from Stan Fischler at NHL.com,

Over the decades, some of the best hockey players became some of the worst worriers when it came to their superstitions.

Seeking good luck charms was a major part of Hall of Famer Phil Esposito's personality, especially when he led the Boston Bruins to Stanley Cup titles in 1970 and 1972. Like other superstitious players, Esposito often relied on a teammate to help him through his ritual.

In one case, it was the Bruins ace defensive center Derek Sanderson, a chain smoker who believed cigarettes and Lady Luck were synonymous with winning.

"With Phil," said Sanderson, "from the very beginning I had to put up with his superstitions. I would fix his shoulder pads just right; put on his suspenders and all that. I'd be on the floor doing my skates and [he] would say, 'All right, do my shoulder pads.' And I'd have no choice.

continued