ATD 2013 BIO Thread (quotes, stats, pics, sources, everything)

[Dreakmur]

Bob Goldham !!!


Awards and Achievements:
5 x Stanley Cup Champion (1942, 1947, 1952, 1954, 1955)

2nd Team All-Star (1955)

6 x NHL All-Star (1947, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955)

Norris voting – 4th(1955), 5th(1954), 9th(1956)
All-Star voting – 3rd(1955), 5th(1954), 7th(1946), 8th(1956)


Offensive Accomplishments:
Points among Defensemen – 2nd(1946), 5th(1951), 8th(1956), 11th(1955), 12th(1952), 14th(1953), 15th(1949), 15th(1954), 16th(1942), 18th(1950)

Play-off Points among Defensemen – 3rd(1942), 4th(1956), 5th(1955), 6th(1951*), 6th(1954), 8th(1952*), 8th(1953)


Scoring Percentages:
Points – 84(1946), 64(1951), 50(1948), 48(1949), 41(1953), 40(1952)

Best 6 Seasons: 327

Although he played with Babe Pratt, a rushing type of defenseman, he developed more as a defender but could move when an opening developed.

….

Early on, Goldham perfected the technique of dropping to block shots on goal, a hazardous but effective method of protecting the goalkeeper.

A case could be made for Bob Goldham as the most underrated defenseman in the annals of the National Hockey League.

Overshdowed by flashier types, Goldham was nevertheless a winner wherever he played. There’s n better proof than the fact that he played on four Stanley Cup-winning teams, one the Toronto Maple Leafs and three the Detroit Red Wings.

Tall and powerful, Goldham was a deceptive type of player. He was faster than he appeared and considerably tougher than his outwardly passive nature suggested.

One could argue that the Georgetown, Ontario native was the quintessential defenseman, doing his job with a minimum of fuss and fanfare.

But there was one aspect of Goldham’s technique that lifted him above the masses. Few – if any – backliners were as adept as puck blocking on a consistently effective basis.

Employing exquisite timing, Bob would dauntlessly throw his body in front of dangerous shots and invariably smother the runner or deflect it out of harm’s way.

….

Many students of the game believe Goldham should have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame along with such teammates as Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay and Red Kelly. They cite his overall defensive effectiveness and the fact that the Red Wings in three Stanley Cups with him as balance-wheel defenseman.

Originally a rushing defenseman, Goldham changed his style when he joined the Red Wings and their other rushing defenseman, Red Kelly. Aware of Kelly's great abilities, he chose to stay at home.

Though he could rush the puck when the opportunity presented itself, Goldham as best known as a defensive defenseman and skilled shotblockeer.

In time, Goldha, matured into an effective defenseman who was especially good at dropping to the ice to block enemy shots.

The all-star defenseman as known as a great shot-blocker.

Defenceman Bob Goldham played 650 NHL games for three different clubs in the 40s and 50s. He was known for playing the man well in his own zone and contributing the occasional burst of offense.

But who was hockey's first shot blocking expert? Defenseman Bob Goldham, a tough defensive defenseman from 1941 through 1956 with Toronto, Chicago and Detroit.

In the early 1940s the Maple Leafs coach Hap Day tried to convince all of his players the art of shot blocking. None of them were willing to sacrifice their bodies by dropping in front of a frozen rubber bullet. None except for Goldham.

Goldham would drop to one knee and keep his hands besides his body, taking up as much room as possible. If the puck didn't just hit him, he'd swat at the puck with his gloves.

Bob Goldham was an All-Star defenceman in the National Hockey League for many seasons, although his teammates referred to him as “the second goalie†because of the local native’s fearless shot-blocking.

Bob was like a rock on our blueline. It was no coincidence that we were a first-place team with him in the lineup.

Goldham was about as good as anyone at blocking shots. Bob may not have invented the puck-blocking technique, but he certainly took it to a new and more effective level.

He is the greatest competitor in hockey.

He as a great, great player ad he as the only player on the Detroit club that never game me any trouble. When I was a referee that is. He was a classy guy.

He used to get down on his knees and look the puck in the eye. He's the first totally fearless guy that I ever saw.

Ultimate Hockey’s “Best Shot-Blocker†of the 1950s

 

[tony d]

With Pick 144 of the 2013 ATD the Baltimore Blades select Defenseman Jan Suchy:

Biographical Info:

DOB: October 10 1944
Hometown: Havlicuv Brod, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 169lbs

Career Stats:


IIHF Directorate Award Best Defenceman 1969, 1971
All-Star Team WC 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971
Czechoslovak Player of the Year 68/69, 69/70
Member of the Czech and IIHF Hall of Fame

20 Goals 23 Assists for 43 points in 58 Career World Championship Games
385 Points in 561 League Games

Joe Pelletier:

Never before had anyone in Europe seen a defenseman as complete as Suchy. He could do it all. He was a great skater who could set the pace of a game in the same fashion as a Bobby Orr. Suchy was virtually a fourth forward on the ice with his fine technique, vision and skating. He not only excelled offensively but did it defensively as well. Suchy was also a master shotblocker who never hesitated to throw his body in front of a shot.

Really glad to have gotten Jan Suchy. Anyone who draws comparisons to Bobby Orr has to be good.

 

[TheDevilMadeMe]

George Armstrong, RW​

Armstrong was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975, only 4 seasons after he retired. Andy Bathgate and Marcel Pronovost were among the eligible players passed up in favor of Armstrong. In other words, this wasn't a Veteran's Committee pick.

7 All Star Games (1956, 1957, 1959 on merit; 1962, 1963, 1964, 1968 as the previous Cup winner).

Captain of the Maple Leafs from 1958-1969, winning 4 Cups as captain

Offense

Armstrong has been somewhat typecast as an elite third liner in this draft, but his offense is every bit as good as guys who have been used as glue guys on scoring lines in the past:

Goals: 13th, 15th, 16th, 19th, 20th
Assists: 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th
Points: 15th, 16th, 16th, 18th, 18th

5th All-Time in points by a Leaf with 713 in 1188 games

Armstrong did all this without the benefit of seeing large amounts of powerplay time and playing for a coach who played defense-first hockey. Here are his top 6 points finishes among teammates:

1st (1957), 2nd (1956), 2nd (1960), 3rd (1962), 4th (1954), 4th (1955), 4th (1958), 4th (1966), 5th (1963), 5th (1964), 6th (1959)

The Toronto Maple Leafs won 3 consecutive Cups in 1962, 1963, and 1964, and Armstrong led them in playoff scoring over these three years:

1. George Armstrong 15-19-34
2. Red Kelly 10-21-31
3. Dave Keon 19-10-29
4. Frank Mahovlich 10-19-29
5. Tim Horton 4-20-24
6. Bob Pulford 14-9-23

Checking, boardwork, and leadership

And offense is probably the weakest part of Armstrong's game. He was known as an excellent cornerman, and a very good defensive player.

Awarded a Retro Selke by Ultimate Hockey for 1961.

Armstrong was never a great skater but was rarely out of position; he knew how to play the angles on the opposing forwards and was a great corner man in the offensive zone. He never attained the scoring heights in the NHL as he had in his junior and senior days but Armstrong brought determination, leadership, and humour to a Leafs squad that was trying to escape the shadow of the Barilko tragedy in the early 1950s.

Armstrong was named as captain of the Leafs to start the 1957-58 season and was called by Conn Smythe "the best captain, as a captain, the Leafs have ever had." Smythe later honoured his captain by naming one of his horses Big Chief Army, something Smythe had done on only two other occasions for Charlie Conacher and Jean Beliveau.

Critics said he was a slow, clumsy skater who didn't possess a great shot. Yet somehow he overachieved. He played in 21 NHL seasons, all with the Leafs, and record 296 goals and 713 points in almost 1200 games. He is remembered as one of the all time great Leaf captains and is a member of the National Hockey League Hall of Fame.

Armstrong was able to adjust to the NHL game and prove his critics wrong. He became a very reliable two way player. He was always dependable in his own zone and patrolled his wing with great efficiency, and there are few players who could work the walls and corners with the effectiveness of Armstrong. Offensively he contributed steady though never mind boggling statistics, but was always dangerous when he controlled the puck close to the net. He was the team jester off the ice, but deadly serious on it, both in games and in practice.

Other than his longevity, no hockey statistic could ever relate just how important a player Armstrong was. All the unquantifiable intangibles that make hockey such a great game is where Armstrong excelled.

Never a prolific scorer, George is a tenacious checker and his perserverance in the corners is evident in the number of times he comes with the puck.

In 1969 Punch Imlach choose his All-Star Leafs team composed of players he coached over the past 10 years.

Frank Mahovlich - Norm Ullman - George Armstrong
Tim Horton - Carl Brewer
Johnny Bower​

Imlach Chooses best with Ullman #1, Montreal Gazette, Jan 3, 1969

Horton and Armstrong, whose appearance with Bower on the team reflects Imlach's devotion to veteran players, were chosen by the coach for their steadiness and checking abilities

Via Velociraptor, Armstrong sometimes played center:

Ottawa Citizen - Sep 19, 1950

Toronto's captain and ace center Armstrong

Ottawa Citizen - Mar 24, 1956

...center on their big line with left winger Dick Duff and rich winger George Armstrong

New York Times - Mar 7, 1957

center, Armstrong; wings, Sloan. Duff

 

[VanIslander]

HHOF right winger Bobby Bauer, dubbed the brains behind the Kraut Line. The hustling winger was skilled at both goal scoring and playmaking. He had an excellent decade of hockey (1937-1947), preceded by the Memorial Cup, interrupted by WWII (in which he won the Allan Cup with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942) and ended by injury (to his shoulder by Black Jack Stewart). So, he only had seven full NHL seasons, but in that time he excelled. He was four times 2nd team all star (1939, 1940, 1941, 1947), three times Lady Byng winner (1940, 1941, 1947), four times top ten in goal scoring including a 2nd place finish in his last year (30 goals in 1947) as runner-up to only Rocket Richard. Imagine what more he could have done without WWII or the career-ending injury. He was top-3 in assists among wingers in the half decade before his war service, first among all right wingers. He also was twice top-10 in assists among all NHLers in the years between the two Stanley Cups (1939, 1941) and twice was top-5 in NHL playoff goal scoring. He scored the cup-clinching goal in his second Stanley Cup championship and scored 4 goals in a 1946 Stanley Cup Finals run. He scored more goals than assists in his rookie year and last year but had more assists in his career due to the half decade of NHL play inbetween. He was renowned as a smart and slick puckhandler. ''Bobby was the brains of the line,'' said Woody Dumart. ''He was always thinking and a very clever playmaker,'' stated Milt Schmidt. He came out of retirement for one game in 1952 to see his number 17 retired in Boston along with his Kraut Line mates, and Bauer scored a goal and an assist in the 4-0 win that night.

Bobby Bauer was many things to many people. To his opponents of the late 30s and the early 40s, he was a gnat, a buzzing, flying, stinging gnat - too fast to swat, too tiny to hate and too skilled to ignore. To the Boston Bruins, he was the thinking part of the Kraut line.

Jack McGill, of our town was with the Bruins in the time of the Krauts. "Bauer was the little professor, the guy whose brains made the link click."

Babe Pratt: If you dumped him into the boards he bounced back at you like a rubber ball.

He was a skater, stick-handler, and play-maker per excellence.

In a Word JACKRABBIT

... slick and tricky.. he could hustle...

... Bauer had a rare combination of skill, grace and sportsmanship.

 

[BillyShoe1721]

D Lionel Hitchman

2x Stanley Cup Champion
3rd in NHL Assists, 1924
2x Top 7 Points Defensemen(5, 7)
3x Top 9 Goals Defensemen(8, 9, 10)
4x Top 10 Assists Defensemen(3, 3, 5, 10)
Boston Bruins Captain, 1927-1931
2nd in Hart Trophy Voting, 1930(first among defensemen)
2x Top 10 All Star Voting(5, 10)*

*AS teams were voted on for only the last 4 years of Hitchman's career

"To me, Shore was a country boy who had made good; he was a good skater and puck carrier but was not an exceptional defenseman like his teammate Lionel Hitchman who was better because he could get them coming and going."

]It was Lionel Hitchman, an Ottawa boy with Boston, who caused the Senators the most annoyance. Tall "Hitch" was in every play, standing up well in the defence and furnishing much of Boston's offensive punch.[/B]

Hitchman gave the crowd a thrill with a lone rush up center. His bullet like drive from the defence, however, was easily handled by Connell.

Eddie Shore, pairs with Lionel Hitchman on the Bruin defense, and these two offer one of the best reasons why Boston's opponents have scored only 86 goals.

...Captain Lionel Hitchman, one of the game's greatest defence players...

Well I couldn't say to this guy, "How would you like to get out there and take it yourself?" He happened to be famed Lionel Hitchman, that hard hitting, fast skating defenseman who gave hockey enthusiasts their full of share of thrills during a dozen or more years spent on the ice.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?n...nYxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6SEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6623,7540935

Hitchman and Shore formed the backbone of mighty Boston teams from the late 1920's to early 1930's. They became one of the most formidable defense pairing ever. Hitchman was the reliable, responsible defender. While not incapable of leading the odd rush, he knew his role and played it well.

Hitchman was a durable warrior and one of the game's steadiest defensive forces. The Boston mainstay was a top-notch hitter who always played it clean.

Eddie Shore joined the Bruins in 1927 and, paired with Hitchman, set up one of the most formidable defences of all time. For the next six years, Boston was a power. They led the American division five times and won the Cup once. Throughout this period Shore and Hitchman formed the regular defence. While Shore took off on his rink-lenght sorties, Hitchman held the fort on breakaways.

His penalty record shows that although a rugged and fearless defenseman, he played it clean.

Along with Eddie Shore, Lionel Hitchman gave the Boston Bruins one of the most fearsome defense combinations in National Hockey League history. [Hitchman was] a superb backline hitting, stickchecking and playmaking defenseman.

With the retirement of star defenceman Eddie Gerard, Hitchman became a regular for the Senators thereafter, a starter on the 1924 regular season champion team.

Under Cleghorn's veteran tutelage, Hitchman adopted a much scrappier style - if without Cleghorn's habitual dirty play - and his penalty minutes more than tripled.

Shore replaced the fading Cleghorn as Hitchman's defence partner, and was quickly recognized as the league's preeminent defence pairing. The two would team up for the rest of Hitchman's career, with Shore's rushing style paired with Hitchman's stay-at-home play.

His toughness was proven the following campaign when, in a March 1, 1929, game against Ottawa, his jaw was broken by a Shore clearing pass; he stayed in the match, playing the rest of the game without relief.

Hitchman retired with 28 goals and 34 assists in 417 career NHL games, adding 534 penalty minutes. Although often overlooked by contemporaries in favor of defencemen with gaudier offensive numbers, Hitchman was regarded as the premier defensive defencemen of his day.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Hitchman

Lionel Hitchman was steady, aggressive and defensive-minded defenseman who was often paired with Eddie Shore to form one of the greatest defense tandems in hockey history. Hitchman's flawless defensive play allowed Shore more freedom to play an offensive game, a rarity among rearguards in the early days of hockey. The duo formed a feared one-two defensive punch, with their favorite target being Montreal's Howie Morenz.

Because of his defensive role, Hitchman was an unheralded player. The Toronto-born Hitchman never made an All-Star team and never scored more than 11 points in a season but was integral to the success of the Boston Bruins and prior to that the Ottawa Senators.

Everything fell into place in 1928-29. Hitchman had a unremarkable offensive season -- one goal, no assists in 38 games, during which he logged 64 penalty minutes --but he led a defense that was virtually impenetrable. The Bruins surrendered only 52 goals over 44 games, then gave up only three more in five playoff games. After a three-game sweep of Montreal in the first playoff round, Hitchman and the B's allowed just one goal in the two-game final with the New York Rangers and claimed the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Hitchman continued to play the same steady, physical brand of defense through 1933-34, even playing with a broken jaw for part of the 1929-30 campaign. During his 10 seasons on Boston's blue line, the Bruins finished first in the American Division five times (four years in a row between 1928 and 1931) and played in three Cup finals. He played in 377 games as a Bruin, collecting 26 goals and 26 assists for 52 points and 466 penalty minutes. His post-season career included 31 games, three goals, four points and 52 PIMs.

http://bruinslegends.blogspot.com/2009/12/lionel-hitchman.html

In December of 1925, sportswriter Fred Moey referred to him as "tall, fearless, and reckless," and called him the most daring hockey player ever seen in this city. It must be remembered that Eddie Shore did not come to the Bruins until the following season.

http://books.google.com/books?id=4M...DYQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=lionel hitchman&f=false

He joined the Bruins two years ago and is one of the most versatile players in the league.

http://books.google.com/books?id=d0...EIQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=lionel hitchman&f=false

For the defence, Ross had, of course, Shore and his twin titan, the steady and reliable Lionel Hitchman. "Shore may be the dynamo of the Boston club," a sports columnist once observed, "but Hitchman is the balancing wheel." Hitchman was cool-eyed, fearless, and had all the polish of the ex-mounted police office that he was. With his long and angular body, Hitchman was a ferocious bodychecker who could, and would, give back better than he got.

Although thoroughly fagged, the Bruins got off to a sizzling start that evening and outplayed the Senators, quickly making it 1-0. Freddie Frederickson and Sailor Herberts on offense and Lionel Hitchman on defence played remarkable hockey for Boston...

http://books.google.com/books?id=IS...FQQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=lionel hitchman&f=false

He was already well stocked with talented, tough-minded defensemen, such as Eddie Shore and Lionel Hitchman.

...the defensive corps led by the bruising tandem of Shore and Hitchman...

http://books.google.com/books?id=AH...Q6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=lionel hitchman&f=false

Other outstanding Bruins players include Lionel Hitchman and Tiny Thompson in the 190s...

http://books.google.com/books?id=jY...Q6AEwBTgK#v=onepage&q=lionel hitchman&f=false

I mentioned Lionel Hitchman, who joined the Senators after I did. He was another standout, who later went on to the Boston Bruins where he teamed up with Eddie Shore to form a memorable defence combination.

http://books.google.com/books?id=eG...Q6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q=lionel hitchman&f=false

Helping Thompson frustrate the opposition were Lionel Hitchman and Eddie Shore, one of the finest defensive pairings ever iced. Hitchman had won his first Stanley Cup with Ottawa in 1923, one month after he had turned pro

https://www.google.com/search?q=lio...38,d.dmQ&fp=d6f0573d9deb936c&biw=1366&bih=638

One December 1925 newspaper report summed it up best when describing Boston's two first line defensemen, Sprague Cleghorn and Lionel Hitchman: "They fear no one, and are not afraid to ‘step in to them,' which Ross likes in a player."

http://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2013/2/13/3983980/otbh-tussling-since-the-start

...Captain Lionel Hitchman, star defenseman, had been purchased by les Canadiens.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...IBAJ&pg=4435,1577897&dq=lionel+hitchman&hl=en

Lionel Hitchman, Bruins' defense man, bumped George Boucher so hard that he sent the Ottawan down with a thud

https://www.google.com/search?q=lio...38,d.dmQ&fp=be8b8c796c748d39&biw=1366&bih=611

Tiny Thompson played perfect hockey in the Boston goal and Shore, Lionel Hitchman and George Owen supplied great protection.

https://www.google.com/search?q=lio...38,d.dmQ&fp=be8b8c796c748d39&biw=1366&bih=611

Eddie Shore pairs with Lionel Hitchman on the Bruin defense, and these two offer one of the best reasons why Boston's opponents have scored only 86 goals.

http://ws.google.com/newspapers?id=...IBAJ&pg=2339,1836518&dq=lionel+hitchman&hl=en

It has two totally different but splended defense men in Shore and Hitchman.

"Shore is the most sensational player in hockey today. He is not only a stalwart on defense but he is a fine scorer. Hitchman is the hardest man to get around, the greatest checker and the greatest blocker in the game."

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...IBAJ&pg=6177,2093589&dq=lionel+hitchman&hl=en

Well, I just came across Mackenzie's defenseman article, and this is what he had to say (interestingly, he notes that it's very difficult to compare players from before the forward pass to after it because of the big changes in style of play):

- He calls Hitchman and Ching Johnson the best defensive defensemen of his day. Nels Stewart on Hitchman: "I'd rather carry a puck through a picket fence than try to get past Hitchman". He says that "Johnson broke every rule in the book, using his tremendous strength to hold, maul, and smear up opposing plays." and that he always got away with it. He goes on to say that he never took advantage of his strength in a mean way but "if he did not break every hockey law he at least bent them all considerably".

Eddie Shore was not even regarded as the best defensive player of his era. Although he was known as a good offensive player, even during his absolute peak (1933), contemporaries thought that there were several other defensemen in the league who were superior defensively (ie King Clancy, Lionel Hitchman, Ching Johnson). Source: Globe & Mail, April 20, 1933

 

[BillyShoe1721]

RW Joe Mullen

3x Stanley Cup Champion
3x NHL All Star Game Participant
2x Lady Byng Trophy Winner
5x Top 7 AS Voting(1, 3, 4, 5, 7)
8x Top 24 Goals(5, 7, 10, 13, 15, 22, 23, 24)
12th in Assists, 88-89
5x Top 22 Points(7, 14, 19, 19, 22)
3x Top 10 Playoff Goals(1, 1, 10)
6th in Playoff Assists, 1982
3x Top 5 Playoff Points(3, 3, 5)
VsX: 81, 79, 75, 68, 67, 64, 64, 58, 53

Mullen arrived in the NHL possessing great balance on his skates, an ability his teammates and coaches believed he gained from playing roller hockey. His coaches praised his willingness to play in the difficult areas of the ice, even though he stood only five foot nine inches tall and knew he would have to take a hit to make a play. Penguins' play-by-play announcer Mike Lange nicknamed Mullen "Slippery Rock Joe" for his ability to evade opposing players.

"Mully spent a career excelling in areas of the ice a lot of guys wouldn't visit on a threat of death. Great balance on his skates. Great desire. Great teammate. A little guy with big talent and a huge heart."-Teammate Brad McCrimmon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Mullen

Joey Mullen quietly spent his career as one of the most complete players in the National Hockey League. He excelled at the finesse game as he was an outstanding skater and super sniper. He was dangerous with the puck, and consistent. He was a 35-45 goal threat almost every year in his prime. But he was very conscious of his defensive responsibilities and played a tough game despite his small size.

Yet Mullen was overshadowed by some of his peers. Despite having 6 consecutive 40-plus goal seasons he was only once selected for post season All Star status at right wing. Even in what everyone knew would be his final game he received next to no fanfare. That might be expected though when you retire on the same night as your teammate - Mario Lemieux!

That type of exit seemed to symbolize the career of Joe Mullen. Despite all the great contributions Joey made to his team and to hockey, he rarely got the credit he should have. The ultimate team player who never sought the individual spotlight, is now getting that recognition though. He has been elected to both the Hockey Hall of Fame and the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

Mullen spent a couple of seasons late in his career bouncing around between Boston and Pittsburgh. He wasn't much of a scorer at that point, but he remained a leader and defensive forward.

Joe Mullen is the arguably the greatest American born player to date. He helped generate hockey interest in the US and paved the road to success for many of today's American superstars. For his efforts Joe Mullen was named to the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in September of 1998 and Hockey's Hall of Fame came calling 1999.

http://www.greatesthockeylegends.com/2006/05/joey-mullen.html

Standing 5'9", he wasn't big by league standards, but his will to compete and battle through injuries was formidable. He was a reliable scorer who combined patience, anticipation and a quick release to top the 40-goal mark six times in his career. Mullen earned a permanent place in hockey history by becoming the first American player to score 500 goals and 1,000 points in the NHL.

Blues general manager Emile Francis observed, "Along the boards, he's not the biggest guy in the world, but he's strong and he's got great balance."

http://www.legendsofhockey.net/Lege...er.jsp?mem=p200001&type=Player&page=bio&list=

Mullen has a knack for the net and is willing to dig the puck out of the corners. But his greatest strength may be his balance, an imperative in roller hockey. Cutting and stopping are more difficult on roller skates than on ice skates, and there's always the threat of a concrete kiss. "He's the type of player who'll still score while being knocked down," says St. Louis linemate Blake Dunlop. "He has very good balance and coordination. Maybe roller hockey's the reason."

"When I look at a forward, I don't care whether he's big, small or medium," says Emile (The Cat) Francis, the Blues' president and general manager who replaced Red Berenson as coach on March 9. "I just want to know: Will he take a check to make a play? Joe will."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1125352/1/index.htm

The speedy and tough goal scorer was a big fan-favorite wherever he played, and his never-say-die attitude made him a winner both on and off the ice.

Fellow U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame member, the late Bob Johnson, once said of Mullen, when the Penguins acquired him for a second round pick in 1990, "I'd go to war with Joe Mullen."

http://www.usahockey.com/ushhof/default.aspx?NAV=AF_01&id=257414&DetailedNews=yes

Of course, that heart of a lion was part of a complete package, which included a pretty good set of hands that came with that pint-sized 5'9" 180 pound frame.

From the day the right winger was acquired from the St. Louis Blues on Feb. 1, 1986, he became a fan favourite. It was more than the 16 goals and 22 assists he tallied in his 29 games the rest of that 1985-86 season. It was the grit, guts and offensive touch he added in the playoffs, leading all playoff scorers with 12 goals and guiding the Flames to the Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens.

Over the next 4 seasons, he was as consistent as any scorer in the NHL, firing 47, 40, 51 and 36 goals.

"I tried to give it 100% and play both ends of the rink," says Mullen. "I tried to concentrate on my defensive side of my game. Once we turned it over and we had the puck, it was all out offense. Get the puck to the center and try to get in the open, get it back and shoot."

No mater the score, Mullen never took a night off.

"He goes where the heavy going is, comes in front of the net and is smart enough to know how to take a check," former Flames coach Terry Crisp once said. "A lot of players give you a first effort and that's it. With Mully, you'll see a second and third and sometimes even a fourth effort where he scores from his knees. He simply refuses to accept the fact they are trying to take him out o the play."

GM Cliff Fletcher or Trader Cliff, as he came to be known, had upgraded the talent and competitive level by stealing sniper Joe Mullen from St. Louis.

http://books.google.com/books?id=ht...ed=0CEoQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=joe mullen&f=false

St. Louis Blues General Manager, once of Doc's rivals from senior baseball in Saskatchewan in the 1940s, described Mullen as "not the biggest guy in the world, but he's strong and he's got great balance.

http://books.google.com/books?id=JQ...a=X&ei=2UohUYPiLqPA0QGHj4D4Bg&ved=0CF8Q6AEwCg

On the contrary, he scored most of his goals twisting and driving through traffic, often releasing the puck from awkward angles as he was tumbling to the ice. But my, was he effective.

He had a choppy stride, a by-product of his roller hockey days on the streets of Manhattan. But Mullen possessed great balance and surprising strength, along with a nose for the net.

Many feared it was the end of the line for the 33 year old winger. Displaying his trademark bulldog tenacity, Mullen beat the odds. He returned to action in the playoffs wearing a neck collar for protection and scored 8 goals, including 2 in Game 6 of the finals to help spark the Penguins to their first Stanley Cup.

Again, there were doubts about whether Mullen could bounce back. Again, the gritty winger defied the odds returning to score 33 goals in 1992-93 and 38 the next year to earn a spot on the Eastern Conference All Star Team.

At 39 years of age, it appeared he had finally reached the end of the line. But the Penguins missed his reliable two-way play and his penchant for scoring clutch goals.

http://books.google.com/books?id=F0...X&ei=gU0hUdadJNCO0QHikYC4Dw&ved=0CC0Q6AEwADgK

"He was a godsend last year," says St. Louis general manger-coach Emile Francis. "He has become an intricate part of this team's goal-scoring ability. He's not only a goal scorer but a playmaker.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...8NAAAAIBAJ&pg=3146,557116&dq=joe+mullen&hl=en

Nobody handed out placards emblazoned with Joe Mullen's name last night. Nobody roared approval when he stepped onto the ice. Truth is, nobody really seemed to notice.

Hey, it was supposed to be Mario Lemieux's night at the Civic Arena, not Mullen's. Besides, Mullen is used to being overlooked. He could have made a made a career out of it if people didn't have a nasty habit of adding up the numbers on the scoresheet after every game.

That two-way diligence doesn't do much to pad Mullen's personal stats...

https://www.google.com/search?q=joe...38,d.dmQ&fp=3acdb42e8ebbd713&biw=1366&bih=638

Joe Mullen put himself through a rigorous workout program during the offseason... it is difficult to overstate his value as a consistent, two-way contributor...

https://www.google.com/search?q=joe...38,d.dmQ&fp=3acdb42e8ebbd713&biw=1366&bih=638

"He's so good defensively, we often use him in roles that take away from his offense," coach Scotty Bowman said. "We don't put him on a lot of power plays. He always finds a way to score goals."

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...pg=1895,1954954&dq=joe+mullen+defensive&hl=en

 

[BraveCanadian]

​

Mostly TDMM's profile from ATD2011 with some added insight into
how Boyle has improved defensively in recent years.

FOLLOWING IS A CUT AND PASTE FROM THE DRAFT THREAD

Dan Boyle, D

After I lost out on all the elite PP QBs (they were all gone before my 2nd pick even came around), this pick here was marked for the guy who would QB my PP. The three guys in mind were Rafalski, Boyle, and an undrafted. Ultimately decided on Boyle over the undrafted for the same reason he was picked for the Olympics - the other guy might have been slightly better on the PP, but Boyle is more solid overall.

Boyle is solidly in the range of "second tier" powerplay quarterbacks, and like I said, all the first tier guys were picked before I even got to make my second selection (except perhaps Gonchar who isn't as good as the true 1st tier guys but is better than the 2nd tiers).

Boyle is a solid-enough all-round player to make a very credible #4 at even strength if need be. I don't see why guys like Reinhart and Persson go over Boyle anymore. I think he's comparable to them on the PP, and more effective at even strength.

And most importantly, recent history has shown - Dan Boyle just helps teams win games.

The Resume

-Norris voting record: 4th (2007), 5th (2009), 6th (2010), 14th (2011)
-Second Team All Star in 2007, 2009
-All Star Games in 2009, 2011
-Right handed shot on the PP

Since Boyle's breakout season in 2002-03, these are the top scorers among defensemen:

1. Lidstrom 474
2. Gonchar 408
3. Boyle 385
4. XXX 375
5. Rafalski 373
6. Niedermayer 357

Brief Synopsis of his Career

-Boyle emerged as a legit offensive threat from the blueline in 2002-03, scoring 53 points in 77 games, good enough for 5th among defensemen, behind MacInnis, Gonchar, Lidstrom, and Zubov.

-In 2003-04, Boyle's offense took a step back, but he improved defensively quite a bit. He was the primary puck mover on Tampa Bay's Cup winning team. Joe Pelletier felt that Boyle was "the straw that stirred Tampa Bay's drink."

-In 2005-06 and 2006-07 were two more solid seasons for Boyle in Tampa Bay, as he continued to be excellent offensively, while playing decently well defensively. Tampa Bay as a team was fairly mediocre in these years though.

-In 2007-08, Boyle had a freak injury, cutting his arm badly with a skate blade. Tampa Bay went from mediocre to horrendous, and Boyle struggled to get his defensive game back when he returned.

-Tampa Bay traded Boyle to San Jose before 08-09. Boyle made a huge impact on the team, immediately after joining. San Jose went from one of the better teams in the league, to a team that for all intents and purposes clinched the President's Trophy with months left in the season. Media reports widely credited the acquisition of Boyle with making San Jose just that much better. I really hope I don't need to post sources for something that recent do I?

-San Jose failed in the playoffs, but I don't think you can blame Boyle, who has 18 points in 21 playoff games with San Jose over 2 seasons.

-Boyle was selected by Steve Yzerman to QB Canada's PP in the 2010 Olympics, mainly because he was better defensively than the other guy (and thus not a liability at even strength).

This is what Joe Pelleter said about Boyle when he picked his Team Canada prior to the 2009-10 season:

4. Dan Boyle - I just love Dan Boyle's game. He's almost a Niedermayer clone. I am not seeing the down side. I always felt he was the straw that stirred the drink in Tampa, and he can be counted on to be an impact player for Team Canada.

Decent longevity as an impact player by now

Sure, Boyle has his 2 2nd Team All-Star selections. I think we all know that AS teams are less reliable post-expansion as writers rely more on stats and less on watching guys play (because there are too many teams to watch everyone a lot). But I think we all see that Boyle developed into a solid all-round impact player.

Anyway, the final question about Boyle (and any active player): Did he play long enough to be worthy of his spot (in this case, a #4 defenseman)? I think he has.

-Leo Reise, Jr. and Glen Harmon were the last 2 defensemen with 2 2nd Team All Star nods to be selected before Boyle.

-Not including Reise's 6 games played in 45-46, he has 8 full seasons as an NHL defenseman.

-Glen Harmon basically has 8 1/2 seasons as an NHL defenseman.

-Dan Boyle is working on his 10th season as an full time NHL defenseman (not including 2 seasons with a handful of games for Florida at the beginning of his career).

-Boyle is working on his 8th full season since his breakout year in 2002-03.

He is one of the best PP QBs left (which I needed) and a rare right handed shot at that.

The guy has been playing 23-27 minutes a game for a decade in the NHL. Yes, initially he was somewhat sheltered and more of a powerplay specialist. Lately not so much.

Like many defensemen he has been getting better defensively with age. (not that anyone is going to mistake him for a defensive defenseman at any time, but he eats up minutes and outscores the opposition too)

2011-2012 San Jose Sharks Season Review: Dan Boyle

As much press as Joe Thornton has received for his evolution as a player the last two seasons (including from this very site), another of the Sharks' elder statesmen has also seen his role radically transformed over the same span of time. When he first arrived from Tampa Bay, Dan Boyle played with fellow ex-Bolt Brad Lukowich on what was essentially the team's third pairing from a matchups perspective, with Boyle heavily sheltered to the tune of a negative quality of competition rating (meaning he almost exclusively faced opposing bottom-six forwards) and a 56% offensive zone start rate.

As Rob Blake aged and finally retired, Boyle was increasingly used with Douglas Murray as the team's shutdown pairing, a role the two were used in for pretty much the entirety of the 2010-11 season, before finally being paired with Vlasic this year as both defensemen finished top 30 league-wide in quality of competition among blueliners. It's impressive that a d-man in his thirties was willing and able to go from a power play specialist with a protected role at evens to playing some of the toughest minutes in the league.

http://www.fearthefin.com/2012/6/13/3082130/2011-2012-san-jose-sharks-season-review-dan-boyle

...
Dan Boyle, San Jose Sharks: Veteran of Tampa Bay's 2004 Stanley Cup team is a strong rushing rearguard and power-play point man.
...

 

[VanIslander]

HHOF winger Herbie Lewis, the highest paid NHLer in 1934-35, the year he captained the Detroit Red Wings, the year after he was 7th in NHL goals and the starting left winger in the first ever NHL all-star game. That 1935 postseason he led the Wings in goals with 5 as Detroit went to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time ever. The following two seasons he was 4th in NHL assists, the second of which was followed up immediately with the first Stanley Cup championship in Motown. Lewis tied the lead in goal scoring in the Wings successful second cup the following postseason. Four times he was top-5 in all-star voting, three times at LW and once at RW. He had 248 PIMs to go with 309 points in 483 NHL games. His 279 points over a 9-year stretch from his sophomore year was within five points of the totals of Bill Cook, Dit Clapper, Paul Thompson, Howie Morenz and Hooley Smith, trailing only six others in NHL assists over that span, four of them centers in addition to wingers Busher Jackson and Paul Thompson. He had over a decade in the NHL. However, if he hadn't been under contract for four years of pro hockey in Duluth, he would have started in the NHL earlier, as he was actively recruited while starring there. As it was, he still had a Hockey Hall of Fame career.

... relentless defence and blinding speed... rough for a little guy, a good defensive winger and accurate playmaker, and considered the fastest skater in the NHL in his day with his trademark short, mincing steps.

A left wing more noted for his defensive talents than his scoring, he was known as the fastest skater in the league during the 1930's.

Lewis was best known as a fast skater, a creative passer...

A small, quick left-winger, Lewis possessed blazing speed on his blades and had a reputation as an accurate playmaker and a gentlemanly player.

"...a sportsman of the highest type. I defy baseball or football or boxing or any other sport to produce an individual who can eclipse Herbie Lewis as a perfect model of what an athlete should stand for."

Long before he made the leap to the NHL, Herbie Lewis was a wanted man. The Montreal Maroons signed him in 1926, but the deal was voided by NHL president Frank Calder, since Lewis was already under contract to the American Hockey Association's Duluth Hornets.

Lewis was a star with the Hornets, leading the team in scoring in 1925-26, earning the nickname "The Duke of Duluth" in the process. He was the league's biggest drawing card and its highest-paid performer.

Detroit manager Jack Adams astutely scooped up this budding star through the 1928 inter-league draft and Lewis blossomed in the Motor City.

Lewis garnered a pair of 20-goal seasons and seven times collected at least 30 points during 11 NHL campaigns, all spent with Detroit. The 1934-35 season proved to be his most productive, as Lewis earned 43 points, good for sixth in NHL scoring. He was also reported to be the recipient of the NHL's top salary, an annual stipend of $8,000.

Lewis captained the Red Wings to their first Stanley Cup final appearance in 1933-34 and scored the first Stanley Cup final goal and first playoff overtime marker in club history. He finished as the leading goal scorer in that spring's post-season.

http://redwings.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=43824

 

[Rob Scuderi]

C/D Neil "Frosty" Colville

(thanks to JFA for the basis of this bio)

- 5'11, 175 Ibs, Shoots: Right, Born 8/4/1914 in Edmonton, Alberta
- Member of the HHOF (1967)
- Stanley Cup Champion (1940)
- NHL 2nd All-Star Team, 3 Times (1939, 1940, *1948) *Defensemen
- Top-10 In Goals, 3 Times (10th-1938, 7th-1939, 6th-1940)
- Top-10 In Assists, 2 Times (10th-1940, 2nd-1941)
- Top-10 In Points, 4 Times (10th-1938, 10th-1939, 7th-1940, 7th-1941)
- NHL All-Star Game (1948)
- Captain of Rangers 1945-1948

All-Star Voting (Center): 2 (1939), 2 (1940), 3rd (1938)
All-Star Voting (Defense): 4th (1948), 7th (1947)
Hart Trophy Voting: 5th (1938)

Colville moved up to the Rangers in 1936 and later centered the "Bread Line" consisting of brother Mac and Alex Shibicky. Neil was both a prominent NHL playmaker and scorer until joining the war in 1942.

From 1942 to 1945, Neil served with the Canadian Armed Forces, stationed in Ottawa where he captained the 1942-43 Allan Cup-winning Ottawa Commandos.

Upon returing to the NHL near the end of the 1944-45 season, he and his brother, both a step slower, took their place on the blueline, the first ever brother combination to do so. Neil's conversion to defence was seamless, and he became the first player to be named to All-Star teams both as a forward and defenceman. He retired in 1949 and became coach of the Rangers a year later after serving New Haven in that capacity in the interim.

The trio clicked and remained intact for six years during which the three men were hailed for their nifty passing and accurate shooting. Neil was the backbone of the line, for it was his deceptive body motion that baffled defenders and created openings for the others. The line was called "the Bread Line" because it was formed at the height of the Great Depression...

According to Gene Ward of the New York Daily News, "With Neil as captain of the Rangers, it was like having a second coach out there on the ice."

Neil was the centre of the line that soon became masters of the pattern-passing style that Patrick had developed with their predecessors.

Neil moved back to defense in 1946 where he played with Ott Heller, Bill Juzda, and Bill Moe. His defensive ability and leadership helped steady a team that was in a rebuilding stage.

Bill Cook on the Colville and Shibicky line

"Our outstanding back-checking line, judging from their work here, probably will be the 'kid line.'"

A Noteworthy First Offender

For a young fellow, practically a freshman, Neil Colville of the Rangers is attaining prominent notice on the crime calendar. Allan Shields has a long lead, but Neil is in the thick of the pursuing group of delinquents and may go through the season as the chief offender in a Ranger uniform.

It seems that Neil came up with a flashy reputation and some of the veterans of the league decided to find out whether or not the reputation was only skin deep. To do that, they had to get under his skin. In hockey, this operation usually is performed with the butt end of a stick. Neil underwent a number of such operations that were more or less successful and initiated at least an equal number of counter-operations of the same kind.

He found this give-and-take pleasant enough, but, unfortunately, the referees halted him ever and anon and ushered him to the calaboose to serve various sentences. Neil is a real find for the fun-loving spectators, but if Red Horner is going to be the big peace party of 1937, he ought to dye that red thatch of his. It doesn't look natural any more.

The Maroons were given an opening soon after the start of the second when Pratt was banished for tripping R, but Neil and Mac Colville checked the wingmen to a standstill while he was off.

That one-goal lead lasted until the fourth minute of the second period when Neil Colville, young though grey-haired pivot who is a strong skater with a terrific shot, broke fast down centre, leaving the Maroon forwards behind.

Kelly drilled a close-in drive off (goalie) pads in the opening minute and the Leafs went to work with four forwards when Coulter drew a penalty for holding, but...and Neil Colville made a great success of ragging the puck.

New York scribes were pinning orchids on Neil Colville, Edmonton hockey product...Writing in the World-Telegram Jim Burchard says:

"The play that enabled the Rangers to win was one of the neatest exhibitions of solo stickhandling ever seen in Madison Square Garden. Even Normie Smith Red Wing goalie, doffed his hat to Neil Colville and called Neil's goal a masterpiece, adding Neil used his head, his hands, and his skates; when he finally let the puck go I was on my back picking butterflies.

"Always a cool, calculating...Neil flashed his stuff during a dizzy scramble before the Detroit nets. He took a pass from Alex Shibicky, eluded frantic Red Wings, and took his own sweet time about releasing the rubber. Not until Goalie Smith was prostrate did he act. They, with a quick snap of the wrists he lifted the puck to safe harbor."

It was a play that had enough class, Mr. Burchard goes on to state, to cause Lester Patrick to exclaim: "There's a hockey player. Brains combined with physical ability, I've never seen a finer piece of work."

Frank Boucher: "The Colville-Shibicky trio is something new in major league hockey. Instead of feeding his wings, Neil Colville is fed by them. He's the goal-getter of the threesome. Maybe it means a new era in strategy. Anyway, Neil scores plenty of goals and nobody can ask for more."

If you'd care for the estimate of Andy Lytle of the Toronto Star on Neil's puckchasing ability, take a gander at this, bearing in mind that Andrew has seen the best of them in his day:
"Neil Colville looks like a hockey player just as much as Bill Cook ever did. I say Cook because Neil with his young face and rapidly graying hair, has the thick, resistant body that Bill Cook had. He combines with Cook's strength with a lot of Boucher's speed and weaving skill with a puck at his flying feet. Like Apps, when Neil appears to be stopped in his tracks, somehow in the next breathless instant he is sailing on again."

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=exxlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6IcNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4720,5362151

Colville, who is sturdy and effective, is the key man of the Rangers' one-two-three-alaree-four-five-six-alaree style of passing the puck.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Uh5kAAAAIBAJ&sjid=N3sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1564,1061144

Boucher said that Neil Colville and Patrick revealed natural aptitude for defence work...

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Gq5TAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cjgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1582,4960945

Nick Metz describing Colville while playing against him as part of teams with armed forces

..."we've got to stop that grey-haired guy, even if it means taking penalties. He's 75 percent of their team...Stick-check him and that big line will pass you right into the goalmouth."

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ohc_AAAAIBAJ&sjid=Ok8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=3833,5143001

Commandos are too powerful to permit that. Neil Colville alone, the grey-haired wizard who made New York Rangers so popular and pleasing to watch, will see to it. His forechecking tosses rivals off-balance, his uncanny ability to be where the puck lands, drives a defence frantic.

Regina saw a master perform when they watched Neil at work on Wednesday. His brother Mac and Alex Shibicky are top hands in the puck business-but there's only one Neil Colville. Any NHL team today would mortgage its rink to have him on the lineup.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=T65TAAAAIBAJ&sjid=czgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1488,4710255

The end of the war brought the return of Neil Colville and Alex Shibicky, members of a line few years back whose checkerboard passing plays were the delight of Ranger fans. However, Neil Colville may move back to a defence position this season because brother Mac Colville, the other member of the trio, is still in England and is not expected back this year.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zCQzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=BtwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3618,752255

"We have a good team on paper." Boucher said here last Thursday, but some of the boys just haven't been playing up to the form expected of them. Of the veterans who rejoined the club this season from the services, Neil Colville is the only one to come through thus far."

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=4y8rAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OJkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4680,2730832

Ranger captain Neil Colville was asked whether he noticed much difference since he shifted from the front line to a defense position.

"You can be stupid up front and get away with it," said Colville.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QYpAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=1KQMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6918,2512278

Colville, who has been a Ranger since the 1936-37 season except for his Army service...still has plenty of savvy on the defence and plenty of craft and ability on the offensive. The grey-thatched Colville would appear to have hockey for Boucher and the Rangers just when they need it the most.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7LIuAAAAIBAJ&sjid=JNwFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6279,3112865

A bulwark of that defence will be Neil Colville, the 33 year old grey-thatched Ranger captain who was Boucher's teammate back in 1936-37.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7G4rAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kJkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=6133,1145999

The Lone Ranger rides again. There's a new man in the leading role, however. He's a handsome, grey-haired youth of 35, Neil Colville, and he won't have a faithful Tonto to help him...

Yet he must have been a natural from the very beginning. Back in 1935 Neil was playing forward for the Brooklyn Crescents, predecessors to the New York Rovers as an "amateur" farm team to the Broadway Blues. Nels Stewart watched the 21 year old boy in action for a while and nodded in his direction.

"There's a boy who has hockey brains," drawled the greatest scorer in hockey history. "Right now he's about as good as anything in the National Hockey League."

That was a time when Neil began working on the manufacture of his ulcers. As a player he had been aggressive without being extraordinarily rough or a picker of fights. But as a coach he soon found himself involved in some high-class brawls, including one with his old pal and teammate, Art (sic) Heller.

Remember the way Neil Colville shifted to beat a defenceman and the way he could stickhandle to set up one of his forwards?

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=o4BlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-okNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6107,1254715

''I did all the backchecking,'' Mac told The Globe and Mail of Toronto in 1986. ''Old Lester Patrick told us never to give the puck away because the other team couldn't score if we had it,'' he added, referring to the Rangers' general manager.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/02/sports/mac-colville-87-a-mainstay-for-the-rangers.html

 

[TheDevilMadeMe]

Daniel Alfredsson, RW

Top 20 finishes
Goals: 9, 9, 9, 12
Assists: 8, 11, 13, 13, 13, 17
Points 4, 7, 9, 15, 17, 19

Award voting finishes
Hart: 5, 16, 17
All Star: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9
Selke (all forwards): 3, 10, 11, 15
Selke (wingers only): 2, 3, 4, 4 (these might be off by a rank or two if I incorrectly accounted for multi-positional guys, but I think they are right)

From ATD2012, Alfredsson's overall offensive resume is only a little bit behind Martin St. Louis and Jarome Iginla if you look at their best seasons using V2
http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showpost.php?p=43848575&postcount=110
Alfredsson actually outperforms St. Louis and Iginla in terms of offense over a period of 5 consecutive years, due to his season-to-season consistency:
http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showpost.php?p=43854693&postcount=151

Assets: Has an impeccable work ethic and never takes a shift off. Is smooth and polished in all aspects of the game. Possesses oodles of creativity. Kills penalties well and can play the point on power plays. Boasts a quick trigger.

Flaws: His hard-working style of play has led him to wear down over the course of his long career, and also led to injuries. Is misunderstood in the leadership department because he's not a rah-rah type. Has declined in general.

Career potential: Savvy veteran two-way winger on the decline.

Obviously, the stuff about "on the decline" is not applicable to the ATD since in our little fantasy world, these guys are ageless wonders.

Don't forget his international scoring records - they are pretty good.

1998 Olympics – 11th in Points
2002 Olympics – 11th in Points
2006 Olympics – 3rd in Points, 3rd in Goals, 4th in Assists
2010 Olympics – 7th in Goals

2004 World Cup – 3rd in Points, 1st in Assists

1999 World Championship – 3rd in Points, 4th in Goals, 4th in Assists
2001 World Championship – 7th in Points, 6th in Assists
2005 World Championship – 4th in Points, 4th in Assists

More quotes via Reds4Life's profile:

'"Said the Sabres' Chris Drury after the most recent loss: "You know why they're so good? In the first period, Daniel Alfredsson gets one of his three breakaways. Miller makes the save. The puck goes in the corner.

"Alfredsson goes and hits a guy, then he's the first guy back into the other end, and he hits our guy below the goal line -- all in 14 seconds.

"If I had that clip on tape, I'd show it a hundred times to my team."'

Alfredsson has traditionally been the fourth forward on the ice in the role of pointman on Ottawa's powerplay. He is one of the league's top two-way players

In his first NHL playoff series in 1997, Alfredsson led the Senators in scoring and scored two game-winning goals, though the Senators bowed to the Buffalo Sabres in a hard fought seven games. Then to prove that was no fluke, he scored seven goals in 11 playoff games in the 1998 post season, including three, first-period goals in a span of 12 minutes as the Senators defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3.

For much of this season, the three have formed perhaps the best forward line in hockey. And in the postseason Alfredsson has logged more ice time than any other Ottawa forward, doling out hits, blocking shots and leading all playoff performers with 24 takeaways.

The low-key Alfredsson, a native of Sweden, is a natural lightning rod for both criticism and praise.

 

[Dreakmur]

George Hay !!!


Awards and Achievements:
4 x WCHL First Team All-Star (1922, 1923, 1924, 1926)
2 x NHL GM-voted First Team All-Star (1927, 1928)

Hart Voting – 4th(1928)
Lady Byng Voting – 2nd(1928), 3rd(1929), 5th(1930)

Offensive Accomplishments:
WCHL Points – 2nd(1922), 3rd(1923), 3rd(1924), 5th(1926), 9th(1925)
WCHL Goals – 2nd(1923), 3rd(1924), 4th(1922), 5th(1926), 8th(1925)
WCHL Assists – 3rd(1922), 3rd(1926), 4th(1924), 6th(1923), 10th(1925)

NHL Points – 3rd(1928), 10th(1929), 13th(1927), 18th(1930)
NHL Goals – 5th(1928), 17th(1929), 18th(1927)
NHL Assists – 3rd(1928), 8th(1927), 8th(1929)

NHL Play-offs Points – 5th(1927)
NHL Play-off Goals – 8th(1927)
NHL Play-off Assists – 2nd(1927)


Consolidated Points – 3rd(1928), 5th(1922), 8th(1923), 8th(1926), 9th(1924), 10th(1929), 13th(1927), 18th(1930)
Consolidated Goals – 5th(1928), 6th(1923), 8th(1922), 9th(1924), 12th(1926), 17th(1929), 18th(1927), 20th(1925)
Consolidated Assists – 3rd(1928), 8th(1922), 8th(1926), 8th(1927), 8th(1929), 17th(1924), 20th(1923)


Scoring Percentages:
Points – 90(1928), 86(1924), 84(1922), 81(1923), 72(1926), 66(1929), 61(1927), 52(1930), 46(1925)

Best 6 Seasons: 479

George Hay was considered the best stickhandler in hockey when he played in the NHL.

Although he was born in Listowel, Ontario, George Hay spent his early amateur days playing hockey in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he was a teammate of future Hall of Fame member Dick Irvin while they both played for the Winnipeg Monarchs in 1915. Hay was one of the so-called little men - he weighed only 156 pounds - who thrived on professional competition. His hockey career was put on hold while he served overseas during World War I but after the war George returned to the game and played senior hockey in Regina with the Vics during the 1920 and 1921 seasons.

Hay turned professional with the Regina Capitals of the Western Canada Hockey League in 1921 and played four years with the Caps before the franchise was transferred to Portland in time for the 1925-26 season. During his time in the WCHL Hay was named to the First All-Star Team on three consecutive occasions, from 1922-24. When the WCHL became the WHL in its final season of 1925-26, Hay was again named a First Team All-Star.

When the WHL ceased operations, Hay continued his career in Chicago with the Black Hawks in the NHL for a year before being traded to Detroit prior to the 1927 season. He was named to the "unofficial" NHL All-Star team, as selected by the managers, in 1927…

George Hay's pain was Detroit's gain.

The left-winger made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1926-27, but was dealt to Detroit after producing just 22 points in 35 games.

Hay was hampered by torn shoulder ligaments that first season and by the time the 1927-28 campaign rolled around, was completely healed, as evidenced by his first game with Detroit, which saw him score twice and set up the game winner in a 6-0 shutout of Pittsburgh.

The 22-13-35 totals he put up that season led the team in scoring and were good enough to leave Hay fourth overall in the NHL scoring race. He was named to an unofficial NHL all-star team selected by NHL coaches and finished second to New York Rangers center Frank Boucher in voting for the Lady Byng Trophy.

Detroit's first 20-goal scorer was considered by many to be the finest stickhandler in hockey. "Hay leaves all checks behind," noted one scouting report.

Hay turned pro with the Western Canada Hockey League's Regina Capitals in 1921-22 and posted 20-goal seasons in each of his first three pro campaigns. The gangly 5-foot-6, 155-pounder led the Western League in goals in 1925-26, potting 19 for the Portland Rosebuds.

It was Hay who was credited with the first playoff goal in Detroit history when he beat Toronto's Lorne Chabot in a 1929 Stanley Cup game.

Named captain this season, he appeared in all 44 games in 1930-31, but Hay's 18-point total was only good enough for fifth in team scoring. He was dropped to the minor-league Detroit Olympics in 1931-32, but returned to the big club for part of the next season and managed to appear in one game in 1933-34 before turning his focus to coaching Detroit's farm club.

Hay was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1958.

Hay, an exceptional stick handler...

I've seen a lot of good ones, but none who had more stuff than George. He was in a class with Aurial Joliat, Jack Walker, Bun Cook or Harvey Jackson. He could do everything, that fellow. Besides, he was one of the easiest players to handle I ever had -- always in condition, always on the job, always willing to play any position. He never got into any trouble on the ice and was rarely sent to the penalty box. We've often said in the dressing room that when Hay kicks against a decision, the referee should be run out of the league.

He ranked with the great forwards of the game, combining speed and poise, aggressiveness and finesse, with unsurpassed mechanical ability.

...Moose Jaw strived desperately but could do nothing with Regina’s great defense and the high-class back checking of the local forwards.

....

Less than a minute before the period was over George Hay instituted a line rush which was a wonderful effort and beat Binney.

George Hay had the honor of scoring Regina’s first, his wicked shot from the wing doing the trick.

He was ably assisted by George Hay, who won more fame than ever as a destroyer of enemy rushes. He had plenty to do last night and always acquitted himself with glory to himself and his team mates.

The Frenchman passed to Simpson, and Hay stopped the play by nice checking.

....

Winkler cleared and Simpson rushed, only to be checked by Hay.

....

Arbour took it from the faceoff and was checked by Hay.

....

Hay stopped Trapp’s rush as center ice and shot on goal.

....

Simpson started a rush, but got no further than George Hay.

....

George Hay broke up the rush and passed to Irvin.

....

Simpson was again stopped by Hay in center ice.

....

Joe’s effort was stopped by George Hay in center ice.

....

Trapp’s rush was stopped by Hay.

....

Simpson rushed, but Hay was there in the back-checking.

....

Joe was blocked by Hay in center ice.

GEORGE HAY EASILY WINS LEFT WING POSITION ON STAR TEAM

In selecting Hay we are compelled to drop two strong candidates in the persons of Ty Arbor of the Eskimos, and Foley Martin, of the Tigers. But there is no question as to the best man for the job. Hay has shown himself all season the pick of the left wingers.

Georgie has never played better hockey than he is doing right now. He is going through game after game with added polish. He is handling the stick and puck with the finesse of an artist, and is bagging goals with unfailing regularity.

Hay's work is vigorous and pleasing to the eye. He has an almost uncanny habit of prancing through the hardest game without a bump, and he never lets up all the time he is on the ice. Best of all, he never hogs the puck. His breakaways with Barney Stanley and Dick Irvin are a treat to watch.

Georgie is another graduate from the Winnipeg School of Hockey. He broke into the senior company with the Monarchs after his big brother Reg, and started the fireworks right away. The sporting writers in the 'Peg predicted a wonderful future for the boy if he didn't lose his head at his success. Happily, Georgie is blessed with a good supply of common sense, and he didn't get excited. The result is that he ranks with the best in the game today.

HAY IS REAL STAR

The real star of the game, however, was the youthful George Hay, of the Regina team. Hay steed out like a diamond amid clear darkness. His stick handling, skating and checking were the signal for an enthusiasm to burst from the fans on numerous occasions. He was the main cog in the Regina attack...

....

On the attack Hay was the star....

... with the fast-stepping Georgie again in his accustomed place along the left boards.

Many are of the opinion that Hay is the greatest all around wing man in professional hockey, their opinions being based on his knack of preventing the opposition from scoring as well as his own almost uncanny ability to bat the puck past the league's best net custodians.

Hay was one of the most consistent goal getters in the old Western Canada Hockey League and probably has a higher scoring percentage over the last five years than most. The question arises: Why was Chicago willing to part with him?

The answer is that Hay experienced the worst season since he turned professional when a member of the Chicago National leaguers. A torn ligament in his left shoulder early in the winter of 1926-27 kept him out of the game for weeks and when he did return the speed and accuracy of his shot - he handles the stick from the port side - was so impaired as to lower his effectiveness.

....

Why should Hay be rated as one of the game's best all around forwards? Those who have followed professional hockey in Canada and the United States will cite the following as some of the reasons.

Because he can skate, stickhandle and shoot from any position with almost uncanny accuracy, all attributes essential to goal getting.

Because he drives in his plays close enough to the opposing net to kame them dangerous always.

He is a player capable of "teaming" with any club and gets the best out of his mates irrespective of their abilities and temperaments.

George Hay, fast left wing, will be at his position for the Blackhawks.

 

[BubbaBoot]

Scott Stevens
defense

• Shoots: Left • Height: 6-2 • Weight: 215 lbs. •
• Born: April 1, 1964 • Kitchener, Ontario •
• Draft: Washington • 1st round (5th overall) • 1982 NHL Entry • from: Kitchener Rangers (OHL) •
• Played: 1982/83 - 2003/04 •
• Hall of Fame: 2007 •

• Championships •
1982 Kitchener Rangers (CHL / Memorial Cup)
1995 New Jersey Devils (NHL)
2000 New Jersey Devils (NHL)
2003 New Jersey Devils (NHL)

• International Medals •
1991 - Gold • Canada Cup
1996 - Silver • World Cup
1985 - Silver • World Championships (Prague)
1989 - Silver • World Championships (Sweden)
1983 - Bronze • World Championships (West Germany)

• Awards •
1999-00 • Conn Smythe Trophy (NHL)

• Honors •
1982-83 NHL All-Rookie Team (1st)
1987-88 NHL All-Star Team (1st)
1991-92 NHL All-Star Team (2nd)
1993-94 NHL All-Star Team (1st)
1996-97 NHL All-Star Team (2nd)
2000-01 NHL All-Star Team (2nd)

• All-Star Games •
OHL • 1982
NHL • 1985 / 1989
NHL • 1991 / 1992 / 1993 / 1994 / 1996 / 1997 / 1998 / 1999
NHL • 2000 / 2001 / 2003

• All-Star Team Voting •
- 83-84 (7th) / 84-85 (5th) / 85-86 (10th) / 86-87 (T10th) / 87-88 (2nd) / 88-89 (11th)
- 90-91 (6th) / 91-92 (4th) / 92-93 (9th) / 93-94 (2nd) / 95-96 (10th) / 96-97 (4th) / 97-98 (5th) / 98-99 (7th) / 99-00 (9th)
- 00-01 (4th) / 01-02 (T20th) / 02-03 (10th)

• Calder Trophy Voting •
- 82-83 (3rd)

• Norris Trophy Voting •
- 83-84 (T8th) / 84-85 (5th) / 86-87 (7th) / 87-88 (2nd) / 88-89 (10th)
- 90-91 (7th) / 91-92 (4th) / 92-93 (T10th) / 93-94 (2nd) / 95-96 (T10th) / 96-97 (5th) / 97-98 (4th) / 98-99 (6th) / 99-00 (10th)
- 00-01 (3rd) / 01-02 (T11th) / 02-03 (16th)

• Hart Trophy Voting •
- 91-92 (11th) / 93-94 (7th)
- 00-01 (15th)

• Achievements •
• Games Played
- Career • 1635 (7th all-time / 2nd for defensemen)
- Career PLAYOFFS • 233 (5th all-time / 3rd for defensemen)

• Goals
- Career PLAYOFFS • 26 (13th among defensemen)

• Assists
- 1988-89 NHL 61 (8)
- Career • 712 (48th all-time / 11th for defensemen)
- Career PLAYOFFS • 92 (29th all-time / 11th for defensemen)

• Points
- Career • 908 (96th all-time / 12th for defensemen)
- Career PLAYOFFS • 118 (56th / 11th for defensemen)

• Power Play Goals
- 1984-85 NHL 16 (5)
- Career PLAYOFFS • 12 (13th among defensemen)

• PIMs
- 1984-85 NHL 221 (7)
- 1986-87 NHL 283 (6)
- Career • 2785 (14th / 3rd for defensemen)
- Career PLAYOFFS • 402 (12th / 2nd for defensemen)

• Plus/Minus
- 1993-94 NHL 53 (1)
- 1998-99 NHL 29 (6)
- 1999-00 NHL 30 (4)
- 2000-01 NHL 40 (3)
- Career • 393 (13th / 8th for defensemen)
- 2000 PLAYOFFS 9 (1)
- 2003 PLAYOFFS 14 (1)
- Career PLAYOFFS • 48 (11th / 7th for defensemen)

• career stats •

| gms| G | A | TP | PIMs|+/-| G/gm| A/gm| PP| SH
NHL | 1635 |196 |712 |908 |2785|+393| .12 |.44 |75|5
NHL PLAYOFFS| 233 |26 |92 |118 |378 |+34| .11| .39 | 12|0
International | 49|4|8|12|28||||||
OHL | 69| 6|36|42|158||||

• Accolades •

A dominant figure on the blueline of any team with which he played, Scott Stevens will be remembered with great enthusiasm as a great captain, inspiring teammate, outstanding bodychecker and, most important of all, a champion.

Playing junior with his hometown Rangers, Stevens and his Kitchener teammates were the Memorial Cup champions in 1982. That summer, Scott was the first round selection of the Washington Capitals, the fifth overall pick in the NHL's Entry Draft.

Debuting that fall with the Capitals, the big, sturdy rearguard earned a regular spot with Washington, and so impressed that pundits that he was selected to the NHL's All-Rookie Team.

Through eight seasons, including a selection to the First All-Star Team in 1987-88, Stevens helped turn around the floundering franchise. His fierce confidence on the blueline made him a favourite with both his teammates and the fans. So, it came as quite a shock when Scott signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues prior to the 1990-91 season. With Brett Hull on the wing and Curtis Joseph in net, the future looked bright for Stevens and the Blues.

Then, to Scott's surprise, in 1991-92, after only one season with St. Louis, he was transferred to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Brendan Shanahan as part of a high-profile arbitration case. In New Jersey he was made team captain. That first season in New Jersey, Scott was elected to the NHL's Second All-Star Team. In 1993-94, he was named to the First All-Star Team.

The captain took on an increased role as inspirational leader of the Devils, who won the Stanley Cup in 1995. The Devils players and fans were galvanized by Stevens' thundering hits on opponents; key psychological elements in the victory. New Jersey won the Stanley Cup again in 2000 and 2003. While Stevens had been a star in the NHL for many years, including All-Star nods in 1996-97 and 2000-01, the 2000 playoffs must be considered Scott's defining moment. His thunderous checks, most notably on Eric Lindros in the semifinals, both inspired and dominated the post-season, and when his Devils won the Cup there was no question that he would be chosen winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the post-season.

Stevens again hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2003, and again was noted for delivering gigantic bodychecks. But although he had gained a reputation as an NHL Iron Man, having played 22 seasons in the NHL and regularly been among the leaders in games played, coming off his third Stanley Cup victory, Stevens' hard-nosed style caught up with him. He missed the majority of the 2003-04 season with post-concussion syndrome. On September 6, 2005, Scott Stevens was forced to retire.

In 1635 regular season games, Stevens collected 196 goals and 712 assists for 908 points, impressive for a defensive specialist. Equally impressive were the 2785 penalty minutes Scott earned - no quarter asked, no quarter given.

He is hockey's ultimate warrior. Simply put, Scotty Stevens was a hockey legend with an on-ice presence unparalleled in NHL history.....it is with no doubt that Scott Stevens ranks as one of the greatest defensemen of all time. I just thank my lucky stars that I was able to witness his greatness.

On February 3, 2006, the New Jersey Devils retired a uniform number for the first time in franchise history: Scott Stevens' #4. As video tributes and teammate reflections were aired over the course of that night's ceremony, many words were brought up which characterized the man: fierce, hard-nosed, intense, intimidating, energetic, respected, competitive, heart-and-soul, a winner, a leader, a work-horse.

Stevens developed a niche for himself as a classical, rugged, stay-at-home defenseman who specialized in dealing punishing checks and breaking down the opposition's flow. While he had the ability to put up solid offensive numbers, he understood that playing within the system for the greater good of the team took precedence above all else.

Although initially upset about going to New Jersey, Stevens became an instant fan favorite at the Meadowlands. After a single season, he was awarded for his leadership with the team captaincy, a position he would hold for the balance of his career.

In 1993-94, Stevens exploded offensively with 78 points and led the league in plus-minus with +53. (It is worth noting that not once in his 22 seasons did he have a plus-minus rating in the red, a truly remarkable feat.)

Stevens is quick to credit the Devils, particularly coaches Larry Robinson and Jacques Lemaire, for developing him into a complete defenseman.

"I'm more knowledgeable, more patient,'' Stevens said. "I've learned a lot here under Jacques and Larry about playing defense and good position. Just goes to show, you never stop learning. I probably played over 10 years, then I came here and was taught a lot of new things.''

In spite of his accomplishments and larger-than-life stature, Stevens always carried with him a blue-collar work ethic, a deep Canadian-rooted humility, and an awe of the game he played.

In New Jersey, Stevens gained league-wide notoriety for his devastating open-ice hits, many of which rendered opponents unconscious. Notable victims of Scott Stevens hits in the past include Slava Kozlov during the 1995 Stanley Cup Finals, Eric Lindros during the 2000 Eastern Conference Finals, and Paul Kariya during the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals. They didn't call him "Captain Crunch" for nothing!

As devastating as his hits were, they were always clean and legal. One NHL broadcast mentioned that only three times in his entire NHL career had Stevens been tagged for elbowing.[/B}

I can not think of a defenseman that I've seen personally who had the same on ice presence as Stevens. You might have to go back to the days of Tim Horton or at least an angry Larry Robinson to find a defenseman so strong, so physical, so unforgiving and so feared for his body checks.

Stevens' international resume was loaded as well. He represented Canada at the '98 Winter Olympics, the '96 World Cup of Hockey, the '91 Canada Cup, and four World Championships during the '80s.

Interestingly, during the '89 World Championships, Stevens took a skate to the face, courtesy of his boyhood idol Borje Salming, which resulted in a gash requiring 88 stitches to seal up. Ever the warrior, Stevens missed a mere game, and, wearing a protective visor, came back to score the game-winning goal against Czechoslovakia, giving Canada the silver medal. This is but one in a vast sea of anecdotes which capture Stevens' love for the game and drive to be on top.

Despite his highly decorated resume, somehow Scott Stevens never won a Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman. It is almost mind-boggling that he was never so recognized.

"I've always said that Scott Stevens should've won a Norris Trophy at some point in his career," former teammate Bobby Holik said. "Well, they don't give out the Norris Trophy in the Playoffs, but I'm his biggest fan. As a hockey player, he's one of a kind."

Somehow I don't think Scott Stevens would trade any of his Stanley Cups or his Conn Smythe Trophy for a Norris Trophy.

"With Scott, you know exactly what you're going to get from him," Lindros said of his longtime nemesis. "There's no question, you're aware of his presence on the ice. He's still definitely a premier defenseman in the league because of the desire he has on the ice. His style out on the ice certainly shows how much he wants to win."

Stevens named Stanley Cup MVP

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Scott Stevens doesn't have to live in the shadow of the NHL's more celebrated defensemen any more. Not with a Stanley Cup -- and a Conn Smythe Trophy.

Stevens, whose stubborn defense and brutal bodychecks helped bring the Stanley Cup back to New Jersey, was voted the MVP of the playoffs as New Jersey defeated the defending champion Dallas Stars 2-1 in the second overtime Saturday night to win the best-of-seven series 4-2.

"Scottie's been a tower of strength," coach Larry Robinson said. "He's got that 'C' for a reason."

Stevens is the first defenseman since the New York Rangers' Brian Leetch in 1994 to win the Conn Smythe. This Stanley Cup playoffs had been seen as Ray Bourque's chance to finally get his name on the Cup. It ended up as Stevens' chance to show he deserves to be mentioned with the likes of Bourque, Chris Pronger and Nicklas Lidstrom.

Scott Stevens: The Most Effective Draft Choice In Caps History

Nearly thirty years after drafting Scott Stevens, the Capitals are still reaping the rewards of the pick (even as fans still feel the pain).

When the Caps traded xxxx xxxxx and a pick for xxxx xxxxxxx and then drafted xxxxx xxxxxxxx at the NHL's annual entry draft last summer, they did so using the assets they'd acquired when they'd shipped xxxxxx xxxxxxxxto Colorado a year earlier. xxxxxxxx himself was selected a few years earlier with a pick the Caps had received from Nashville in return for xxxxxxx xxxx on whom Washington spent a 1993 first-round pick that they'd been awarded as compensation when the St. Louis Blues signed Caps' 1982 first-round pick, Restricted Free Agent Scott Stevens.

Shorter version: two guys on whom the Caps' short- and long-term success depends are residuals from a pick the team made nearly thirty years ago.

Back in December of 2006, Eric Duhatschek had a post over at the Globe and Mail asking (rhetorically), "What was the single most effective draft choice in NHL history?" He asserts that "it was the Atlanta Flames’ decision to select xxxx xxxxxxx in the fourth round, 64th overall, in the 1976 entry draft." xxxxxxx had a heck of a career of his own, but was eventually traded by the Flames for the picks that became Hall-of-Famer xxx xxxxxxxxxxx (who won a Cup in Calgary and two more elsewhere) and xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx (who played nearly 1,000 games in the League, won a Cup in New York, and, as you might have heard, once scored a big goal). xxxxxxxxxxx, in turn, was later traded for a young Jarome Iginla, now a surefire Hall-of-Famer in his own right. Now that's getting some serious mileage out of a single pick.

The question got me to thinking about who was the single most "effective" pick in Capitals history. While the argument could be made that xxxxx xxxxxxxxx (who eventually begot xxxxx xxxxxx and xxxx xxxxxx), a stronger case can be made that it was Stevens.

While Stevens was in D.C. patrolling the blueline (his arrival coinciding with Rod Langway's), the Caps didn't miss the playoffs once and three times topped 100 points in the standings. Stevens averaged .71 points per game for the Caps and is still second on the team in career points by a defenseman (xxxxx xxxxxxxx is first).

..........With one pick, the Caps have gotten more than 3,000 man-games, including more than 2,500 on the blueline. Of course, that's of little consolation to fans who would have prefered all 1,868 of Stevens'... especially if they included those three Cups.

Regardless, there's still a lot of upside to be had from that initial pick, and there is no doubt that Scott Stevens is the gift that keeps on giving for the Caps.

Mark Messier, Scott Stevens make one Hall of a pair
BY JOHN DELLAPINA - DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2007

Mark Messier and Scott Stevens are now both in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Mark Messier couldn't wait to get to the Rangers. Scott Stevens vowed he'd never play for the Devils.

Messier was a natural in front of an audience and relished the responsibility of being a leader. Stevens was an introverted sort who believed his actions spoke for themselves.

The two could not have been more different as personalities. But on the ice, the two shared the most important characteristic: They'd do anything to win.

And last night in Toronto, fittingly, Messier and Stevens strode into the Hall of Fame together.

One of the game's most ferocious forwards, Messier was instrumental in redefining the Rangers upon his arrival in a 1991 trade. One of its most devastating defensemen, Stevens did the same for the Devils.

Arturs Irbe suggested during the 2001 Playoffs that his hits were dirty and that he was deliberately trying to kill players or knock them out for the playoffs.

Stevens retorted, "What kind of respect do I get? Just because I'm a physical player, it's O.K. to come at me and do what you want? Hey, it's a hockey game. It's not figure skating.

Today Scott Stevens is an assistant coach with the Devils, working with the teams defense and what better a teacher could be had? He also works with his organization, “Scotts kids”, which helps victims families from the tragic September 11th terrorist attacks.

No Scott Stevens will likely never receive any Christmas cards from Eric Lindros or Paul Kariya. He will never be confused for a lazy player and he will be remembered as a blueliner who entered the Hall Of Fame on his first try.

A player who delivered hard bone crushing hits yet never having to apologize for his style of play.

He could change the momentum of a game, or even the dynamic of a team all on his own. All in all, Scott Stevens could do it all.

He truly had the Stuff of Legends.

I don’t care how good of an actual defenseman he was, how good of a leader, and all the other stuff. Scott Stevens was dirty and I will hate him forever.

“I loved the physical part of the game, it's the part of the game I grew up loving.”

 

[Rob Scuderi]

D, Barry Beck

Captain of Rangers 1981-1986
Rangers MVP — 1981-82 (co-winner), 1983-84

All-Star Team Voting: 6th (1978), 5th (1979), 6th (1980), 9th (1982), 17th (1983), 8th (1984)
Norris Trophy Voting: 6th (1978), 7th (1979), 6th (1980), 7th (1982), 9th - 2 votes (1984)
Hart Trophy Voting: 6th (1982)

Estimated TOI Team Ranks:
1978 (CLR) - 1st by 3.457, 1st in ES
1979 (CLR) - 1st by 1.458, 1st in ES
1980 (NYR) - 1st by 2.888, 1st in ES
1981 (NYR) - 3rd behind by 0.52, 3rd in ES
1982 (NYR) - 1st by 2.788, 1st in ES
1983 (NYR) - 1st by 4.449, 1st in ES
1984 (NYR) - 1st by 0.927, 1st in ES
1985 (NYR) - 1st by 3.901, 1st in ES

Coaches Polls

Hardest Hitter|1st|1981
Hardest Shot|4th|1979
Toughest Player|3rd|1979

One of the biggest and most imposing defensemen ever to wear a New York Rangers uniform, Barry Beck gave the Blueshirts a massive presence on the blueline throughout the first half of the 1980s.

Although Beck would not be able to match the scoring totals of his first year in New York, the former No. 2 overall draft pick of the Rockies was still one of the Rangers` highest scoring defensemen over the next three seasons, picking up a total of 32 goals and 106 points. In the 1981 playoffs, he led all Rangers blueliners with five goals and 13 points in only 14 games, which was at that time a scoring record for Rangers defensemen in postseason.

At the same time Beck was still making big contributions on offense, he also added a remarkable physical element to his game — jumping from 98 penalty minutes in his first season with the Rangers to a career-high 231 in 1980-81. His 231 PIM were a Rangers record that stood for nearly a decade.

Beck represented the Rangers at the NHL All-Star game in each of his first four years with the team, but he wasn`t just big and talented. He was also a great leader, and the Rangers were quick to give him the captaincy at age 23, making him the second-youngest captain in team history.

Only injuries could slow the man nicknamed "Bubba", who struggled to stay healthy for much of his time in New York. He missed part of the 1981-82 season and a big chunk of 1984-85 with injuries to his left shoulder, which ultimately played a role in his decision to retire from the NHL in 1986 at age 29.

http://rangers.nhl.com/club/atrplayer.htm?id=8445397

Scouting Reports

(Rockies) Defense:The 305 goals-against represented just a two goal drop from the year before, and that isn't good enough. So much depends on Barry Beck, the wunderkind defenseman with the scoring touch and the hard-nosed enthusiasm. Beck scored 22 goals last season, and probably will be the next defenseman to score 30 goals after Bobby Orr and Denis Potvin. It should be mentioned that Orr an Potvin have won the Norris Trophy. That doesn't seem out of Beck's reach even on the basis of just one (very impressive) season in the league.

One of the best young defenseman to come out of juniors in years...Tough, strong, agile and has a knack for scoring important goals...Broke Denis Potvin's rookie defenseman record for goals...Also surpassed Potvin's rookie defenseman record for points...

(Rockies) Defense: The Rockies defense can be summed up in about two words. Barry Beck. He remains an outstanding player-a crushing checker, a smart passer and a good goal-scorer. Even though he missed 17 games with injuries last season, Beck improved his game and again made his presence felt-usually in the form of a devastating hip check. The mouths of other coaches water when they see Beck. Until, of course, they see the other Colorado defensemen.

Prized young defenseman who can do it all...Strong and mean when has to be...Raised eyebrows with spectacular effort in first game against Soviet team in Challenge Cup series...One the most sought-after players in the league after only two seasons...Rockies have reportedly turned down $1 million from various teams...

(Rangers) Defense: Barry Beck occasionally throws a crushing check that sends someone toppling to the ice, which is good for effect. But Beck must take control of the game more than he has demonstrated. Because of his size and his reputation, he is the player the other Rangers look to for protection and inspiration. It's about time for him to become an all-star. If not, the team is trouble.

Monstrous player who delivers monstrous body checkes...Twice within a week loosened glass boards at Madison Square Garden with teeth-chattering checks...Expected to lead team to first Stanley Cup in 40 years...Instead he floundered during the playoffs...Must hit to be effective...Can handle the puck but isn't a goal-scorer

Finally made earthshaking trade look good for Rangers....Struggled first season but rebounded strongly last season...Emerged as imposing force in playoffs...Throws the hardest body checks around...Was fabulous in quarterfinal against Blues, then had disappointing semifinal against Islanders...Was on nice nine times when Isles scored...Was never on ice for a Ranger even-strength goal...Still won hearts of Ranger fans with tenacious defense...Has booming shot from point

(Rangers) Defense: Barry Beck is the dominant force among the corps of defenseman...

Perhaps the most dominant defenseman in the defensive end of the ice in the league because of his size, strength, and ability to neutralize rival forwards with jarring bodychecks...Capable of rushing with the puck and being a dynamic offensive threat but played more of a defensive role last season...Seldom makes a bad play...Feared so much as a fighter that few opposing players challenge him...Has developed into a forceful, respected team leader as Rangers' captain...

(Rangers) Defense: His new teammate, 6-3 Barry Beck, is one of the fiercest checkers in the game...

At times one of the most dominant players in game...A feared bodychecker...Has powerful shot from point and handles puck well for a big man...Extremely competitive, takes losing hard...

"He's a dominant force every time he's on the ice," says Buffalo GM-coach Scotty Bowman...Best known for neutralizing opposing forwards with smashing body checks...Has powerful, accurate shot form blue line but usually concentrates on defense more than offense...

That he managed 56 games is a tribute to his character...Has not quite achieved the star status predicted but has been a fine performer for eight seasons...Devastating bodychecker and fine defensive defenseman, but has never scored like expected...Intelligent, articulate, but has a temper...

Will he play again? That will be one of team's most important questions this season...Continued shoulder problems limited him to 25 games one year after he suffered a separation...When he's healthy he's one of game's most physically dominating players..."Bubba" is one of NHL's highest paid players...Garden fans, dreaming of Stanley Cup, booed Beck in his first two seasons...Now they love him

(Rangers) Defense: Help is needed here for a team that finished 19th in the league with 323 goals allowed last season. And it could come in the form of Barry Beck, who returns after a year's self-imposed retirement.

Returns after sitting out 1986-1987 season in protest initially over differences with then Ranger coach Ted Sator...Bubba plagued by injuries throughout career...A huge defensive plus if he and his body can make the grade again...Devastating body checker and defensive defenseman who has never scored up to expectations...Year off cost him an estimated $450,000.

Articles

In 6'3", 216-pound Barry Beck he had the prize avocado of last year's exceptional crop. Beck is built like an unusually strong football player. His nickname is Bubba, after former NFL Defensive End Bubba Smith. When asked after whom he modeled himself as a young hockey player, Bubba says, " Dick Butkus." He is not, however, a "goon," as evidenced by his scoring totals as a rookie...

...Beck, who grew up in ex-Canadien brawler John Ferguson's Vancouver neighborhood, earned a reputation as a fighter. Early in the season, Philadelphia's Paul Holmgren inadvisedly challenged Bubba and got a pounding for his bravado, making Beck the unofficial heavyweight champ of the league, if a highly reluctant one.

...but it is Beck whose defensive skills most nearly match his offensive talents. "The western Canadian coaches teach you that the man who doesn't have the puck is the most dangerous guy," Beck says. "That's the Russian theory, too, and it's made it easier for me to adjust to the speed of this league. Still, it will be four or five years before I reach my peak. Defensemen take longer because there's more to learn. Guy Lafleur's a forward, and it took him three years. Denis Potvin just reached his peak after five." Well, avocados take time to ripen, too.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1094226/2/index.htm

"Most teams rely on their veterans to provide leadership," says General Manager Ray Miron. "We can't. So we're asking these three kids to try to do it. Especially Beck. No other rookie is being asked to shoulder what he's shouldering. He's an all-star already, and he still hasn't begun to realize how good he is."

Although his steady accumulation of goals and his run at Denis Potvin's 54-point scoring record for rookie defense-men helped Beck gain all-star status, he is not an offensive defenseman in the style of Bobby Orr. He seldom rushes the puck, choosing to stay back while Van Boxmeer tries his Orr imitations.

"I've always preferred to be a defensive defenseman," says Beck. "My job is to prevent goals, not score them. The good teams always have the lowest goals-against averages. When I have to, I carry the puck, and when I see an opening in the offensive zone, I take it. But I'm not someone who likes to rush the puck all the time."

"It's ridiculous what Bubba has to do," says Goalie Doug Favell..."Not only is Beck our best defenseman, he often has to do it all by himself. No one can do that, although he certainly tries."

Beck averaged more than 200 penalty minutes a year in the juniors, but he has had just two fights in the NHL. Coach Pat Kelly doesn't want him in the box and, anyway, he doesn't have to fight. From the waist up, he may be the biggest man in the league. One frown from Beck tends to discourage most rivals from crowding Colorado's goaltender.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1093299/3/index.htm

2) Barry Beck, New York Rangers. Shero practically mortgaged the franchise last November to acquire Beck from Colorado. Supposedly a muscle-flexing, puck-carrying defenseman, Beck rarely hit anybody and made no rink-long rushes that reminded people of Bobby Orr. Harry Howell, maybe, but definitely not Orr. Beck also suffers from a lack of quickness and mobility. Now he has got headaches, too. But the biggest migraine in New York belongs to those Ranger diehards who have gone 40 years without seeing their team win the Stanley Cup. Too bad, but the best advice for this season is to keep the aspirin at the ready.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1123864/2/index.htm

Beck, the 6'3", 215-pound monster man, a franchise type, was supposed to guarantee New York's return to the finals—if not another banner. But Beck has played without a great deal of verve in New York; he has been reluctant to carry the puck, or even to attempt to gain control of a game. His biggest hits have come against small players, and at home. The same people who once saw the Beck trade as cause for celebration, now believe it to be the downfall of the organization. They contend that it cost the Rangers their youth, speed and depth.
Beck himself says, "Anybody who thinks it was a bad trade is stupid." He contends his game was limited by Shero, and maybe it was. Patrick has loosened the reins Shero kept on Beck, and Beck has been more offense-minded and more physical since the coaching change. But he lacks the mobility to beat fore-checkers one-on-one, a la Montreal's Larry Robinson, and he lacks the passing talent to spring forwards, a la the Islanders' Denis Potvin.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1124035/2/index.htm

In the end, which came last Friday night when the New York Rangers eliminated the St. Louis Blues in Game 6 of their Stanley Cup quarterfinal series, it may have been Barry (Bubba) Beck who gained the most.

Beck's reward for his playoff performance has been peace of mind. He didn't silence his critics, who had called him overrated, so much as the nagging voice at the back of his mind that had him wondering if he would ever again play as well as he had as a rookie...

"Beck emerged as the leader in that stretch," says injured Ranger Goaltender John Davidson. When Esposito retired and Tkaczuk was injured, there was a void at the top, and the players looked to Beck. The Ranger management made him captain, and the extra responsibility had a marked effect on his play. His selection also affected the rest of the team. "He doesn't have to say very much, but you listen because he's so damn big," says one teammate.

"The main thing is, people believe in me now," says Beck. "That means a lot to me. When I first came here I was supposed to be [Denis] Potvin, [Larry] Robinson and [Bobby] Orr all rolled into one, but I still had a lot to learn. Now I'm playing with confidence, and there's no doubt in my mind I'm at the top of my game."

