Was Zinger suppose to start a game for USSR?
How about the reverse? Who were the players who didn't have a good series?
I don't think Dryden was all that great. Out of the three goalies who played the series he is 3rd. Tony Esposito played the best followed by Tretiak but Dryden didn't play well for the most part although he did make some key saves in the 8th game after it was 5-3.
Ratelle and Gilbert had their moments but they were probably counted on for more production.
But the answer here just might be Frank Mahovlich. He just seemed gassed by the Soviet speed. Maybe at 34 it was the first crack of him showing his age?
Anyway, to answer the OP's question, it is Phil Esposito, no question. There is no opportunity for Henderson without him. This was a classic case of a guy leading a team and carrying them by the scruff of their neck. People also forget, Esposito was scoring all throughout the tournament, it was well spread out, even in the losing games and then Game 8 was his pinnacle.