Guy Lapointe

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Lapointe's presence on the ice was defined by an aggressive style that blended physical intimidation with offensive creativity. Known as "Pointu," a play on his name meaning sharp or pointy, he utilized a devastating slapshot to score from the point while delivering brutal body-checks. He formed one of history's most formidable defensive units, the "Big Three," with Larry Robinson and Serge Savard. This trio was instrumental in the Canadiens' dominance during the 1970s, securing six Stanley Cup championships in eight years (1971, 1973, 1976–1979). Lapointe's ability to contribute offensively set him apart; he still holds franchise records for goals by a defenceman in a single season and as a rookie. His legacy was cemented when the Canadiens retired his number #5 on November 8, 2014. In a unique ceremony mirroring that of Bernie Geoffrion, Lapointe's banner was raised alongside those of Savard and Robinson, whose banners were temporarily lowered to make space before all three were hoisted back to the rafters.

In Their Own Story

Off the ice, Lapointe was known for his sharp wit and mischievous sense of humour. One of his most famous pranks involved a handshake with then-Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau during a locker room visit; Lapointe coated his hand in Vaseline before shaking hands, leaving the Prime Minister stuck. On another occasion, he played a prank on rookie Mario Tremblay by "stealing" Tremblay's new Pontiac Grand Prix and relocating it to a different level of the parking garage. Lapointe waited several days before revealing the car's location, by which time Tremblay had already filed a police report and contacted his insurance company. Beyond pranks, Lapointe showed immense dedication during the 1972 Summit Series against the USSR. Despite knowing his wife was due to give birth to their first child, Guy Jr., during the series in the Soviet Union, he accepted the invitation to play for Team Canada. He later competed internationally again in the 1976 Canada Cup and the 1979 Challenge Cup.

Reader's Guide

Lapointe's career trajectory moved from the Montreal Canadiens (until 1982) to the St. Louis Blues, and finally a brief stint with the Boston Bruins before retiring in 1984 due to injuries. Following his playing days, he transitioned into management and scouting, serving as general manager of the Longueuil Chevaliers, associate coach for the Quebec Nordiques, and assistant coach/scout for the Calgary Flames. His most enduring post-playing role was with the Minnesota Wild, where he served as Chief Amateur Scout from the franchise's inception in 2000 until his retirement in 2020. In total, Lapointe was selected to four NHL All-Star Games (1973, 1975, 1976, 1977) and earned spots on two First All-Star Teams (1973) and three Second All-Star Teams (1975–1977). His contributions were officially recognized with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993.

Did You Know?

• Lapointe holds the Montreal Canadiens record for most goals in a season by a defenceman with 28.
• He scored 15 goals as a rookie, setting the record for most goals by a rookie defenceman.
• His number #5 was retired on November 8, 2014, sharing the honour with Bernie Geoffrion.
• During the 1972 Summit Series, Lapointe played while his wife gave birth to their first child in Canada.
• He served as Coordinator of Amateur Scouting for the Minnesota Wild for exactly 20 years before retiring in 2020.