The top of his game, it turns out, is pretty far up there. Against St. Louis, which missed finishing first in the regular-season standings by three points, he knocked people down, scored, blocked shots and generally controlled the games in the way that separates the great from the merely good. "Beck gave them a lot of poise and authority," said losing Coach Red Berenson.

They also did a lot of intimidating. Not the kind you hear about most often—the intimidation of my fist in your face—but six straight games of clean, hard bodychecking. Led by Beck, New York simply pounded the Blues into giving up the puck.

Blake Dunlop: "Every aspect of their game has picked up. Beck was taking the man out. I've never seen him play with as much control."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1124437/3/index.htm

Beck is the defenseman who led the Rangers—13th place in the regular-season standings—to lopsided upsets over fourth-place Los Angeles and second-place St. Louis in the first two rounds of the come-one, come-all playoffs. Those triumphs set up the second semifinal Battle for New York showdown between the Islanders and Rangers in three years, which opened last week on the Isles' ice. Despite having finished 36 points behind the Islanders (110-74), the Rangers were confident they would be the team to advance to the finals; they remembered '79, and the Islanders hadn't beaten them in Madison Square Garden since then. But by late last Saturday night, the Rangers' confidence had been shattered. After two lopsided defeats in the Nassau Coliseum, the Rangers succumbed at last on home ice. That 5-1 rout gave the Islanders a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. "The Islanders are the best team I've ever played against," said Beck.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1124458/2/index.htm

 

[BubbaBoot]

Ken Dryden
goalkeeper

• Catches: Left • Height: 6-4 • Weight: 205 lbs. •
• Born: August 8, 1947 • Hamilton, Ontario •
• Draft: Boston • 3rd round (14th overall) • 1964 NHL Amateur • from: Etobicoke Indians (Ontario / Metro Jr. B) •
• Played: 1970/71 - 1978/79 •
• Hall of Fame: 1983 •
• CoSIDA Academic All-America Hall of Fame: 2005 •

• Championships •
1965 Etobicoke Indians ((Ontario / Metro Jr. B)(Sutherland Cup runner-up)
1967 Cornell Big Red (NCAA - National)
1968 Cornell Big Red (NCAA - ECAC)
1969 Cornell Big Red (NCAA - ECAC) (National runner-up)
1971 Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
1973 Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
1976 Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
1977 Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
1978 Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
1979 Montreal Canadiens (NHL)

• Awards •
1968-69 ECAC Player of the Year (NCAA)
1970-71 Conn Smythe Trophy (NHL)
1971-72 Calder Memorial Trophy (NHL)
1972-73 Vezina Trophy (NHL)
1975-76 Vezina Trophy (NHL)
1976-77 Vezina Trophy (NHL)
1977-78 Vezina Trophy (NHL)
1978-79 Vezina Trophy (NHL)
* Note: The ECAC Best Goalkeeper Award is named the Ken Dryden Award

• Honors •
1966-67 NCAA AHCA East All-American Team (1st)
1967-68 NCAA AHCA East All-American Team (1st)
1968-69 NCAA AHCA East All-American Team (1st)
1971-72 NHL NHL All-Star Team (2nd)
1972-73 NHL NHL All-Star Team (1st)
1975-76 NHL NHL All-Star Team (1st)
1976-77 NHL NHL All-Star Team (1st)
1977-78 NHL NHL All-Star Team (1st)
1978-79 NHL NHL All-Star Team (1st)

• All-Star Games •
NHL • 1972 / 1975 / 1976 / 1977 / 1978

• Vezina Trophy Voting •
- The Vezina Trophy was awarded to the goalie / team that allowed the fewest goals in a season during this era.

• Hart Trophy Voting •
- 71-72 (2nd) / 72-73 (4th) / 77-78 (T11th)

• Achievements •
• Games
- 1971-72 NHL 64 (1)
- 1972-73 NHL 54 (3)
- 1974-75 NHL 56 (7)
- 1975-76 NHL 62 (5)
- 1976-77 NHL 56 (4)
- 1977-78 NHL 52 (10)
- 1978-79 NHL 47 (9)
- Career NHL • 397 (93rd all-time)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 112 (T12th all-time)

• Wins
- 1971-72 NHL 39 (1)
- 1972-73 NHL 33 (1)
- 1974-75 NHL 30 (4)
- 1975-76 NHL 42 (1)
- 1976-77 NHL 41 (1)
- 1977-78 NHL 37 (2)
- 1978-79 NHL 30 (2)
- Career NHL • 258 (42nd all-time)
- 1971 NHL PLAYOFFS 20 (1)
- 1973 NHL PLAYOFFS 17 (1)
- 1976 NHL PLAYOFFS 13 (1)
- 1977 NHL PLAYOFFS 14 (1)
- 1978 NHL PLAYOFFS 15 (1)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 80 (6th all-time)
- Career NCAA • 76 (T15th all-time)

• GAA
- 1966-67 NCAA 1.46 (1st / 6th all-time)
- 1967-68 NCAA 1.52 (1st / 8th all-time)
- 1968-69 NCAA 1.79 (1st / 18th all-time)
- Career NCAA • 1.59 (3rd all-time)
- 1972-73 NHL 2.26 (1)
- 1974-75 NHL 2.69 (5)
- 1975-76 NHL 2.03 (1)
- 1976-77 NHL 2.14 (2)
- 1977-78 NHL 2.05 (1)
- 1978-79 NHL 2.30 (1)
- Career NHL • 2.24 (9th all-time)
- 1976 NHL PLAYOFFS 1.92 (1)
- 1977 NHL PLAYOFFS 1.55 (1)
- 1978 NHL PLAYOFFS 1.89 (1)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 2.40 (29th all-time)

• Save Percentage (NHL started recording this stat in 1983/84)
- 1966-67 NCAA .945 (1st / 4th all-time)
- 1967-68 NCAA .938 (1st / T9th all-time)
- 1968-69 NCAA .936 (1st / T12th all-time)
- Career NCAA • .939 (2nd all-time)

• Goalkeeper Win Percentage
- 1966-67 NCAA .981 (1st / 2nd all-time) 26-0-1
- 1967-68 NCAA .926 (1st / T7th all-time) 25-2-0
- 1968-69 NCAA .926 (1st / T7th all-time) 25-2-0
- Career NCAA • .944 (1st all-time) 76-4-1
- Career NHL • .650 (1st all-time) 258-57-74
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • .714 (1st all-time) 80-32

• Shutouts
- 1971-72 NHL 8 (2)
- 1972-73 NHL 6 (1)
- 1974-75 NHL 4 (6)
- 1975-76 NHL 8 (1)
- 1976-77 NHL 10 (1)
- 1977-78 NHL 5 (2)
- 1978-79 NHL 5 (1)
- Career NHL • 46 (27th all-time)
- 1977 NHL PLAYOFFS 4 (1st)
- 1978 NHL PLAYOFFS 2 (1st)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 10 (10th all-time)
- Career NCAA • 13 (15th all-time)

• career stats •

| gms| W | L | T/0TL | GAA |SAVE %| SO| G| A| PIMs
NHL | 397 |258 |57 |74 |2.24| | 46 |0 |19|12
NHL PLAYOFFS| 112 |80 |32 | |2.40 | | 10| 0 | 4|4
International | 8|4|4| |3.42| |1|||
NCAA | 83| 76|4|1|1.59|.939|13|| |

• all-time team records •
Cornell Big Red (NCAA) - games (4) / wins (1) / GAA (2) / save% (1) / SOs (3) / MVP (1967) (1969)
Montreal Canadiens (NHL) - games (3) / playoff games (2) / wins (3) / playoff wins (1) / Ties-OTL (2) / GAA (3) / SOs (3) playoff SOs (T1) / mins. (3) playoff mins. (2)

[Ken Dryden / Etobicoke Indians - GK on the right]

• Accolades •

" Dryden is still a thieving giraffe."

"I thought our club played very well, in fact a great game," said Boston coach Tom Johnson,"one that could compare to our best efforts during the season. He gave full marks to Canadiens' rookie goaltender Ken Dryden who play sparked the underdog Montrealers in their two playoff game victories over the Bruins. "The Canadiens got phenomenal goaltending from Dryden, and they made us work for everything we got." Phil Esposito, the Bruins record-setting scoring champion with 152 points during the regular season, called Dryden's first-period save on him, "the most unbelievable stop I've ever seen made in hockey".

Boston had Phil Esposito, Bobby Orr, Wayne Cashman, Ken Hodge and Johnny Bucyk. And they had another advantage - playing on home ice. In such a situation, coaches usually prefer to rely on experienced players, yet Al MacNeil took a chance on his novice. And Ken defeated the Bruins almost single-handedly. The series lasted for seven games, and Dryden rescued his team after quite a few sloppy plays and from goals that should have been scored.


During his short first season in the NHL, Ken Dryden demonstrated brilliant technique as a goalie and an ability to win even in unfavorable situations - qualities acquired with experience...Ken gained a reputation for his exceptionally quick reflexes and his brilliant work with the goalie stick. He even got 23 assists during his career. But the most important statistic of all is the six Stanley Cup wins in eight seasons.

"What we ought to do is get Dryden a job with a law firm in Florida that won't let him play hockey on the side."

Montreal goalie Ken Dryden wanted to steer clear of absolutes Tuesday night but Atlanta coach Fred Creighton was about to get as definite as you can get, "That is the best performance I've ever seen a goalie turn in".

Moments after the second Angotti goal, a blast by Chicago's Dennis Hull almost ripped Dryden's face mask off. The lanky goalie fell to the ice, but shook off the effects to continue. He took four stitches to close the woulnd on the edge of his chin.

But most Bruins wanted to talk about Dryden, their old nemesis, who stopped all 10 of their first period shots. "I've never seen him play a bad game against us", said Wayne Cashman. "I'd never wish a bad game on anyone, but I wish we'd get lucky against him just once."

He [Gilbert Perreault] had a good portion of the 50 shots the Sabres had at the Montreal netminder in Sunday night's victory but he still appears awed by the lanky Dryden. "If I wasn't playing against Dryden I'd have twice as many goals. There was one time Sunday when I I made a shift on him, faked him out of position completely and fired the puck high up in the far corner. I was sure I'd scored and what happens? He brings that big leg up and stops it.`

Ken Dryden was far from the stereotypical NHL goalie. The average goalie is always edgy and a little nervous, and you really can not blame them for that. But Dryden was as cool and confident as could be.

More than any of his dazzling moves, big saves or stolen games, it was his "thinker's pose" that most people vividly remember about Ken Dryden. When the puck was cleared from his zone or when the play was whistled dead, Dryden would coolly dig the tip of his blade into the ice and fold his arms across the top. He simply relaxed until the puck came back down to his end.

“War, as I interpret it, is the variable in all men. For me, the war is hockey. I cannot let hockey make me what I am not."

 

[VanIslander]

Right winger Larry Aurie, who had his number retired by Detroit after more than a decade on a line with Herbie Lewis. He led all NHLers in goals scored in his tenth NHL season and was the 1st team all-star selection to end a four-year stretch in which he finished top-10 in NHL assists three times and in NHL goals twice. He had led the playoffs in assists with 7 as the Red Wings went to the 1934 Stanley Cup Finals, then won the cup two postseasons later, contributing a goal and a couple of assists and noted defensive play. "Little Dempsey" fought when needed and he was also known as "The Little Rag Man" for his skill in holding onto the puck.

Busher Jackson... names Larry Aurie of the Red Wings the hardest-checking right-winger in the league

One of the greatest two-way forwards in the National League, the mighty mite, 139 pound right winger veteran of the ice lanes is the last member of the club that introduced major league hockey to Detroit in 1927. A fighter throughout every game, Aurie always was ready to trade punches with the biggest players in the circuit when aroused.

Lewis... and Larry Aurie, the two way terrors who sparked the Red Wings to their first Stanley Cup.

He was XXXXXX' favourite player and he gained the respect of his opponents with his aggressiveness, intelligence and scoring touch.

Little Larry Aurie caught Jack's attention early in the pre-season training sessions and before the 1927-28 campaign was halfway completed, Adams was proudly calling the gutty forward, "Hockey's best two-way player."

Although one of the smallest men ever to play, he was one of the toughest of the era as well.

Aurie captained the team in the 1932–33 season, led the league in playoff scoring in 1934 with 10 points in nine games and led the league in goal scoring in 1937 with 23 while earning a first-team selection on the post-season NHL All-Star Team.

His selfless play and hustle made him a favorite of owner James Norris.

Aurie scored his NHL leading 23rd goal on March 11, 1937 in a 4–2 win over the New York Rangers, but later in the game fractured his leg in a collision with Rangers' defenceman Art Coulter, ending his season. Aurie's season leading scoring performance earned him a berth on the NHL First All-Star Team. Unfortunately, this was Aurie’s last strong season. The lingering effects of his fractured leg began to affect his play and in 1937–38, he dropped to 10 goals and 19 points and was forced to retire after the season at age 33. After the season, team owner James Norris decided to honor Aurie by retiring his jersey No. 6 - the first Detroit player to have this honor bestowed upon him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Aurie

 

[VanIslander]

HHOF center Cooney Weiland, the 1935 2nd team NHL all-star his second year centering the top line with Lewis and Aurie in Detroit, finishing 6th and 7th in NHL assists in his first and second year with the same duo, leading them to the Stanley Cup Finals his first year there, contributing four points in the playoffs, his linemate Aurie leading with 7 assists and 10 points in the cup run. Before arriving in Motown, Weiland was a star player in Boston. He scored a couple of crucial goals for the Bruins in their 1929 Stanley Cup championship then the next year led all skaters in the NHL in goals and points (and third in assists), following that up by leading the Bruins in assists with 5 in the postseason and tied for the team lead in points as they went to the Stanley Cup Finals. The next year he again led the Bruins in scoring, finishing 4th in NHL goals and easily led the Bruins in the playoffs with 6 goals and 9 points in 5 games, the next nearest Bruin scoring a mere 2 goals. After a couple of years in Detroit he returned to Boston as a 31 year old where he tied the team lead in regular season goals, 2nd in team points, on a by-then struggling Boston club. He was top-10 in NHL points over a 9-year stretch. He retired after 11 NHL seasons, finishing off his career in a limited role on the 1939 championship Bruins squad. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1971.

Weiland was a giant in action, if not in size, using his extra-long hockey stick to poke or hook the puck away from other players. "Little" Cooney Weiland was not only a defensive wonder, but shifty on the attack

Cooney Weiland has regained his old Dynamite-Line form and is the best defensive center in the league...

...an aggressive player. Knows his hockey and packs a wicked shot

Cooney has proved to be one of the best defensive players in the league. He is so good on defense that they have made him a spare, available to scoot out on the ice and up the Bruin's defense when the team is short one or more. Weiland's poke checking has held off many an opposition scoring threat

Cooney Weiland the other center player is proficient in breaking up plays as well as dangerous on the attack

Cooney Weiland foiled many Maroon leads with his tricky footwork and poke check, besides heading many attacks on his own account.

Weiland made his name as a penalty killing specialist who could also find the back of the net.

Weiland, the master of the poke and hook check, has been elected captain of the Boston Bruins

 

[BubbaBoot]

Cam Neely
right wing

• Shoots: Right • Height: 6-1 • Weight: 218 lbs. •
• Born: June 6, 1965 • Comox, British Columbia •
• Draft: Vancouver • 1st round (9th overall) • 1983 NHL Entry • from: Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) •
• Played: 1983/84 - 1995/96 •
• Hall of Fame: 2005 •

• Championships •
1983 Portland Winter Hawks (CHL / Memorial Cup)

• Awards •
1993-94 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (NHL)
2010 Lester Patrick Trophy (NHL)

• Honors •
1987-88 NHL All-Star Team (2nd)
1989-90 NHL All-Star Team (2nd)
1990-91 NHL All-Star Team (2nd)
1993-94 NHL All-Star Team (2nd)

• All-Star Games •
NHL - 1988 / 1989
NHL - 1990 / 1991 / 1996

• All-Star Team Voting •
- 1987-88 (2nd) / 1988-89 (6th) / 1989-90 (2nd)
- 1990-91 (2nd) / 1993-94 (2nd)

• Hart Trophy Voting •
- 1993-94 (9th)

• Selke Trophy Voting •
- 1987-88 (T21st)
- 1989-90 (T27th)
- 1990-91 (T19th)

• Achievements •
• VsX • Points • 7 yr peak
- 67 / 53 / 54 / 71 / 79 / INJ / INJ / 62 / 63 = 509 (MEAN = 64)

• VsX • Goals • 7 yr peak
- 64 / 75 / 56 / 89 / 100 / INJ / INJ / 93 / 84 = 561 (MEAN = 80)

• VsX • Goals (for span RWers) • 7 yr peak/span
- 68 / 84 / 76 / 100* / 100* / INJ / INJ / 88 / 84 = 600 (MEAN = 86)
(2nd place finishes behind Brett Hull's 72 & 86 goals)

- 50 goals in 44 games


• Goals
- 1982-83 WHL 56 (T11)
- 1989-90 NHL 55 (3)
- 1990-91 NHL 51 (2)
- 1993-94 NHL 50 (8)
- 1994-95 NHL 27 (9)
- Career NHL • 395 (91st all-time / 31st for RWers)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 57 (37th all-time / 14th for RWers)

• Goals Per Game
- 1989-90 NHL 0.72 (5)
- 1990-91 NHL 0.74 (2)
- 1993-94 NHL 1.02 (1)
- 1994-95 NHL 0.64 (5)
- Career NHL • 0.54 (14th all-time / 7th for RWers)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 0.61 (5th all-time / 3rd for RWers)

• Power Play Goals
- 1989-90 NHL 25 (2)
- 1990-91 NHL 18 (6)
- 1993-94 NHL 20 (9)
- 1994-95 NHL 16 (1)
- Career • 142 (52nd all-time / 16th for RWer)
- 1991 NHL PLAYOFFS 9 (1)
- Career PLAYOFFS • 25 (13th all-time / 5th for RWers)

• Even Strength Goals
- 1987-88 NHL 31 (10)
- 1989-90 NHL 30 (10)
- 1990-91 NHL 32 (7)
- 1993-94 NHL 30 (5)
- Career NHL • 252 (104th all-time / 37th for RWers)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 31 (51st all-time / 18th for RWers)

• Shooting Percentage
- 1993-94 NHL 27.0 (1)
- Career NHL • 18.4 (26th all-time / 12th for RWers)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 19.6 ( 34th all-time / 4th for RWers)

• Points Per Game
- 1990-91 NHL 1.32 (9)
- 1993-94 NHL 1.51 (2)
- Career NHL • 0.96 (80th all-time / 23rd for Rwers)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 0.96 (23rd all-time / 13th for RWers)

• Plus/Minus
- 1987-88 NHL 30 (10))

• career stats •

| gms| G | A | TP | PIMs|+/-| G/gm| A/gm| PP| SH
NHL | 726 |395 |299 |694|1241|+82| .54 |.41 |142|1
NHL PLAYOFFS| 93 |57 |32 |89 |168 |-9| .61| .34 |25|1
WHL | 91| 64|82|146|159||.70|.90||

• career team records •
Boston Bruins (NHL) - games (40)(RW9) / playoff games (12)(RW4) / goals (5)(RW2) / playoff goals (1) / assists (25)(RW6) / playoff assists (17)(RW6) / points (9)(RW4) / playoff points (7)(RW2) / PIMs (12)(RW4) / playoff PIMs (7)(RW4) / EV goals (6)(RW2) / playoff EV goals (2)(RW2) / PP goals (4)(RW1) / playoff PP goals (1) / GPG (2)(RW1) / playoff GPG (3*)(RW1) / APG (28)(RW5) / playoff APG (43)(RW9) / PtsPG (4)(RW1) / playoff PtsPG (7)(RW1) / 7th Player Award (1986-87) (1993-94)
*(.01% behind Phil Esposito & Barry Pederson with more games played)

• Accolades •

“Cam Neely was the hockey player the other hockey players wanted to be. He was blessed with a rare blend of talent, strength and determination and inspired other players to play as he did - hard and unrelenting.â€

Cam Neely is considered the pre-eminent power forward of his era. It was talent and dogged determination that set the competitor above his peers and earned Neely a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Cam Neely was the ultimate Boston Bruin. Character, perseverance, team work, physical play, play to death, win - all traits that can be easily used to describe both Neely and his B's.

Cam would score 36, 40, and 38 goals in his first 3 seasons with Boston. Cam would go on to record two straight 50 goal seasons before he suffered a major blow to his knee. During the Bruins Conference Final against Pittsburgh, a cheap hit on Cam's thigh by rival defenseman Ulf Sameulsson began Cam's injury woe's that would plague him for the rest of his tragically shortened career.

Cam returned for the 93-94 season scoring 50 goals for the third time. It took Cam only 44 games to reach the 50 goal plateau, only Wayne Gretzky has done it faster. (Mario Lemieux in the 88-89 season also scored 50 in 44 games.) Cam hurt his knee again shortly after scoring his 50th, and missed the playoffs that season.

As amazing of a goal scorer that he was, lighting the lamp did not define Cam Neely. He was the ultimate power forward of his time.His hands were as soft as a feather when he handled the puck, yet hard as a rock when handled an enemy. Defensemen feared going back into their corner to chase a loose puck knowing Neely was right behind them. As a forechecker he was relentless and imposing. He was an insane body checker and a dangerous fighter. Through his physical play he set the tone of games.

It took Cam Neely nearly two years to overcome a devastating leg injury. Last Thursday, when he finally returned to the Boston Bruin lineup, it took him less than five minutes to make his presence felt.

