Lynn is the son of Hockey Hall of Famer Lester Patrick. Lynn was signed by his father to play for the New York Rangers for the 1935-36 season. Many considered this nepotism as Lynn had only played one season of minor league hockey for the Montreal Royals. Lynn persevered as he was selected as the NHL first team All Star in 1942 and second team All Star in 1943. He was a member of the Rangers 1940 Stanley Cup winning team and lead the league in goals with 32 in 1941-42.
Patrick coached the Bruins from 1950-51 through 1953-54, was the coach and general manager in 1954-55 and then continued as GM until 1965. As the first coach/GM of the expansion Blues, Patrick introduced Scotty Bowman to his first NHL coaching assignment.
Patrick died on January 26, 1980, when he suffered a heart attack while driving home from a hockey game between the Rockies and Blues. His car crashed into a fire hydrant and he died that evening at the age of 67.
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