Schultz, 60, played five of his nine NHL seasons with the Flyers and still holds the league record for most penalty minutes in a single campaign, an almost-unfathomable 472 in 1974-75. But "The Hammer," who has remained in the area since his career ended, is quick to point out that he also had a 20-goal season in 1973-74.
"I could play," Schultz stressed. "A lot of the so-called heavyweights who have been in the game really couldn't play much."
Which is why Schultz, who is 6-1 and was listed at just 185 pounds during his playing days, is so fond of the closest thing he has to a counterpart on the current Flyers, forward Dan Carcillo. Carcillo, also something of a downsized scrapper at 6-feet and 207 pounds, was the league's penalty-minutes leader in 2008-09 with 254, splitting time with the Phoenix Coyotes and Flyers.
"Carcillo can play," Schultz said of the left winger who was a healthy scratch the past two games after Jeff Carter and Ian Laperriere came off the injured list. "He's been a good player who's scored some big goals in the playoffs. It's not like he's in there just to fight."
But if the occasion calls for it . . . well, Carcillo never has minded giving away a few inches and pounds to beefier opponents.
"He's not afraid to take on all comers," Schultz said. "He plays hard, he hits hard, he can score goals. He's been a great asset for the team."
Schultz hasn't conveyed his admiration of Carcillo directly to him, but, he said, "I do have his number in my cell phone. I probably should text him and just say, 'Good luck.' I'll get around to it eventually. Right now, these guys have enough on their minds." *
