Bruins legend Rick Middleton, the man known as Nifty, saw his No. 16 retired and raised to the rafters at TD Garden, joining the other B's greats, before the game against the Islanders.
Members of Middleton's family did the honors as he watched:
Taking its place in history. 🙌#Nifty16 | #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/OlnOsm6c6g
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 30, 2018
The man of the hour has arrived.#Nifty16 | #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/odj2JTgzco
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 29, 2018
Tonight we honor Rick Middleton and raise No. 16 to the rafters. #Nifty16 pic.twitter.com/vje2131IER
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 29, 2018
A skilled offensive player who was dominant for the Bruins in a five-year stretch from 1979-84, Middleton averaged 46 goals and 98 points per season in that stretch, won the Lady Byng in 1981-82 and finished with 402 goals and 898 points in 881 games for the Bruins in his 12 years with the organization (1976-88).Â
Middleton spoke before the game to reporters about the honor:
"It really is hard to put into words...I honestly believe this is the biggest honor that a retired athlete can get in his career."
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) November 29, 2018
🎥Bruins legend Rick Middleton discusses the honor of becoming the 11th #NHLBruins player to have their jersey number retired: pic.twitter.com/ACfuyQ5wLL
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