1973-74 O-Pee-Chee Gerry Desjardins #178 Dark Back New York Islanders (EX-MT 6)

Acquire a highly coveted master-set variant of early-seventies sports history with this remarkably scarce, green-bordered vintage hockey card. This specific item features New York Islanders goaltender Gerry Desjardins in full gear, framed by a bold green border and a classic banner design that makes it one of the most visually distinctive sets of the era. What elevates this item into premium territory for master set builders is its status as a confirmed dark back parallel variant. Printed on a deeper gray cardboard stock instead of the common cream-coloured paperboard, these dark backs are vastly tougher to locate today. Advanced collectors estimate that these variants represent a tiny fraction of the total surviving print run, making them highly sought after by modern hobbyists looking to stand out on the registry.

Gerry Desjardins continued to showcase his exceptional veteran skill during the 1973-74 campaign, anchoring defensive systems and helping young expansion prospects adjust to the rigors of professional hockey. His veteran presence was essential in guiding the New York Islanders through their formative years, helping lay the concrete groundwork for the team's historic multi-year Stanley Cup dynasty later in the decade. Desjardins' legacy is celebrated by purists who remember the immense bravery required to stand in the crease during a physical, high-scoring era of professional sports before the advent of modern player safety equipment.

The Condition Report for this pristine raw specimen indicates beautiful preservation over the past several decades. The vibrant green front borders remain exceptionally clean with only minimal microscopic touches of wear along the edges, a rare sight for this famously condition-sensitive colorway. The centering is very strong, framing the full-length goalie image beautifully within the colorful banner graphics. The reverse side features the distinct dark back grey cardstock unique to the wax pack distribution run, offering complete biographical details, 1972-73 statistics, and a cartoon illustration cleanly rendered in both English and French. The back surface is crisp, entirely free of creases, heavy stains, or tracking marks, comfortably supporting a strong raw grade estimate of EX-MT 6.

Grade Estimate:
EX-MT 6