Guy Lapointe

The 'Pointu' defenceman of the Big Three with six Stanley Cups and a legendary slapshot.

Guy Gerard Lapointe (born March 18, 1948) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman nicknamed "Pointu," renowned for his powerful slapshot and brutal body-checks. A core member of the legendary "Big Three" alongside Larry Robinson and Serge Savard, he helped lead the Montreal Canadiens to Stanley Cup victories in 1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. After being traded to the St. Louis Blues in 1982 and briefly signing with the Boston Bruins, he retired in 1984 following a series of injuries. In his NHL career spanning 884 games, Lapointe tallied 171 goals and 451 assists for 622 points. He holds Montreal records for most goals in a season by a defenceman (28) and most goals by a rookie defenceman (15). His number (#5) was retired on November 8, 2014, sharing the honour with Bernie Geoffrion.

Quick Facts

Position

Defence

Shoots

Left

Played for

Montreal Canadiens
St. Louis Blues
Boston Bruins

League

NHL

Born

18 March 1948

Birthplace

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Hall of Fame

1993

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.

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?

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.