the bench. WTF?

[@dzanier]

That's a ridiculous comment for him to make and I don't think he was serious, but still that's remarkable disrespect.

[@adanacman666]

as a kid someone told me he was mafia i ,asked people whats a mafia ????

[@ogreman-lll-957]

John Jereb he was in a mafia movie