Rick Dudley kicked off a career season on October 26, 1974, scoring both goals in a 2–0 Buffalo Sabres shutout of the St. Louis Blues. With the Blues focused on the French Connection, Dudley, alongside Peter McNab and Brian Spencer, did all the damage, including a power-play game winner. The night also marked Gary Bromley’s first NHL shutout, and it foreshadowed Dudley’s 31-goal, 70-point campaign that earned him Hart Trophy consideration.