Back Check

Does Phil Housley Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

Phil Housley has some of the most impressive career offensive totals of any NHL defenceman, especially an American.

He is also -53 for his career.

Should the Hall of Fame inducted a player who appears, on first glance, to have not been very good in his own end?

We discuss in our latest episode. Listen here:

Does Sergei Gonchar Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

We doubt Sergei Gonchar is a name many would have considered for induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

But he had a rather great career despite his lack of accolades.

In our latest episode, we debate whether or not Sergei Gonchar deserves to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Listen here:

Does Jack Walker Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

Of all the players to be featured on The Back Check so far, Jack Walker has, by far, the least impressive stats we’ve seen. So why the hell is in the Hall of Fame?

Listen here to hear if we can figure it out:

Does Sergei Makarov belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

Sergei Makarov was a star in the USSR for a decade before playing in the NHL. In fact, he might have been the best hockey player in the world not in the NHL for much of the 1980s.

But given how much the Hockey Hall of Fame focuses on NHL experience, did he deserve to be inducted?

Listen here to find out:

Does Kent Nilsson Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

Kent Nilsson has the highest APG and PPG of any eligible NHL player not yet in the Hockey Hall of Fame, he is the only eligible player in the Top 10 in APG and PPG not in the Hall.

Why is a player with Top 10 career rate stats not in the Hall of Fame? Does it have to do with how he left the NHL? Does it have to do with his games played and inflated ’80s stats?

Listen to us discuss Kent Nilsson’s Hockey Hall of Fame case:

Does Keith Tkachuk Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

Keith Tkachuk (“TAYchuck” according to Don Cherry) is more notorious for his edge and his sneer than he is for his goal-scoring ability.

Was he good enough to be in the Hall of Fame?

We find out. Listen to us debate his case:

Does Dave Andreychuk Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

One of the more controversial recent inductions was Dave Andreychuk, a player whose case is based nearly entirely on longevity.

Does he belong? Listen here:

Do the Sedin Twins Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

We decided to treat the Sedin twins as one player, because they are a unique phenomenon in the history of hockey.

Did they do enough in their careers to merit induction as great players, rather than just as a novelty?

Listen here:

Does Cyclone Taylor Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

Cyclone Taylor didn’t play a game in the NHL, but he was arguably one of the first pro hockey stars, along with Newsy Lalonde and Joe Malone. How does he compare with them?

Does he belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame even though he played the majority of his career in the PCHA?

Listen here:

Does Pierre Turgeon Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?

Pierre Turgeon is our first truly eligible player that we’re considering. And he’s a bit of a litmus test, as he has the most points of any eligible (inactive for 3 years) player not in the Hall of Fame (as well as the most assists). If he belongs, others do to.

But if he doesn’t, maybe he’s a good cut-off point for counting stats.

Listen here: