first blood

However, all of those series started in Edmonton; this time the Kings drew first blood at home, where they won a franchise-record 31 times during the regular season.

Kotcheff found huge success in Hollywood with 1982’s “First Blood,” which introduced the traumatized Vietnam veteran John Rambo, played by Sylvester Stallone.

Reviewing “First Blood,” Times critic Sheila Benson wrote, “This violent and disturbing film is exceptionally well made.”

She added, “If it is possible to dislike and admire a film in almost equal measure, then ‘First Blood’ would win on that split ticket.

It’s action, not words, that makes ‘First Blood’ run, and the action is frightening, indeed.”