Big Phil
Registered User
- Nov 2, 2003
- 31,703
- 4,146
Okay as far as I'm concerned in loose order you have Orr, Harvey, Shore and Bourque as the best 4 d-man ever. After that most people either pick Robinson or Potvin. Kelly comes to mind to. But this is just about who was better Robinson or Potvin.
Case for Potvin:
Three time Norris Trophy winner ( '76, '78, '79) and you could argue that in '81 he probably should have gotten it over Carlyle. Five time first team all-star ('75, '76, '78, '79, '81). Two time second team all-star ('77, '84). Four time Cup winner, career high of 101 points. Averaged a point per game throught his career. Its safe to say the Isles dont win four Cups in a row without Potvin. he was a solid defenseman and outside of Harvey might be considered the most well rounded defenseman of all time. Was a crunching open ice hitter and one of the strongest players of all time.
Case for Robinson:
Two time Norris Trophy winner ('77, '80). Three time first all-star team ('77, '79, '80). Three time second all-star team ( '78, '81, '86). Lus minus leader in 1977 with a +120. Only Orr had a higher mark in a season. Career high 85 points. Conn Smythe Trophy winner in '78. Never in 20 years missed the playoffs. Also a six time Cup winner. Led the playoffs in points in '78.
Conclusion:
I can rack my brains out on this one forever. Both of them were great dominant players. Potvin had more of an offensive upside but still didnt lack in the defensive department. Robinson could score too, and might arguably been a little more conservative in his own end. Potvin only missed the playoffs once in his career. Robinson never. I dont know the answer to this one so I'll just leave it up in the air and let the polls decide it. Its that close IMO. The best thing to think about is who was better in their prime. A '77 or '78 Robinson woudl be tough to beat but a '79 Potvin would give him all he could handle
Case for Potvin:
Three time Norris Trophy winner ( '76, '78, '79) and you could argue that in '81 he probably should have gotten it over Carlyle. Five time first team all-star ('75, '76, '78, '79, '81). Two time second team all-star ('77, '84). Four time Cup winner, career high of 101 points. Averaged a point per game throught his career. Its safe to say the Isles dont win four Cups in a row without Potvin. he was a solid defenseman and outside of Harvey might be considered the most well rounded defenseman of all time. Was a crunching open ice hitter and one of the strongest players of all time.
Case for Robinson:
Two time Norris Trophy winner ('77, '80). Three time first all-star team ('77, '79, '80). Three time second all-star team ( '78, '81, '86). Lus minus leader in 1977 with a +120. Only Orr had a higher mark in a season. Career high 85 points. Conn Smythe Trophy winner in '78. Never in 20 years missed the playoffs. Also a six time Cup winner. Led the playoffs in points in '78.
Conclusion:
I can rack my brains out on this one forever. Both of them were great dominant players. Potvin had more of an offensive upside but still didnt lack in the defensive department. Robinson could score too, and might arguably been a little more conservative in his own end. Potvin only missed the playoffs once in his career. Robinson never. I dont know the answer to this one so I'll just leave it up in the air and let the polls decide it. Its that close IMO. The best thing to think about is who was better in their prime. A '77 or '78 Robinson woudl be tough to beat but a '79 Potvin would give him all he could handle