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Downtown in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

The French Connection

7 ⚜ 11 ⚜ 14

— Buffalo Sabres Alumni Plaza —

 
 
The French Connection Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, December 30, 2014
1. The French Connection Marker
Inscription. The combination of center Gilbert Perreault, left wing Rick Martin and right wing Rene Robert is widely considered to be one of the greatest forward lines in NHL history and remains the most celebrated offensive unit in Buffalo Sabres history. The trio, all of whom were French-Canadian, was dubbed 'The French Connection' and played together in Buffalo from the team's acquisition of Robert on March 4, 1972 until his departure on October 5, 1979. Between them, the members of The French Connection played 2,396 games for the Sabres, scoring 1,116 goals and registering 2,573 total points. During their tenure in Buffalo, the three were honored with a combined 15 NHL All-Star Game appearances and seven selections to the First and Second NHL All-Star Teams. All three are members of the Sabres Hall of Fame and have had their numbers officially retired from use by the Sabres. Perreault, the franchise's first ever draft pick, served as the team's captain for five seasons and retired after 17 NHL seasons - all with the Sabres.

Inspiration for the statue came from a Ron Mascati photograph taken during a playoff game at Memorial Auditorium on April 27, 1975 which features all three members of The French Connection. During the game in which the photograph was taken, all three members of the French Connection scored a goal to lead the Sabres
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to a playoff victory against the Montreal Canadiens. To design and construct the statue, the Sabres commissioned distinguished American sculptor Jerry McKenna.
 
Erected 2012 by The Buffalo Sabres.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is March 4, 1972.
 
Location. 42° 52.534′ N, 78° 52.538′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Perry Street and Illinois Street, on the left when traveling west on Perry Street. Marker is about 10 car-lengths west of the intersection in an open plaza area on the north side of the First Niagara Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Seymour Knox III Plaza, Buffalo NY 14203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Cobblestone Historic District (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Connecting Terminal and General Mills Elevators (about 800 feet away); Miles Gilbert "Tim" Horton (about 800 feet away); Canal and Harbor (approx. 0.2 miles away); Buffalo - An Industrial Powerhouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Buffalo - A Network of Canals (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Big Picture (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Ruins at Canalside (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.
 
Westward View image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, December 30, 2014
2. Westward View
Perry Street at right.
sectionhead>More about this marker. First Niagara Center was formerly named HSBC Arena.
 
Eastward View image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, December 30, 2014
3. Eastward View
Towards Illinois Street.
The French Connection image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, December 30, 2014
4. The French Connection
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 31, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 441 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 31, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.

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Mar. 28, 2024