Cheers rocked Boston Garden whenever Neely appeared on the ice, and the noise built to an ear-splitting roar after he slapped a rebound past Minnesota North Star goalie Jon Casey 4:51 into the game. Hats, shoes and a stuffed toy Bruin came flying out of the stands as Neely pumped his left arm in jubilation. He capped his comeback by laying Minnesota's Dave Gagner flat with a ferocious bodycheck.

"I don't plan on playing any differently than I ever have," says Neely, 27, a two-time 50-goal scorer and the game's quintessential power forward. "I have to play physical to play well."

He might be the craziest x factor in all of organized sport. The nights he can play are a gift. Plugged into right wing on the Bruins' first line, he is a 150-watt bulb replacing a night-light, brilliance suddenly filling the rink. His appearance could not be more sudden and powerful than if he arrived in the Batmobile from the Batcave. In 28 games this season, he has scored 32 goals, tied for second in the NHL at the All-Star break. He has eight game-winning goals, first in the league.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1004803/1/index.htm

"Cam, to me, is everything this franchise stands for. He's not only the quintessential Boston Bruin, I think he's the quintessential hockey player. I know you have Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, and I'm not saying I wouldn't take them first in a draft, but Cam does more things, things that they don't do. He hits. He works the corners. I don't say there aren't other guys who do that, but Cam does it as well as anybody."

What more could you ask of an 18 year old right winger one season removed from midget hockey? Intelligent and tough, he will score consistently once he feels more comfortable in the league. While learning, his abrasiveness has offset his defensive shortcomings. Finally, a local boy who wasn't ignored by the local team.

....then tempers flared in the rugged, close-checking game. At 14:45, Boston's Cam Neely, who suffered an 11 stitch cut on the forehead by an errant puck in the first period, and Montreal's XXXXXX XXXXXX received five-minute penalties for a lively fight.

Neely, the prototypical NHL power forward before his leg began to unravel in May 1991, had a fabulous first game back after 13 months of repair and rehabilitation on his tattered left knee. He scored a power-play goal less than five minutes into the game-playing part of his comeback, led all skaters with seven shots, splattered almost every North Star who dared to take on his chiseled, 6-foot-1, 217 pound frame.

The New York Rangers left the Boston Garden talking to themselves and talking about Cam Neely. The Boston forward got the 13th hat trick of his career to bring the Bruins from behind for a 5-4 victory that endangered the playoff hopes of the defending Stanley Cup champions.

"He's a fabulous goal-scorer," said Rangers goaltender Glenn Healy,"He takes very little time to get the puck on net because of his hands. You have to start faster with him".

"He's unbelievably strong," added Ranger forward Adam Graves. "He gets his stick on everything because of his hand-eye coordination. He doesn't seem to look where he's shooting, yet he always seems to pick a corner".

"I may not have played well each shift, but I tried as hard as I could each shift. Obviously my physical play was something I took great pride in because I knew what it would do for myself and my teammates."

 

[BillyShoe1721]

RW Danny Gare

Buffalo Sabres Captain, 1977-1981
Detroit Red Wings Captain, 1982-1986
2x NHL All Star Game Participant
4x Top 6 All Star Voting(2, 4, 5, 6)
2x Top 21 Selke Voting(17, 21)
5th Hart Trophy Voting, 1980
4x Top 10 ESG(2, 2, 9, 10)
4x Top 12 Goals(1, 5, 12, 12), also 7th in goals/game 77-78(69 games)
3x Top 22 Points(18, 20, 22), also 13th in points/game 77-78(69 games)
10x 90+ PIM
Scoring Ranks on Sabres(full seasons from 75-76 to 80-81): 1, 2, 2, 2, 4
Goal Ranks on Sabres(full seasons 74-75 to 80-81): 1, 1, 1, 2*, 2, 5
VsX: 75, 71, 63, 61, 58, 49, 49

*1st in Goals/game

During 7 Year Peak

8th in Goals(75% of 2nd place Dionne
8th in Goals/Game
5th in ES Goals
4th in ES Goals/Game

After registering 31 goals and helping Buffalo to the Cup finals as a rookie in 1974-75, Gare took his game to a higher level in his second season. Despite playing on Buffalo's checking line, Gare scored 50 goals.

"I think one of the biggest memories I have is obviously being a young player in my second year here and playing on a checking line with Done Luce and Craig Ramsay. We were a checking line and we always played against the top lines. And I remember going into my last game against the Toronto Maple Leafs with 47 goals and we were checking the Darryl Sittler, Lanny McDonald and Tiger Williams line. And I was just hoping to maybe get a sniff at 50 and fortunately for myself I got three that night and got my 50th goal. So that was a big thrill to get 50 goals in your second year and especially the type of position I was in, like I mentioned, the checking line."

http://redwingslegends.blogspot.com/2006/05/danny-gare.html

In year two, Gare joined Don Luce and Craig Ramsey on the club's checking line. They played a great two-way game as Gare tallied his first 50-goal season.

By 1979-80, Gare, as the team's captain, buried 56 goals and 33 assists to lead the league in scoring along with fellow snipers Charlie Simmer and Blaine Stoughton.

http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=12682#.USWqEGfXcw8

The 5'9" and 175 pound native of Nelson, British Columbia joined the Sabres in 1974 after being selected 29th overall in the entry draft. The feisty Gare had just come off of an incredilbe season with the WCJHL's Calgary Centennials with a 68 goal, 127 point and 238 PIM season in 65 games!

Many felt Danny was too small to play in the NHL, but he quickly dismissed that notion when he held his own in a tussle with the legendary Dave "The Hammer" Schultz in his first NHL exhibition game! Danny had a strong training camp and followed that up with a fine NHL season. After scoring 31 goals and 62 points during 78 freshman season games, Gare tallied seven goals and 13 points during the 1975 playoffs as he helped lead Buffalo to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Sabres eventually fell to the Philadelphia Flyers in the Cup Finals but it was a thrilling ride that Gare will never forget.

Gare blossomed in his second NHL season. Despite playing on what was widely regarded as a checking line with Don Luce and Craig Ramsey, Gare scored a hat trick in the final game of the season to give him a team leading 50 goals.

Like many players who participated in the Canada Cup that year, the combative Gare got off to a slow start in 1981-82.

http://sabreslegends.blogspot.com/2006/12/danny-gare.html

He was known for his quick wrist shot and status as a small, yet scrappy and fearless player.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Gare

John Davidson, a hockey analyst and former goalie, says, "When you look at Danny's career, he was an original...he played with guts, determination, fought when he had to, scored when he could...and was very good at all of those different aspects."

Wayne Gretzky: "There's not too many players that I got a chance to grow up and idolize, and then get a chance to play with. But I had that pleasure with Danny Gare [in Edmonton]."

Larry Playfair: "He's tough, he played through pain, and he was the best Captain I ever played for."

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/313998-buffalo-sabres-blue-gold-origins-danny-gare

Danny Gare’s career as a star for the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings can be summed up in a simple statement: He gave 110 percent all of the time. His appearance was deceiving. He was built like a short, stocky catcher, but on the ice he was as quick and as graceful as a greyhound. For nine years he was the Sabres’ main spark plug, a perennial inspiration to his teammates and to his fans with his all-out, never-say-die play. Night after night he was always a tough, hard-nosed competitor. Game after game he was always there moving forward at full tilt. On the ice he was highly focused with a burning desire to do whatever was necessary to win. Even in the latter stages of a game out of hand he never took a breather or eased up for an instant. Gare was tenacious even when he skated backwards.

In time Sabre fans may forget his scoring statistics, but they will always remember his spirited style of play. Plain and simple, the fans loved him.

http://buffalosportshallfame.com/member/danny-gare/

Danny Gare wasn't blessed with a 6'3", 230-pound physique that allowed him to simply bull his way into any space he wanted to occupy on the ice. In fact, he wasn't even 6'0", 200. At 5'9", 175 pounds, Gare learned at an early age he would have to fight--sometimes literally--for every inch of NHL ice.

Often playing with more stitches than a baseball or more pulls than a slot machine, Gare posted 354 goals. 331 assists, and 1,285 penalty minutes in 827 regular-season games. He ranks fourth on the Sabres' career goals list with 257. A great pressure performer, he is third in team history with 23 career playoff goals, fifth with 21 career playoff assists, and fourth with 44 career playoff points.

Secondly, I was the right wing on our checking line. As a rule, checking lines are supposed to play conservatively and concentrate on playing defense. They're not expected to score. Most checking lines won't go on the offensive and force the issue because they don't want to be caught up ice.

We really bucked the trend. We played in the other team's zone. We realized that a lot of great players aren't good in their own zone, they're good in the other team's zone. So, we tried to check them in their end and create turnovers because they're always looking for breakaways. The offensive players are stars. They're looking to get out of the zone. Sometimes that would leave the rest of the team outnumbered and we'd take advantage of it.

http://www.hockey-fights.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/402249/

Suddenly, Danny Gare of the Buffalo Sabres tore down the wing and let a shot go. There was a blur, a bulge in the net, and Vachon shaking his head.

A couple minutes later, Gare burst in again, but this time Kromm had the good sense to move a little further out of the way. In fact, now the Jets' coach was crouched low behind the net. "There's no way I'm going to get too close to that guy's shot," Kromm said later.

A lot of people have noticed Gare during the 2 weeks Team Canada has been working out. "When he gets hold of it, he can really blow it by you," said Islanders' goalie Chico Resch. "An average shot for Danny is a super shot for a lot of other players."

Vachon was just as impressed if not downright surprised by the quickness and accuracy of Gare's shot. "The thing is," said Vachon, "a lot of times he lets it go off his wrong foot and he ends up catching you off balance."

Gare also played on a checking line, usually with Craig Ramsay and Don Luce, and every so often missed a regular shift if Ramsay and Luce had just killed a penalty.

"He's just a very good hockey player," says GM Sam Pollock who selected him for the team.

Muscle? He's a little guy at 5'10", 175 pounds but he's as rugged as his team-leading 130 minutes in penalties would indicate. He even had his share of fights although not nearly as many as 3 years ago when he scored 68 goals during his last season with the junior Calgary Centennials.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?n...I1U0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZbkFAAAAIBAJ&pg=992,1602267

Gare uses heart & determination to overcome lack of size in NHL

At just 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, two-time All-Star winger Danny Gare made the most of his opportunities playing on the checking line and parlayed them into earning the title of captain with the Buffalo Sabres and the Detroit Red Wings before finishing up with the Edmonton Oilers.

http://www.officialdannygare.com/?page_id=2

Gare, who accumulated more than 100 penalty minutes six times, says his physical style was also a factor in his magic touch around the net.

“It was a physical game back then and you had to get room,†Gare says. “You had to fight for your room and that was a big part of my game. I had to get to the net, and in order to do so, I had to battle.â€

http://z3.invisionfree.com/*******/index.php?showtopic=674

It may have taken a bit longer than 18 seconds-but not by much-for Sabres fans to realize that the 5'9" dynamo with the rocket shot and feisty fists would become a fixture in Buffalo.

But Gare's career was about so much more than numbers. "Danny was a heart and soul guy, and he brought not only ability and talent to the team but he brought a work ethic and desire," said teammate Ric Seiling. "He was a nitty-gritty guy who would go to fence for any guy on his team. The day he got traded, for the first little while there, I was totally lost as far as leadership. He was a guy that I looked up to for leadership, just a great team guy. People look at 50 goals, but there's a lot more than 50 goals with Danny Gare.

He was one of the few guys who could look at Perreault, Schony, anyone who wasn't toeing the line, and he'd say something to him. Not many players in the league are capable of calling their friends and teammates out, but Danny could, and he could back it up by going out there and scoring a goal or fighting someone.

http://books.google.com/books?id=G0...a=X&ei=L7MlUfbXCcrn0gGZjoDQBQ&ved=0CEcQ6AEwBQ

The 5'9", 175 pound forward was known for his quick wrist shot and status as a small, but scrappy and fearless player

.

http://books.google.com/books?id=Ro...ed=0CE0Q6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=danny gare&f=false

When Brad arrived for training camp in September, he was paired with team captain and former 50-goal scorer Danny Gare. "I really connected with Danny. He was an intelligent, classy guy and an intense competitor.

http://books.google.com/books?id=Lg...ed=0CFMQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=danny gare&f=false

He shot for the front of the net and Danny Gare, who had been checking like mad, stuck his stick out to deflect it back of the net-but put it in instead; 5-5, and overtime.

http://books.google.com/books?id=At...ed=0CGQQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=danny gare&f=false

Danny Gare came into the NHL with attitude and backed it up with talent. He was listed at a mere 5'9" and 175 pounds, but all of that was athletic with the heart and mind of a fierce competitor.

http://books.google.com/books?id=HC...X&ei=MbYlUeb7Ee-P0QHK5YCYBg&ved=0CC0Q6AEwADgK

One of the most pleasant surprises of the Buffalo Sabres' 1974-75 season, right winger Dan Gare supplied pugnacity-despite his smallish stature-and goals(31) in the Sabres' march to the Stanley Cup finals.

http://books.google.com/books?id=wp...X&ei=MbYlUeb7Ee-P0QHK5YCYBg&ved=0CFcQ6AEwBzgK

Gare Scores SO the Hard Way On April 4, 1976, hard-shooting Danny Gare became the second player in Buffalo history to score 50 goals in a season when he beat Toronto's Gord McRae. A tough player with a quick temper and a quicker shot ...

https://www.google.com/search?q=dan...73,d.dmQ&fp=9b35d69dfec2d049&biw=1366&bih=638

Gare, the feisty right winger from Nelson who is one of the NHL's best two-way performers, may miss Buffalo's first game of the quarter-final round Thursday.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...J&pg=4712,1203339&dq=danny+gare+two-way&hl=en

...powerful shooters and skaters in Gil Perreault, DAnny Gare and Rick Martin.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...J&pg=3708,2475965&dq=danny+gare+two-way&hl=en

A stocky, 5'7" winger, Gare doesn't consider himself, or his line, to be a scoring line. Rather, he figures to be in at the end of the game for checking purposes.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...BAJ&pg=5818,1531011&dq=danny+gare+check&hl=en

But he has had Gainey at left wing on a line with Gare and Ken Linseman.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/...ROSA;+SINDEN+LOOKS+TO+1982+DRAFT&pqatl=google

 

[BubbaBoot]

Gilbert Perreault
center

• Shoots: Left • Height: 6-1 • Weight: 180 lbs. •
• Born: November 13, 1950 • Victoriaville, Quebec •
• Draft: Buffalo • 1st round (1st overall) • 1970 NHL Amateur • from: Montreal Jr. Canadiens (OHA-Jr) •
• Played: 1970/71 - 1986/87 •
• Hall of Fame: 1990 •

• Championships •
1967 Thetford Mines Canadiens (QJHL / CHL)
1969 Montreal Jr. Canadiens (CHL / Memorial Cup)
1970 Montreal Jr. Canadiens (CHL / Memorial Cup))

• International Medals •
1976 - Gold • Canada Cup
1981 - Silver • Canada Cup

• Awards •
1969-70 MVP (OHA-Jr)
1970-71 Calder Memorial Trophy (NHL)
1972-73 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (NHL)

• Honors •
1968-69 OHA All-Star Team (1st)
1969-70 OHA All-Star Team (1st)
1975-76 NHL NHL All-Star Team (2nd)
1976-77 NHL NHL All-Star Team (2nd)
1981 Canada Cup - All Tournament Team

• All-Star Games •
NHL • 1971 / 1972 / 1977 / 1978
NHL • 1980 / 1984

• All-Star Voting •
- 70-71 (7th) / 71-72 (4th) / 72-73 (3rd) / 73-74 (7th) / 74-75 (3rd) / 75-76 (2nd) / 76-77 (2nd) / 77-78 (5th) / 79-80 (3rd)
- 83-84 (5th)

• Hart Trophy Voting •
- 70-71 (13th) / 71-72 (10th) / 72-73 (5th) / 75-76 (8th) / 76-77 (7th) / 77-78 (T14th) / 79-80 (T13th)

• Lady Byng Trophy Voting •
- 70-71 (T5th) / 71-72 (T11th) / 72-73 (1st) / 73-74 (T12th / 75-76 (7th) / 76-77 (6th) / 77-78 (7th) / 79-80 (T19th)
- 83-84 (10th) / 84-85 (12th) / 85-86 (9th)

• Achievements •

• VsX • 6 yr peak • PTS
- 76 / 95 / 91 / 82 / 73 / 89 = 499 (MEAN = 83)

• VsX • Next Best 6 yr accumulative • PTS
- 71 / 85 / 66 / 61 / 61 / 63 = 437 (MEAN = 73)

• VsX • 6 yr peak • GOALS
- 75 / 84 / 74 / 77 / 46 / 77 = 433 (MEAN = 72)

• VsX • Next Best 6 yr accumulative • GOALS
- 75 / 48 / 56 / 46 / 54 / 55 = 334 (MEAN = 56)

• VsX • 6 yr peak • ASSISTS
- 70 / 99 / 84 / 67 / 75 / 88 = 481 (MEAN = 80)

• VsX • Next Best 6 yr accumulative • ASSISTS
- 90 / 69 / 63 / 72 / 54 / 45 = 393 (MEAN = 66)

• Games Played
- 1970-71 NHL 78 (3)
- 1972-73 NHL 78 (3)
- 1975-76 NHL 80 (1)
- 1976-77 NHL 80 (1)
- 1979-80 NHL 80 (3)
- Career NHL • 1191 (99th all-time /24th for centers)

• Goals
- 1968-69 OHA-Jr 37 (T12th)
- 1969-70 OHA-Jr 51 (2)
- 1970-71 NHL 38 (6)
- 1975-76 NHL 44 (9)
- 1976-77 NHL 39 (7)
- 1977-78 NHL 41 (7)
- Career NHL • 512 (38th all-time / 12th for centers )
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 33 (130th all-time / 39th for centers)

• Assists
- 1968-69 OHA-Jr 60 (5)
- 1969-70 OHA-Jr 70 (2)
- 1972-73 NHL 60 (5)
- 1975-76 NHL 69 (3)
- 1976-77 NHL 56 (9)
- 1978-79 NHL 58 (8)
- 1979-80 NHL 66 (4)
- Career NHL • 814 (26th all-time / 15th for centers)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 70 (57th all-time / 25th for centers)

• Points
- 1968-69 OHA-Jr 97 (5)
- 1969-70 OHA-Jr 121 (2)
- Career OHA-Jr •
- 1974-75 NHL 96 (9)
- 1975-76 NHL 113 (3)
- 1976-77 NHL 95 (5)
- 1977-78 NHL 89 (8)
- 1979-80 NHL 106 (4)
- Career NHL • 1326 (32nd all-time / 15th for centers)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 103 (76th all-time / 29th for centers)

• Even Strength Goals
- 1976-77 NHL 30 (6)
- 1977-78 NHL 34 (4)
- Career NHL • 370 (20th all-time / 7th for centers)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 23 (100th all-time / 33rd for centers)

• Power Play Goals
- 1970-71 NHL 14 (4)
- 1971-72 NHL 11 (9)
- 1975-76 NHL 14 (10)
- Career NHL • 134 (64th all-time / 22nd for centers)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 10 (125th / 45th for centers)

• Goals Per Game
- 1970-71 NHL 0.49 (8)
- 1974-75 NHL 0.57 (7)
- 1977-78 NHL 0.52 (9)
- Career NHL • 0.43 (73rd all-time /20th for centers)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 0.37 (96th all-time / 35th for centers)

• Assists Per Game
- 1972-73 NHL 0.77 (8)
- 1974-75 NHL 0.84 (6)
- 1975-76 NHL 0.86 (3)
- 1978-79 NHL 0.73 (10)
- 1979-80 NHL 0.82 (9)
- Career NHL • 0.68 (27th all-time /20th for centers)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 0.78 (6th all-time / 5th for centers)

• Points Per Game
- 1974-75 NHL 1.41 (7)
- 1975-76 NHL 1.41 (4)
- 1976-77 NHL 1.19 (7)
- 1979-80 NHL 1.32 (10)
- Career NHL • 1.11 (24th all-time /14th for centers )
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 1.14 (10th all-time / 7th for centers)

• career stats •

| gms| G | A | TP | PIMs|+/-| G/gm| A/gm| PP| SH
NHL | 1191 |512 |814 |1326 |500|+42| .43 |.68 |134|8
NHL PLAYOFFS| 90 |33 |70 |103 |44 |na| .36| .67 | 10|0
International | 16|9|12|21|6||.56|.75||
JRs | 200| 128|204|332|73||.64|1.03||

• all-time team records •
Montreal Jr. Canadiens (OHA-Jr.) - goals (4th) / assists (2nd) / points (2nd)
Buffalo Sabres (NHL) - games (1) / playoff games (1) / goals (1) / playoff goals (1) / assists (1) / playoff assists (1) / points (1) / playoff points (1) / EV goals (1) / playoff EV goals (1) / PP Goals (2) /playoff PP goals (2) / SH Goals (8) / GPG (6) /playoff GPG (3) / APG (3) / playoff APG (1) / PPG (4) /playoff PPG (1) / shot% (9) / playoff shot% (2)

• Accolades •

"The player who stunned me the most and who I previously had never heard about was Buffalo Sabres Gilbert Perreault. Never before in my life had I seen such a dynamic skater. When he took off I got the feeling that a locomotive was making its way down the ice. Perreault was so smooth that he had no trouble going coast to coast, around the defensemen like a knife through butter. He wasn't a typical Canadian player, although a big fellow, he was a fantastically technical player, far superior to any of his Team Canada teammates."

