Hardyvan123
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To rail on Backstrom for his scoring finishes sort of misses the point. I took him over the Pecas of the world on my list because the post expansion guys had a chance to play a larger role on their team than an 06 checker like Backstrom did. He did finish 5th in center all-star team voting in 1962 as well.
Phil Housley was a one-way player being fed icetime on bad teams, you couldn't get more opposite of Backstrom.
So if there some projection on what Ralph might have done in different circumstances or is he being judged by what he actually did?
That's were the Housley reference I made comes into play.
If Phil anchors that Edmonton defense and wins 4 or 6 SC then there would be much less talk about his defensive shortcomings right?