Description
1970-71 O-Pee-Chee
Noel Picard #212 St. Louis Blues (EX-MT 6)
Own a piece of St. Louis Blues history with this classic 1970-71 O-Pee-Chee Noel Picard #212!
Before he was known as the man who launched Bobby Orr into the air in the most iconic photograph in hockey history, Noel Picard was a cornerstone of the expansion-era St. Louis Blues defense. This vintage 1970-71 card captures "Pic" during the peak of his career in St. Louis, where his rugged, physical play helped the Blues reach three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals from 1968 to 1970.
Player Legacy & Achievements
Born on Christmas Day (hence the name "Noel"), Picard was more than just a footnote in Orr’s legendary "The Goal." He was a 1965 Stanley Cup Champion with the Montreal Canadiens and a 1969 NHL All-Star. Known for his legendary strength and classic French-Canadian grit, Picard was a fan favorite at the old St. Louis Arena. This card features his full 1969-70 stats, a season where he served as a premier defensive stopper in the West Division.
Born on Christmas Day (hence the name "Noel"), Picard was more than just a footnote in Orr’s legendary "The Goal." He was a 1965 Stanley Cup Champion with the Montreal Canadiens and a 1969 NHL All-Star. Known for his legendary strength and classic French-Canadian grit, Picard was a fan favorite at the old St. Louis Arena. This card features his full 1969-70 stats, a season where he served as a premier defensive stopper in the West Division.
The O-Pee-Chee Difference
Unlike the standard Topps version, this authentic O-Pee-Chee (OPC) card was Printed in Canada and features the highly desirable bilingual French/English back. The green-tinted back provides a charming "Condition Report" style biography in both languages, a hallmark of vintage Canadian hockey collectibles.
Unlike the standard Topps version, this authentic O-Pee-Chee (OPC) card was Printed in Canada and features the highly desirable bilingual French/English back. The green-tinted back provides a charming "Condition Report" style biography in both languages, a hallmark of vintage Canadian hockey collectibles.
Condition Report
This specimen is a fantastic "raw" candidate for any vintage set builder.
This specimen is a fantastic "raw" candidate for any vintage set builder.
- Corners: The corners show very light touches, maintaining a relatively sharp square profile for a card over 50 years old.
- Edges: The side edges are remarkably clean with minimal chipping, which is rare for the sensitive 1970 OPC stock.
- Centering: Features classic OPC centering, slightly shifted toward the top-right, but well within the standards for an Excellent-Mint grade.
- Surface: The front image retains vibrant colors and a smooth gloss with no visible waxing or heavy print snow. The back is clean with no ink marks or staining.
Grade Estimate: I estimate this card at a realistic EX-MT 6. It is a high-eye-appeal common that looks better than most "Excellent" mid-grade examples found on the market today.
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