Throwback Thursday: This week in 1970, Vancouver Canucks play first game

This week in 1970 (Oct. 9), the Vancouver Cancuks made their NHL debut playing the LA Kings.

Vancouver played at home out of the Pacific Coliseum with head coach Hal Laycoe behind the bench. The Canucks lost the game 3-1, but gained their first win in franchise history two nights later with a 5-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Vancouver struggled that year placing sixth in the east division with a 24-46-8 record. Andre Boudrias led the way in scoring with 25 goals and 66 points in that first season, with Wayne Maki not for behind scoring 25 goals and 63 points of his own.

Future head coach Pat Quinn also played in the first two seasons for the Canucks, compiling 18 points in 133 games.

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