You meant what? [MOD] No one who has watched the NHL for a long time, and thus seen them play, puts Hull ahead of Richard or Lafleur. No one. Bossy is maybe arguable, but consensus is that Bossy is better (similar goal scoring, better playmaker, better away from the puck, clutch).
TS said that players should be at their peaks. Hull had much higher peak than Bossy and Richard. His 90-91 season is the best season by any goalscorer by a huge margin.
No real way to put Chelios ahead of Harvey or Potvin.
There is real way. Time. Both Harvey and Potvin played in the league with less competition, Harvey especially, and Harvey played hockey then hockey was not the game we used to now.
When it comes to Coffey/Kelly/Robinson etc. then I agree that preference plays a big part. As you say, it's not a big deal if Chelios is there or not. If the best American player is a player that could comfortably be left out of team Canada, that conveys the main point though.
When you have so many great players, you'll have to leave smone. Yes, Canada has some leaders, that must be in the roster, but it's not as uniquely as you try to convince me.
The gap in players. Using your roster as an example. I would say that Roy was better than Tretiak, but it's very difficult to differentiate between goaltenders. Call them even. Canada has backups who are at that level as well though. Russia does not.
Backups are backups. They are hardly play.
As for Tretiak, he is the only person, who was indicted into the NHL Hall of Fame not playing single game in the NHL and while living. He hold an ultimate record of Soviet all-stars (14) and MVP (5). And just think about it - he won his MVPs playing in the team with Mikhailov, Petrov, Kharlamov, Makarov, Krutov, Fetisov. He was more valuable than any of these stars. And if you still doubt - just watch him playing
Defence is a huge edge to Canada. Fetisov might make the Canadian defence, might not. I would probably take him. Basically no chance for the others though.
I like Vasiliev more than Fetisov.
As for others - the same question as with Chelios. You prefer your players, which is normal
I agree, that there is an edge here, though, but it's not that huge, as you think. Look at Canada cup at 1981 - you had 3 D's of your all-time team in the roster - did it help?
The forwards are Russia's strength, and the team is quite strong here. Especially the chemistry of the top two lines. The depth just isn't great though. Mogilny, Kovalchuk, Datsyuk wouldn't be considered for spots on an all time Canadian team.
Datsyuk - probably not, cause you have Gretzky, Lemieux, Messier and crazy C depth overall. But it doesn't mean he can't play against the best. As for Kovalchuk and Mogilny - see above
Which your LW you consider as better players, outside of Bobby Hull? And don't forget - I didn't include Ovi for the chemistry reasons only.