"He's always tempting you to go for the puck. His head and shoulders will be going one way, his legs are going another way and the puck is doing something else".

"Like Beliveau, Gil had all the moves and great range. There's no way to stop him if he's coming at you one-on-one"

One of the most naturally gifted forwards in NHL history, Gilbert Perreault dazzled fans and the opposition defenses with his famed end-to-end rushes. He was the first building block in place when Punch Imlach began assembling the Buffalo Sabres in 1970. Throughout his nearly 17-year career that was spent entirely with Buffalo, Perreault was consistently one of the game's most entertaining figures. His laid-back and shy personality kept him from gaining the fame of some of the other stars of his era.

For 17 glorious seasons, Gilbert Perreault was the Buffalo Sabres. As he went, so did the Sabres. An absolute magician with a hockey puck, Perreault ranks high on the NHL's all-time scoring list with 512 goals, 814 assists, for 1326 points in 1,191 games

Gilbert was one of the greatest one-on-one players ever. He had more tricks up his sleeve than the rest of his teammates combined. "In my day, offensive players did a lot more skating and stickhandling, changing speed, dekeing two guys and making plays in the offensive zone. I loved the thrill of beating everyone on the ice, dekeing through the opposition. When I got the puck, I'd dare them to try to get it away from me. Its rare to see that today, save for a few players like Mark Messier or Jaromir Jagr," said Perreault, who grew up admiring great stickhandlers Jean Beliveau and Dickie Moore.

Perreault was often compared to Marcel Dionne and Guy Lafleur, as those three were the top offensive players out of Quebec in their day. Perreault never reached the scoring plateaus that those two did, but many considered him to be the most individually talented. And later on in his career he became aware defensively. Lafleur of course was in Montreal and won many Cups with a great team, so he got the nod as the best Quebecer in the NHL. Dionne was way out in the obscurity of Los Angeles, and never got the recognition he deserved, so Perreault was often considered to be ranked in the middle of that French Trio.

His Gallic flair still is apparent on occasion , "I don't know anyone who skates as easily as he does," Scotty Bowman said but Perreault now backchecks with the fervor he once devoted to scoring. "His defensive game is much stronger now", Jim Schoenfeld said, "He's very strong in his own end of the ice, whereas before he was much more offensive-minded.....and yet, he can still break it open when he gets the puck. He's one of the few guys left in the league who can bust it open all by himself".

“I was never a guy who set goals. I always took it game-by-game. I want to see, point-wise, where I am when I retire from hockey.”

 

[Dreakmur]

Vic Stasiuk !!!

You have to have enthusiasm and a love of this game to play. You must keep interested and not get distracted. I can't understand a player who isn't enthusiastic. If you're not enthusiastic, you've got no business out on the ice.

Awards and Achievements:
3 x Stanley Cup (1952, 1954, 1955)
4 x Stanley Cup Finalst (1957, 1958, 1961, 1963)

Boston Bruin MVP (1959)


Offensive Accomplishments:
Points – 9th(1960), 11th(1958), 11th(1959), 15th(1961)
Goals – 7th(1960), 9th(1959), 10th(1957), 13th(1956), 15th(1958)
Assists – 9th(1958), 9th(1961), 10th(1960), 15th(1959)

Play-off Points – 8th(1961), 10th(1955)
Play-off Goals – 7th(1955), 7th(1959), 8th(1963), 9th(1957)
Play-off Assists – 4th(1961), 9th(1958), 10th(1952)


5 Year Peak: (1957-1961)
9th in Points, 70% of 2nd place Andy Bathgate
10th in Goals, 71% of Dickie Moore
10th in Assists, 70% of Gordie Howe

10 Year Peak: (1953-1962)
16th in Points, 60% of Jean Beliveau
13th in Goals, 56% of Jean Beliveau
19th in Assists, 60% of Andy Bathgate


Scoring Percentages:
Points – 91(1959), 85(1958), 85(1960), 63(1957), 59(1960), 52(1956), 51(1962)

Best 6 Seasons: 436

It was not until he reached Boston in 1955 that he hit stride as an accomplished two-way player who could score goals and rub his opponents the wrong way. With the arrival of Johnny Bucyk, the "Uke Line" was born. The trio consisted of Stasiuk on the right, Bronco Horvath in the middle and Bucyk over on the left side. For about the next five seasons, the "Ukes" terrorized the opposition while reaching an unprecedented level of scoring. In 1957-58, all three linemates topped the 20-goal plateau?an NHL first.

Enthusiasm, not to mention hard work and dedication, work trademarks of Stasiuk, both as a player and a coach.

Like most farm boys from Alberta, Stasiuk was never afraid of hard work…

Stasiuk was a lumbering skater whose tenacity outdid his skills.

On the Uke line, Vic and I used to do a lot of the skating. Branco, who wasn't a great skater, was the one we'd set up.

….

I first met Vic with the Edmonton Oil Kings. I watched Vic quite a bit and admired him from the first time we met. Vic is what you call an honest hockey player. This is the way he coaches the California Golden Seals. He wants everybody to be the way he was when he played. Vic was the type who worked hard all day. He'd skate up and down that right wing side until he was blue in the face. He'd forecheck, backcheck, do everything.

Vic is a fiery fellow. He is a very dedicated hockey man. Sometimes when we played together, after a game we'd be up all night arguing about what went wrong. When we lived together, it seemed as if we were always talking, eating, sleeping hockey. Vic's that type of person, just totally dedicated to hockey. Sometimes you can go overboard. You can't live hockey 24 hours a day because it's just too tough, but Vic does this.

Stasiuk was a solid six foot one and 185 pounds who could hustle and dig the puck out of the corners.

A hulking left winger who liked to use his body in heavy checking... Stasiuk could be intimidating...

Terry went on to state that Jean Beliveau gave him the most trouble with his screening and Vic Stasiuk for interfering with the goalie.

Vic Stasiuk had skated the width of the rink and crashed into Red Sullivan, fracturing Sullivan’s jaw and splintering the Rangers’ playoff hopes.

Another key contributor was rugged winger Vic Stasiuk...

Stasiuk was known for his "heavy" shot; not only was the puck a threat in terms of velocity, but when it hit you, it had significant extra sting.

He was an energetic part-time contributor to the Detroit Red Wings' Stanley Cups, and showed signs of blossoming talent by chipping in five goals in the 1955 Playoffs.

Adams wasn't much for lady byng winners. He tolerated Kelly because there were heavy-handed hewers of wood backing Red up, tough nuts such as Leswick, Pavelich, Stasiuk, Reise, and Pronovost.

Stasiuk's crushing hit on the Rangers' Red Sullivan was credited with turning the tide when Boston upset New York in the 1958 Semifinals.

Big fellow who can play either wing... Hardest worker who never lets up.

The Red Wings used to generate all their offense by dumping the puck into our corners. From there they would send their big guys like Vic Stasiuk... into the corner, bang around, and get the puck towards the front of the net.

We also had tough guys like Lou Fontinato and Vic Stasiuk along...

Stasiuk was probably the best Detroit forward in the playoffs last season.

I think we would have beaten Canadiens if Stasiuk had been playing. He helps Howe a lot. Some feel that Howe doesn't really need much help. But when Stasiuk and his muscles are charging up and down left wing, an opposing team can't use all its strength in slowing Howe. A little aid like that is all Howe needs, some nights, to be as good as he ever was.

1958 Coaches' Poll:
Stasiuk was noted as one of the best hustlers/hardest workers in the NHL

What the wires didn't pick up, was Dann's admittance that there are some really tough guys in the NHL. He mentioned Richard, Flaman, Howe, Watson, Kelly, Ezinicki, Lindsay, Johnson, Stasiuk, and Geoffrion. He warned all, and his friend Sundry, that it would be advisable to stay away from that group unless they wished to start collecting their pension cheques early.

Stasiuk started swinging after Bolton carried him into a corner, and lanky Hugh never landed a blow while taking a few about the head.

Joe Klukay trapped it about four feet in front of the Leaf goal. Klukay squirmed around, trying to herd Stasiuk out of the play but the Detroit player stabbed the puck with his stick and knocked it into the Leaf goal just as Lumley rushed out hoping to smother it.

And Stasiuk's shot did tear a hole in the back of the net, in my opinion and the opinion of many other people, excluding the goal judge. Funny thing about that goal (not allowed) was that Stasiuk, using a defenseman as a screen and ******* as a decoy, apparently assumed that he had missed the upper corner. *******, however, had a better angle. He immediately began yelling for justice and pointing to the tell-tale strands of broken net, even while play went on.

Vic Stasiuk, barrelling right winger...

The cannonballing Vic Stasiuk, who skates through many a man he can't go around...

Recently Abel sent **** *******, Murray Oliver and *** ******** to Boston in exchange for *** ****** and Vic Stasiuk. His reasoning was that they would beef up the Wings defensively and prevent that late season sag.

The deal that brought Vic Stasiuk... to Detroit from Boston late in the season has meant a great deal to Detroit... Stasiuk is so delighted to be playing on a line with Howe that one gets the impression he would do it on crutches if he had to. He goes out there with his left leg taped from high on his thigh clear down to his ankle... In the third period he went behind the Toronto goal for the puck and struggled for it with Tim Horton... Stasiuk tried to get the puck out and Horton blocked it. "I made a bad play the first time," Stasiuk said. "But I was lucky - the puck came back to me and I got it out."... He got it out to Howe, who was cruising in the faceoff circle. Howe wound up his backhand, hit it like a chip shot so fast that Bower could scarcely make a move... when the crippled Stasiuk got it out to Howe, it was in. And that was the game.

Stasiuk was the key figure in turning Detroit from a non-aggressive, ineffective team into one which forced the play, kept the Leafs off balance, and contributed to a thoroughly disorganized Toronto effort. Howie Meeker, former Leaf, nominated Stasiuk as "the star of the game". "Checking and skating are the most important aspects of hockey. I'd have to put checking first in a series like this. And he was checking. He mixed with the toughest Leafs, knocking them down, setting the example for the rest of them, and they picked up from him." Despite a shoulder injury which recently hampered his work, Stasiuk has been playing on a line with Norm Ullman. it's been one of the Wings' more effective units, and Stasiuk, always a mixer in the game's rougher, tougher going, has been prominent.

As a junior, I was a hard worker and a backchecker. That's what got me into the NHL, I think... I wasn't a scorer in Kansas City but Mud must have liked what he saw because he told Jack Adams if he had a chance to get me, he should... It was so hard to play for the Red Wings in those years, but I kept trying. They had so many good players and they didn't use too many. The Red Wings were a two-line team... There were four or five of us trying to play on the third line, but we seldom got on the ice... Ted Lindsay always treated me like a Red Wing and always complimented me. "You've got a good shot, use that goddamned thing," he would say... The Red Wings sent me to the Edmonton Flyers in 1953 with the hope that I might become a scorer. I almost won a scoring title down there. I played very well down there, so good that Adams decided to give me a full cut of Detroit's 1954 Stanley Cup playoff money shares...

I picked up the puck, went behind Sawchuk, and I was thinking, off the boards and out. But I peeked around Sawchuk and saw Delvecchio. Montreal came rushing up and I threw a perfect backhand pass right through the slot, which you should never do. It deflected to him and he went down and scored (the first goal of the game).

When I was traded back to Detroit in 1961, it was Sid Abel who picked me up. "You should have never gotten traded, Vic," he said. "I'm going to play you on left wing with Gordie Howe and Alex Delvecchio."... Ken Dryden told me he had a story for me. He said he was in a line with Red Kelly, and he had asked him, "What was the reason for the demise of the Red Wings in the 1955-56 season? Was it the trading of Terry Sawchuk?" Dryden said that Kelly had told him, "No, it was the trading of Vic Stasiuk." "Are you kidding me?" I asked. Dryden said that's what Red told him. He said Red said I was there every day, worked hard at practice, and I was on the verge of becoming a key player.

 

[BillyShoe1721]

Philadelphia is happy to select D Vitaly Davydov, probably the second best Russian defenseman pre-1970 behind Ragulin.

6x Soviet 1st Team All Star(1962, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970)
Soviet 2nd Team All Star(1971)
3x Olympic Gold Medalist(1964, 1968, 1972)
9x World Championships Gold Medalist
Named Best Defenseman 1967 World Championships(scored zero points)

Vitaly Davydov, Dynamo, Moscow, age 27, height 5-7, weight 157 pounds, though having an unimpressive build for defense work, is pluckier than everyone else and skillfully applies body-checking technique, feeds neat passes...

https://www.google.com/search?q=vit...73,d.dmQ&fp=80095d3704bb13a0&biw=1366&bih=638

A rock-solid defencemen; though smaller than average, played on three golden Olympic squads, highlighting an international career that also included nine consecutive World Championships from '63 to '71.

http://www.chidlovski.com/personal/1974/stats/rutop10i.htm

"For all his skill and meticulous execution, Davydov went unnoticed in comparison to power-looking defencemen like Nikolai Sologubov. But the future three-time Olympic champion was always quick to defend himself physically, and through a courageous struggle eventually took his rightful place on the USSR team."

"It was (undrafted coach) who re-made Davydov from a winger into a defender, a star of world hockey. He saw that the young player would not mind playing tough, often engaging opponents, and most importantly - was a fast skater, which is very important for a defender."

"Vitaly Davydov was the living embodiment of Dynamo Moscow. Fast, maneuverable, willing to sacrifice himself for his team, extraordinary will and dedication, with an inspiration not only to play but also to train, Davydov always served as an example for his teammates. He was a giant in spirit - nothing and nobody could stop Vitali."

Finally, there's an incredible story as dictated by an undrafted coach about Davydov's toughness:

"It was in the U.S., in Colorado, where we met with the Canadian team. In the second period, forward Roger Bourbonnais, seeing that he could not honestly win the duel with Davydov, struck him with his stick across his jaw as if it were ax. Davydov fell, but he saw that a Canadian had picked up the puck and was now skating towards the USSR goal. Davydov jumped up and, clutching his left arm to the blood-stained face, rushed after him.

Vitaly overtook the Canadian player, knocked the puck off him, and took a penalty.

But Vitaly had had enough. When he returned to the bench, Davydov lost consciousness.

The hospital diagnosed that Davydov's lower jaw was broken by in eight locations. "What kind of will would it take, despite the excruciating pain, not to rush to doctors and to help his goalkeeper..." wondered (undrafted coach)".

http://www.hockeystars.ru/davydov.php

Vitaly Davydov's absence from the 1972 Summit Series is a bit of a mystery.

Davydov was one of the best players in Soviet hockey history in the years prior to 1972. However a controversial coaching change seems to have prevented Davydov's participation in the series.

http://www.1972summitseries.com/davydov.html

Davydova was named the best defender the world championship in 1967. Particularly hard, he held a match against the Canadians. Then the fathers of hockey felt that the Soviet defenders, including Davydov, are not only strong in the defense - they are also very active in the attack.

http://persona.rin.ru/eng/view/f/0/18421/davydov-vitaly-semenovich

Without even giving it a second thought, Davydov will block a rocketing puck, which if shot at a distance 30 or 35 feet is like a kick from a horse.

http://books.google.com/books?ei=Ev...AAJ&dq=davydov+hockey&q=davydov#search_anchor

 

[Velociraptor]

Lorne Worsley, G

Position: Goaltender
HT/WT: 5'7", 155 lbs
Catches: Left
Nickname(s): "Gump"
Born: May 14th, 1929 in Montreal, QC

- Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame in 1980.
- 4-time Stanley Cup Champion - (1965, 1966, 1968, 1969)
- Finished Top-10 10 times in All-Star Voting - (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 4th, 6th, 6th, 6th)
- Played in the NHL All-Star Game 4 times - (1961, 1962, 1965, 1972)
- 2-time recipient of the Vezina Trophy - (1966, 1968)
- 1-acknowledgement for NHL First All-Star Team - (1968)
- 1-acknowledgement for NHL Second All-Star Team - (1966)
- Won the 1952 Calder Trophy
- 335 wins, 43 shutouts, career GAA of 2.88 in 861 games played.
- 40 wins, 6 shutouts, career GAA of 2.78 in 70 playoff games played.

Top 10 Finishes:
Wins - 16x - (2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9)
Goals Against Average - 14x - (1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7)
Shutouts - 16x - (2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 8, 8, 9, 10)

Voting Record:

Hart Voting:

3rd (55-56), 7th 62-63), 8th (65-66), 9th (60-61), 17th (54-55)

Credit to BBS for the following table:

Regular season save percentage numbers; 53-63 with Rangers, 66-69 with Canadiens, 71-74 with North Stars

Year | GP | Worsley |League Average |League rank
1953 | 50 | .901 | .918 | 6/6
1955 | 65 | .915 | .915 | 4/6
1956 | 70 | .920 | .915 | 3/6
1957 | 68 | .904 | .911 | 4/6
1958 | 37 | .929 | .907 | 1/6
1959 | 67 | .905 | .905 | 3/6
1960 | 39 | .897 | .907 | 5/6
1961 | 59 | .912 | .906 | 3/6
1962 | 60 | .912 | .904 | 4/6
1963 | 67 | .914 | .905 | 2/6
1966 | 51 | .923 | .902 | 2/6
1968 | 40 | .922 | .909 | 5/12
1969 | 30 | .920 | .908 | 4/12
1971 | 24 | .920 | .903 | 3/14
1972 | 34 | .934 | .902 | 2/14
1974 | 29 | .901 | .896 | 9/16

Gump's playoff numbers; 56-62 was with the Rangers, 65-69 Canadiens, 70-72 North Stars

Year | Worsley | Top GAA | Cup winner
1956 | 4.67 | 1.80 | 1.80
1957 | 3.99 | 1.66 | 1.66
1958 | 4.60 | 1.94 | 1.94
1962 | 3.28 | 2.07 | 2.07
1965 | 1.68 | 1.68 | 1.68
1966 | 1.99 | 1.99 | 1.99
1968 | 1.88 | 1.35 | 1.88
1969 | 2.27 | 1.42 | 1.42
1970 | 4.67 | 1.48 | 2.23
1971 | 3.25 | 2.19 | 3.00
1972 | 2.16 | 1.86 | 2.61

Year | Worsley | Top SV% | Cup winner
1956 | .851 | .923 | .923
1957 | .888 | .933 | .933
1958 | .873 | .937 | .937
1962 | .914 | .927 | .927
1965 | .936 | .936 | .936
1966 | .931 | .931 | .931
1968 | .930 | .963 | .930
1969 | .921 | .953 | .953
1970 | .880 | .935 | .925
1971 | .888 | .928 | .914
1972 | .935 | .936 | .915

Quotes

The Montreal Gazette - Mar. 3, 1968

The big "M" could easily have had the "hat trick" only for a couple of great saves by Gump Worsley...

Gump Worsley had a hard time staying alert but made some clutch stops en route to his fourth shutout of the season.

The Norwalk Hour - Apr. 20, 1968

Gump Worsley, Montreal's acrobatic goaltender...Worsley, the NHL's top goaltender during the regular season and a standout in the Canadiens' four-game playoff blitz of Boston...

The Leader-Post - Mar 19, 1966

It was only last May that the little round jolly guy who guards the nets for Montreal Canadiens got his second new lease on life in the National Hockey League. And Gump Worsley, who stands five-feet-seven and weights 180 pounds, hasn't looked back since. Worsley is the No. 1 goalie for the Canadiens and he and partner Charlie Hodge are headed toward winning the Vezina trophy-the award given to the goalie or goalies having played a minimum 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it.

The 36-year-old Worsley received his first new lease on life in the fall of 1963 when he left behind a miserable 10-year career with the New York Rangers to join the Canadiens. When Worsley toiled for the hapless Rangers, he was used for target practice by opposing sharpshooters. The Ranger defence was far from solid and more often than not he was left to fend for himself. Some observers used to say Worsley could have been the best goalie in the NHL if he played for a first division team. Then the big trade was made and Montreal sent veteran Jacques Plante to New York and made room for Worsley.

Legends of Hockey

Although Worsley played 21 years in the NHL, his career didn't begin until he was 24 years old. Prior to his 1952-53 rookie season with the Rangers, he played in five different leagues, winning honors and trophies at virtually every stop along the way. He was named the top rookie and best goalie in the USHL with the St. Paul Saints in 1950-51, was named the league's MVP in the Western League during his year with the Vancouver Canucks in 1953-54 and was placed on All-Star teams just about everywhere he went.

He won the Calder Trophy his first year in the NHL despite a record of 13-29-8, testament to his tremendous play on an otherwise weak team. But the next season the Rangers sent him to Vancouver, the only time a Calder winner never played a single NHL game the year after being so honoured. The following year he made the Broadway Blueshirts and stayed in the pro crease for the next decade.

They made the playoffs only four of the ten seasons, and although he was spectacular as the last line of defense, the team wasn't very good. But in 1963 the general managers' meetings were in Montreal and Worsley was traded from New York to the Habs during the course of the June weekend.

The additional pressure of playing in Montreal and the expectation of winning seemed to have nothing but a positive impact on Worsley's game. In his first season, however, he hurt his knee and played most of the year in the minors with the Quebec Aces to get in shape. He started the next season with the Aces but was called up to the Forum in mid-season and played heroically the rest of the way in leading the Habs to the 1965 Stanley Cup. He would never play in the minors again.

Coach Phil Watson Tuesday pinned the Stanley Cup hopes of the New York Rangers on Lorne (Gump) Worsley, the stubby goaltender he blasted only two weeks ago as a "beer belly" and a "fat boy." The volatile Watson predicted the Rangers will win the cup if "Worsley plays like he can and should."

