Who really belongs in the Hall of Fame?
Every NHL player's case analyzed
Maurice’s less famous brother is the winningest player in NHL history in terms of Stanley Cups. But, does he have more of a case than just his 11 Stanley Cups?
Listen to us discuss Henri Richard’s Hall of Fame case here:
Continue reading “Does Henri Richard Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?”
Rod Gilbert is certainly someone deserving of the title “Mr. Ranger.” Along with Brian Leetch and Henrik Lundqvist, he has a claim to the title of Greatest New York Ranger of All Time (certainly if length of career with the franchise is taken into account).
But he was never one of the best players in the league during the regular season and his playoff numbers are not great.
So the question is, is his importance to the Rangers franchise and his compelling story of overcoming injury enough to put him in the Hall?
Listen to us talk about Rod Gilbert’s Hall of Fame case here:
Continue reading “Does Rod Gilbert belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?”By regular season numbers, Jean Ratelle was one of the best forwards of his era. And, had he been healthy in his best season, he might have competed for the scoring title. (His peers awarded him with the Pearson for that.)
However, his playoff numbers are noticeably worse. And, of course, he never won a Cup.
So, how great was Jean Ratelle? Is he one of the greats of his era or does his longevity make him look better than he was? Listen to us discuss Ratelle’s Hall of Fame case here:
Continue reading “Does Jean Ratelle Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?”
There are basically only 3 post-Bobby Orr defensive defencemen in the Hockey Hall of Fame. (And Savard actually is a contemporary of Bobby Orr, so maybe there are only two.) It’s hard to get in as a defensive defenceman when so many D score now.
On the other hand, there are few NHL players in NHL history to have a higher career plus minus than career points total. Savard is one of those players. And if Savard had never played for the Jets, his utterly insane plus minus would be even higher than his total points.
Is it possible that Savard’s remarkable goal differential is a product of his Hall of Fame teammates? In part, sure. But it’s a chicken or egg question, isn’t it?
So, does Serge Savard belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Listen to us discuss it here:
Continue reading “Does Serge Savard Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?”Bobby Clarke is one of the most notorious players in NHL history but he’s also one of the most decorated, one of only a few players to ever win the Hart three times. (He also became a star in spite of his diabetes.)
He was extremely hard to play against but also an offensive star. He only won one Selke because it was introduced half way through his career.
So where does Clarke rank all time among defensive forwards? Listen to us discuss his Hall of Fame case here:
Continue reading “Is Bobby Clarke the Best 2-Way Forward of All Time?”
Brad Park was always a bridesmaid – few people have been nominated so many times for major awards and never won one. In addition, Park was in three Stanley Cup finals and never won.
So Brad Park had some bad luck. And it’s possible that he was the second best defenseman of his era – at least based on Norris trophy nominations.
So, where does Brad Park rank all time?
Listen to us talk about Brad Park’s Hall of Fame career here:
Continue reading “Does Brad Park Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?”66 goals in season. A classic Old Guy Who Won a Stanley Cup. Scored 40 goals three seasons in a row for the Leafs. That mustache.
Sounds like he should be in, right? But McDonald was not a point-a-game player and he actually only had 4 really good seasons. (Seriously.)
So does Lanny McDonald belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame? Listen to us discuss his case here:
Continue reading “Does Lanny McDonald Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?”Butch Goring won four Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe trophy. And he’s got more awards than Clark Gillies. But he’s not in the Hall of Fame.
That could be because he probably didn’t deserve that Conn Smythe. And his regular season and playoff numbers are hardly elite.
Listen to us discuss Goring’s case here:
Continue reading “Does Butch Goring Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?”Some people believe Pat LaFontaine is the Greatest American Hockey Player of All Time. (The A-GOAT? The GAOAT?) This is despite an injury-shortened career and no Stanley Cups.
Does this claim hold up to scrutiny?
Listen to us talk about LaFontaine here:
Continue reading “Is Pat LaFontaine the Greatest American Hockey Player of All Time?”Cam Neely is one of only 8 players to unofficially score “50 Goals in 50 Games”. (He did it in the Bruins’ 66th game of the season, so it doesn’t count in the NHL’s eyes.) And, when healthy, he was one of the most dominant goal-scorers of his era. On the Bruins…
But his career numbers are not as good as you think they are and, beyond some 2nd All Star Teams, he didn’t really get much acknowledgement as an elite player during his career.
So, does Cam Neely belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame? Listen to us discuss his case here:
Continue reading “Does Cam Neely Belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame?”
