Few players in NHL history will end their career with a 16.9 shooting percentage after playing in 817 games, but Ray Sheppard managed it. He played for six different teams throughout his 13-year career, but he spent his best days with the Detroit Red Wings.
Sheppard finished his career in the Winged Wheel with a 20.1 shooting percentage, outlasting Red Wings greats like Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman. Yeah, he played in far fewer games for the Wings, but it shouldn't take this magnficent career record away or water it down.
Not when you account for his 152 goals throughout those 274 contests in Hockeytown. He may've missed out on the dynasty years, but that makes this record more impressive. He owned it before everyone expected perennial Stanley Cup contention for the Wings.
Ray Sheppard's legendary stint with the Red Wings ended in a career record
Year | Games | Goals | Shooting Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
1991-92 | 74 | 36 | 20.2 |
1992-93 | 70 | 32 | 17.5 |
1993-94 | 82 | 52 | 20.0 |
1994-95 | 43 | 30 | 24.0 |
He played four full seasons with the Wings, and kicked off his time in the Motor City with 36 goals in 74 games, good for a 20.2 shooting percentage. He also put up 26 assists, and 62 points, quickly turning into one of the Wings go-to players when they were in the offensive zone.
In 1992-93, Sheppard follwed that up with 70 games and 32 goals. His shooting percentage dipped, but he still ended up with a respectable 17.5. When you realize a percentage of just 13.5 is considered solid, it shows you that, even in a "down year," Sheppard was still ahead of the curve.
Sheppard enjoyed his best season in 1993-94, with a remarkable 52 goals in 82 contests. This one put him at an even 20.0, and his 93 total points showed us that he was also a dynamic playmaker. Not just a goal-scorer.
His last full season in the Winged Wheel came in 1994-95, when he saw ice time in just 43 games. Still, Sheppard finished with 30 goals, good for 0.697 per game. He played in two games for the Wings the following season, but they dealt him to the San Jose Sharks for the great Igor Larionov.
Ray Sheppard's legacy with the Red Wings is a forgotten one
Of course, when you're involved in a trade for someone like Igor Larionov, fans may see you as 'the guy who was traded for one of the best players in team history.' Still, let's not forget that Sheppard didn't just leave his mark with the Wings; he ended up with an all-time franchise record.
Yeah, trading him to San Jose landed a key figure who helped fuel the team's dynasty. But wow, Sheppard entertained fans with his relentless scoring when he was in town.
More from Octopus Thrower