Saskatoon Star-Phoenix - Mar. 13, 1957

"The way we're going now, we can win the cup. But Gump's our key man. If he isn't hot, we're dead." Although the Ranger roster is clear of injuries, coach Watson appears to have prescribed some psychological needling to keep his players on their toes. Two weeks ago he roasted Worsley when the last-place Chicago Blackhawks tied the Rangers in Chicago 6-6. Muttering "beer belly" and "fat boy," the New York coach charged his goalie was five pounds over his playing weight of 165. Worsley, who stands five-feet-seven, retorted that Watson was "full of old rope." Nevertheless, in the five Ranger games since Watson's blowoff, Worsley has allowed only seven goals.

Saskatoon Star-Phoenix - Feb. 1, 1962

New York Rangers, spurred by a magnificent goal-tending performance by Gump Worsley, snapped a 10-game National Hockey League losing string Wednesday night with a 5-0 victory over Boston's last-place Bruins. It was the Rangers' first victory since Jan. 1 and their first on home ice since Dec. 12. They were within one defeat of tying the club record for consecutive losses, established in 1943-44.

At New York, although the score wouldn't indicate it, the Rangers were badly outshot and outskated in the first two periods. With Worsley refusing to give ground, however, New York established a 4-0 lead at the end of the middle session. During the first 40 minutes Worsley made 28 saves, many of them spectacular. Boston's Bruce Gamble made only 11 in the same period. Worsley finished 40 saves and his second shutout of the season. On a breakaway by Jerry Toppazzini, Worsley charged from the cage, made a diving stop and was kicked in the head. Play was halted for three minutes while smelling salts were administered. Worsley's best performance was midway through the final period when the Bruins held a two-man advantage for a minute and 54 seconds.

The Milwaukee Journal - Apr. 7, 1962

Goalie Lorne (Gump) Worsley is happy with the new deal he is getting with the New York Rangers, and the way he is playing lately the Rangers have every reason to be even happier.

The Gumper has been a one man fort and a hero in the Rangers' Stanley cup semifinal hockey series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Friday night, he pulled out all the stops in a performance that had everyone gasping. He made 56 saves, many spectacular. It was in vain, as the Rangers lost 3-2, in two overtimes to the Leafs, who hold a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series going into the sixth game here Saturday night.

Gump's a lot happier now than in the old days when he and Coach Phil Watson, had a running feud, often because Watson thought Worsley was too pudgy. He didn't mention Watson by name, but said in an interview: "It's like the difference between night and day now that Doug's here. It's a pleasure to play now." He was referring to Doug Harvey, the long time Montreal defenseman who this year took over the coaching job at New York.

"Doug explains things to you. He doesn't just blast you off your feet," said Gump. And, said the stocky goaltender, there's no criticism of his weight now. Worsley is 5 feet 7 and his playing weight is 175 pounds. By the time his pads add a few inches around him, he looks like a roly-poly dwarf on the ice next to his big teammates. But he's moving well and Harvey has no complaints.

 

[Velociraptor]

Mike Gartner, RW

Position: Right Wing
HT/WT: 6'0", 187 lbs
Shoots: Right
Nickname(s): "Garts"
Born: October 29th, 1959 in Ottawa, ON

- Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001.
- 7-time top-10 in All-Star RW Voting (4, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
- Ranked 89th on THN's Top 100 Players of All-Time in 1997.
- Played in 7 NHL All-Star Games (1981, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1996)
- scored 708 goals and 627 assists for 1335 points in 1432 games, adding 1155 penalty minutes.
- scored 43 goals and 50 assists for 93 points in 122 playoff games, adding 155 penalty minutes.

Contrary to popular belief, Mike Gartner wasn't soft. He had 27 fighting majors, and he went up against the toughest customers in his career. The list includes Bobby Clarke, Tiger Williams, Rob Ray and Chris Nilan. He also received Selke votes in two separate years, suggesting he may have at least some defensive value.

Top 10 Finishes:
Goals - 5x - (5, 9, 9, 9, 10)
Points - 1x - (10)
Powerplay Goals - 4x - (2, 2, 3, 7)
Shorthanded Goals - 3x - (2, 2, 5)

Voting Record:

Selke Voting

26th (87-88), 30th (79-80)

Coaching Survey conducted from the early 70's to mid 80's:

MIKE GARTNER

Best skater | 4th | 1984
Fastest skater | 2nd | 1984

Best Skater: Pavel Bure (8), Mike Gartner (4), Paul Coffey (3), Sergei Fedorov (2), Teemu Selanne (2), Pat Lafontaine (1), Chris Chelios (1)

Best Penalty Killer: Sergei Fedorov (5), Doug Gilmour (4), Guy Carbonneau (4), Adam Graves (2), Mike Ridley (1), Neal Broten (1), Mike Gartner (1), Mark Messier (1), Gaetan Duchesne (1)
Hardest Working Player: Doug Gilmour (6), Adam Graves (3), Jeremy Roenick (3), Kirk Muller (2), Gary Roberts (2), Ray Ferraro (1), Sergei Fedorov (1), Craig MacTavish (1), Mike Gartner (1)
Best Shot: Brett Hull (6), Al MacInnis (4), Mike Modano (2), Mike Gartner (1), Ray Bourque (1), Jimmy Carson (1), Alexander Mogilny (1), Eric Lindros (1), Joey Mullen (1), Cam Neely (1), Sergei Fedorov (1)
Best Skater: Sergei Fedorov (8), Teemu Selanne (3), Paul Coffey (2), Mike Modano (2), Mike Gartner (2), Pavel Bure (1), Alexander Mogilny (1), Jeremy Roenick (1)

Quotes

I have a God-given ability to skate. I haven't really worked on my legs at all during my career.

Legends of Hockey

Always one of the fastest skaters in the NHL, Michael Alfred Gartner used his blazing speed and a hard, accurate shot to become one of the most consistent scorer's in league history, most of his 19 seasons of which were spent outside hockey's limelight.

Playing two more seasons for the Maple Leafs, Gartner was named as a Commissioner's Selection to the 1996 All-Star Game team. This marked his seventh and final appearance, which included an MVP performance of four goals and an assist in 1993. It was during the annual Skill's Competition, however, that he excelled. Gartner captured the "Fastest Skater Competition" each of the three years he entered, including 1996, at age 36. During the 1985-86 season, Gartner once said, "I have a God-given ability to skate. I haven't really worked on my legs at all during my career." He continued to prove his ability until his retirement in 1998.

Greatest Hockey Legends

When you think of great goal scorers, one often forgets the name Mike Gartner. But year after year after year Gartner has racked up an overwhelming amount of goals that places him near the top.

Very quietly, Mike Gartner scored 708 career goals. Only Phil Esposito (717), Marcel Dionne (731), Brett Hull (741), Gordie Howe (801) and Wayne Gretzky (862 and counting) have scored more often. Mike Gartner scored more career goals than the much flashier and much more celebrated Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, Steve Yzerman, Bobby Hull, Guy Lafleur and Mike Bossy.

Over 19 seasons Gartner showed great consistency while playing for the Washington Capitals, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and lastly the Phoenix Coyotes

In addition, he played in the right wing shadows of the likes of Guy Lafleur, Mike Bossy, Jari Kurri, Brett Hull and Jaromir Jagr. Gartner never made a NHL all star team, and never was in contention for any NHL post season award. Unlike his great peers, he never won a Stanley Cup.

Mike Gartner will always be remembered for his exceptional speed. His technical form was flawless and powerful. He had a great stride with really deep knee bends. His legs pumped like pistons, making him one of the fastest skaters of his time. A concerted defensive player, Gartner teamed really well with Mark Messier and Glenn Anderson in the Canada Cup, and because he had the speed to keep up with Soviet superstars Sergei Makarov and Vladimir Krutov.

More often than not Gartner used his speed to create offense. There have been a lot of incredibly fast skaters in the NHL, but very few who could handle the puck and make plays in top gear like Gartner could. He had a nice play where he'd bounce the puck off the nearby boards and then speed around a flatfooted defenseman, as if he was passing to himself. But more often than not he would try driving to the net to unleash a deadly accurate wrist shot or an absolute cannon of a slap shot. If he couldn't get around the defenseman, Gartner would typically zip around the net and try a wrap around attempt.

Gartner wasn't much of a playmaker, though he did score 627 career assists. He wasn't an overly physical player, but he was definitely not afraid to play in traffic and drive to the net. He was exceptional at protecting the puck from the opposition even at such high speeds. Not a body cruncher, Gartner would finish his checks usually by rubbing players out along the wall.

Mike Gartner was a really good player on some pretty average teams. Because of his ageless legs and a cannon of a shot, he was always looked to as a go to guy on these teams. He was as consistent as consistent could be, but he was never dominant for any length of time. Largely because of his career totals a high scoring era where players played longer than ever before, Gartner was included in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Hockey Almanac: 1993-94

A bona-fide goal-scorer, Gartner moves around the ice like a hungry shark with the scent. He is very solid on his skates and very tough-although his placid nature keeps him from retaliating against the cheap shots he absorbs. His slap shot is among the best in the game. Gartner also takes pride in- and earns tremendous respect for- his defensive play.

Mike Gartner has been the consummate competitor, fighting for every inch of ice, battling for every loose puck, and always giving his total effort for the benefit of the team.

WILL...........light the lamp
CAN'T...........be outskated
EXPECT............a winning attitude
DON'T EXPECT...........an off night

 

[Velociraptor]

Marty Pavelich, LW

Position: Left Wing
HT/WT: 5'11", 167 lbs
Shoots: Left
Nickname(s): "Blackie"
Born: November 6th, 1927 in Sault Ste. Marie, ON

- credited with five consecutive retroactive Selke Trophies
- 4-time Stanley Cup Champion - (1950, 1952, 1954, 1955)
- scored 93 goals and 159 assists for 252 points in 634 games, adding 454 penalty minutes.
- scored 13 goals and 15 assists for 28 points in 91 playoff games, adding 74 penalty minutes.

Quotes

Thanks to HT18 for the quotes.

Pavelich is one of the four key men around whom we built our hockey club. His scoring records never stood out, but he always had the toughest jobs - checking the great scoring right wings such as Maurice Richard. We practically had to put handcuffs on him to keep him off the ice.

So every night, these guys-Pavelich, xxxx, and xxxx-played against the best players the other team had. But besides stopping them, these guys, our checking line, they'd each end up with anywhere from eight to 12 goals a year. That was a tremendous advantage for the Detroit Red Wings.

... and where Adams thought Marty Pavelich was finished. Hell, Marty could have played another five years. He was one of the best defensive hockey players in the National Hockey League. Marty Pavelich was very intelligent - probably one of the most intelligent hockey minds that was never utilized by coaching or anything like that.

For a time, it was my job to stop the Rocket. But then, very quickly after that, because we had the Production Line, Marty Pavelich took over. Marty could put the Rocket to sleep a little bit because he was a diplomat. He didn't rile him. Marty would say, "He's great enough. I don't want to get him angry and make him greater, so I'll kind of try to subdue him a little bit."

I don’t know how many times we’ve gone into the dressing room between the second and third periods a goal or two behind…and before I can open my mouth to say a word to the fellows, Marty starts in. Before he’s through, he’s got them all fired up, and as often as not we’ll pull out of the game with a winâ€

Legends of Hockey

Usually on the ice with Tony Leswick and Glen Skov, it was Pavelich's job to shadow many of the greats of his day: Rocket Richard, Bill Mosienko, Ted Kennedy, Milt Schmidt, and the Bentley brothers.

Greatest Hockey Legends

Marty wasn't the most explosive scorer in the league but he put up respectable offensive totals and was a 4 time NHL All Star. But his job was more that of a defensive winger. He excelled in shutting down the other team's top gun.

So good was he at shutting down the opposition, Stan Fischler, a famous hockey author, ranked him as the 4th best defensive forward of all time in his book Hockey's 100. Only Claude Provost, Joe Klukay and Ed Westfall ranked ahead Marty.

Probably Pavelich's best known opponent to shadow was Rocket Richard, who Pavelich held in high regard.

"Well, Richard, that was my job to check him for 10 years and to me, he was the greatest goal scorer of all time. Even anybody playing today. Richard would have scored … he had a knack of getting the puck to the net. He was a very determined hockey player. Very, very fierce competitor.

The Windsor Daily Star - April 1, 1955

In a way, Pavelich was long over-due for such a snugly fitting hero's mantle. Recognized as one of the greatest penalty-killers in the game, he has never been a prolific scorer. Blessed with fine puck sense and great speed there have been scores of times when he has, by his own alertness, created such opportunities as he had last night-but not with the same result.

The Gods of Olympia Stadium

The former general manager of Dallas, Bob Gainey, used Marty as the epitome of what it means to be a two-way forward when he played for Montreal

Detroit Red Wings Greatest Moments and Players

His primary asset is his ability as a defensive or checking forward, and there is no one in the sport today who can match him in this department. Marty draws the assignment of checking the league’s great right wings.

Detroit attained a peak of achievement in 1952 by winning eight straight playoff games. It was much more than coincidence that the forward line headed by Pavelich and containing Tony Leswick and Glen Skov did not permit a single goal to be scored against it throughout the playoffs. In the final round of four games with Montreal – the Toronto Maple Leafs were disposed of in the preliminary round – Marty completely tamed the dangerous Richard, not permitting him so much as an assist, much less a goal.

The left wing’s secondary value to his club suggests a storybook touch, for it is wrapped around the old rah-rah theme, a rare item these days, at least in professional sports. It is a fact, though, that Pavelich is like a tonic to his teammates. Spirit is an intangible commodity, but Marty clearly bubbles over with it, spreads it among his mates. How many games have been won by the Red Wings as a result of Marty’s morale boosting, hustle, and defensive work cannot be estimated, but the figure must be considerable.

Pavelich torments the man he’s covering. He makes passing difficult, shots almost impossible, and as often as not he steals the puck. The mere presence of this 170-pounder on ice, players from the other team will tell you, makes it tough to get a goal.

 

[BubbaBoot]

Vladimir Konstantinov
defense

• Shoots: Right • Height: 5-11 • Weight: 190 lbs. •
• Born: March 19, 1967 • Murmansk, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics •
• Draft: Detroit • 1st round (221st overall) • 1989 NHL Entry • from: USSR (CSKA Moscow) •
• Played: 1991/1992 - 1996/97 (NHL) /// 1984/85 - 1990/91 (USSR) /// 1994/95 (Germany) •
• Russian/Soviet Hall of Fame • 1989 •

• Championships •
1984 CSKA Moscow (European Cup)
1985 CSKA Moscow (USSR Elite)
1985 CSKA Moscow (European Cup)
1986 CSKA Moscow (USSR Elite)
1986 CSKA Moscow (European Cup)
1987 CSKA Moscow (USSR Elite)
1987 CSKA Moscow (European Cup)
1988 CSKA Moscow (USSR Elite)
1988 CSKA Moscow (European Cup)
1988 CSKA Moscow (Soviet Cup)
1989 CSKA Moscow (USSR Elite)
1989 CSKA Moscow (European Cup)
1990 CSKA Moscow (European Cup)
1997 Detroit Red Wings (NHL)

• International Medals •
1986 - Gold • World Championships (USSR)
1986 - Gold • World Jr Championships (Canada)
1989 - Gold • World Championships (Sweden)
1990 - Gold • World Championships (Switzerland)
1985 - Silver • European Jr Championships (Sweden)
1991 - Bronze • World Championships (Finland)

• Awards •
1995/96 - Best Plus/Minus "Bud Light Trophy" (NHL)

• Honors •
1989-90 USSR Elite 1st Team All-Star
1990-91 USSR Elite 1st Team All-Star
1991-92 NHL All-Rookie Team (1st)
1995-96 NHL All-Star Team (2nd)

• All-Star Team Voting
- 95-96 (4th) / 96-97 (5th)

• Norris Trophy Voting •
- 96-96 (4th) / 96-97 (2nd)

• Hart Trophy Voting •
- 95-96 (20th)

• Achievements •
• Games Played
- NHL Career • 446 (4th for defensemen during his playing span)
- NHL Career PLAYOFFS • 82 (10th for defensemen during his playing span)

• Goals
- Career NHL • 47 (15th for defensemen during his playing span)

• Even Strength Goals
- Career NHL • 38 (6th for defensemen during his playing span)

• Shorthanded Goals
- Career NHL • 4 (T5th for defensemen during his playing span)

• Points
- Career NHL • 175 (18th for defensemen during his playing span)

• Shooting %
- Career NHL • 7.2 (T6th for defensemen during his playing span)

• PIMs
- Career NHL • 838 (210th all-time for defensemen / 10th for defensemen during his playing span)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 107 (14th for defensemen during his playing span)

• Plus/Minus
- 1995-96 NHL 60 (1)
- 1996-97 NHL 38 (3)
- Career NHL • 185 (69th all-time / 29th for defensemen / 1st for defensemen during his playing span)
- Career NHL PLAYOFFS • 16 (87th all-time / 41st for defensemen / 6th defensemen during his playing span)

• career stats •

| gms| G | A | TP | PIMs|+/-| G/gm| A/gm| PP| SH
NHL | 446 |47 |128 |175|838|+185| .11 |.29 |5|4
NHL PLAYOFFS| 82 |5 |14 |19 |107 |+16| .06|.17 | 0|1
International | 38|5|6|11|59||.13|.16||
USSR |280| 36|49|85|179||.13|.18||

• Accolades •

"If Vladi's mother were standing in the crease, he'd cross-check her. There aren't many people like him, and if there were, we'd all be in a constant state of war."

"When I played against him in St. Louis , I thought he was a borderline dirty player. Now that I play with him, I know he's a borderline dirty player."

"Vladi has no real weaknesses. He can create and score goals, he's mobile, he's tough, and it doesn't matter what type of game you want to play; he's happy playing it."

When Konstantinov was learning the sport in the U.S.S.R. , players were often benched if they were whistled for penalties. When penalty-free hockey is your ticket out of a place like Konstantinov's hometown of Murmansk , a port 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle where the sun shines an average of just two hours a day during the winter and hockey is played outside in subzero temperatures, you become good at being sneaky. Konstantinov's transgressions are almost always out of the referees' sight, and when his opponent reacts, Konstantinov rarely retaliates, which he has learned can drive players in the NHL battier than a hundred hip checks can.

Konstantinov spent 7 years with the Soviet Red Army before coming to the Red Wings. Always a leader, captaining both the Red Army and the Soviet National team during 4 World Championships. The son of a merchant sailor, his teammates their called him Dyada, Russian for Grandpa, because he was quiet, hardened and very serious in life and in hockey.

And Konstantinov was a Soviet loyalist, who only dreamed of playing in the west with a CCCP jersey on.

By the time he joined the NHL's Detroit Red Wings in 1991, Vladimir Konstantinov was already a standout defenseman with the Central Red Army team in Moscow and a captain of the Soviet national team. Known for that hitting ability and solid defensive play, He helped the Wings end a 42-year drought to win the Stanley Cup in 1997.

In 1996-1997 season saw Vladimir Konstantinov post +60 plus/minus rating. The +60 has been the highest rating a player has finished with in the past 20 seasons, since Wayne Gretzky finished with a +70 in the 1986–87 NHL season.

"We took Konstantinov in the 1989 draft for a good reason , he was an outstanding player , a great athlete , and should have been taken a lot earlier than he was, but the world was a very differant place in 1989 than it is today and drafting Konstantinov anywhere amounted to a real gamble despite his obvious skills.

He was a punishing body checker, very responsible in his own end , and a dominating presence whenever he was on the ice. He was clearly ready to step in and play against NHL opponants and help our hockey club right now."

I wouldn't trade him for any other defenseman in the NHL."

Strengths: In his prime, Konstantinov was one of few players who would use his physical force to help his team in any situation. Despite contributing valuable offense when needed, Konstantinov will always be known as one of the most punishing and selfless defensemen to play hockey.

He first caught attention of NHL clubs at the 1987 World Junior Championship, where he demonstrated his fighting skills during the infamous brawl between the entire Soviet and Canadian teams. Konstantinov was also on three gold-medal World Championship teams.

That would be the "Russian Five": Igor Larionov, Sergei Fedorov, Slava Kozlov, Slava Fetisov—who was also in the limo but emerged with minor injuries—and Konstantinov. "What fans know as the Red Wings' elite years, began with the Russian Five," Holland says.

Fedorov still sparks memories of flashy moves and bat-out-of-hell backchecking, but it was Konstantinov, with his muscle and fearlessness, that made the Russian Five work. For a visiting team, keeping possession of the puck is nearly impossible in Joe Louis Arena, but it wasn't an issue before Konstantinov arrived in Detroit.

One statistical example: Lidstrom has the best plus-minus ranking in the NHL over the past 16 years, with a career-best of plus-43. Konstantinov finished his second-to-last year with a plus-60. His last season earned him runner-up in Norris Trophy balloting to Brian Leetch. "He was just hitting his prime," says Lidstrom. "He would have continued to get better, too."

Niklas Kronwall thrilled Detroiters this season with his devastating mid-ice hits, but for long-time fans, he's only another reminder of what Konstantinov did every night. Vlad the Impaler, as he became known, was both a throwback to old time hockey and a throw-forward to the 2008 team.

"Vladimir Konstantinov was the Greatest Hockey Player in the World at the time of his accident."

"Everybody has some tricks they use. Everybody in the league does something dirty. I play a very, very mean style of hockey. When I step on the ice, I am not polite. I have no friends.â€