Andy Bathgate
+ The face of the Rangers for the 50s; 1958-59 Hart Trophy; eight All Star berths; 729 points in 719 regular season games.
- No Stanley Cups with New York; captained the team for just three seasons.
Frank Boucher
+ Won two Stanley Cups as a player and coached the Blueshirts to a third; had the Fan Club's most popular player trophy named after him; was with the team from 1926 through 1954 as a player, coach and GM.
- Walk around the Garden now and 90% of the people will have no idea who he was.
Bill Cook
+ One of the most dominant players in NHL history; won two Stanley Cups; 367 points in 474 games in the original dead puck era.
- Walk around the Garden now and 95% of the people will have no idea who he was; a Gretzky-esque failure as a coach in the early 50s.
Emile Francis
+ Sixteen years with the franchise; coached the team to the '72 Finals; drafted Brad Park, Steve Vickers, Pat Hickey and Rick Middleton; started the New York Junior League.
- No Cups; wasn't a particularly good goaltender.
Eddie Giacomin
+ Greatest goaltender in Ranger history; adored by the Faithful; 267-174-89 record; team-record 49 shutouts.
- No Cups.
Rod Gilbert
+ Collected 1,065 points and a team-record 406 goals over 15 seasons; team ambassador; eight All-Star games; Masterton Trophy winner.
- No Cups; had some great help with GAG linemates Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield.
Adam Graves
+ Beat Hadfield's regular-season record 50 goals with 52 in 93-94; 1994 Stanley Cup; team ambassador; Masterton Trophy winner.
- Played in the shadow of Messier.
Ron Greschner
+ Played over 1,000 games including playoffs; second-most career points by a Ranger defenseman; helped drive the Rangers to the 1979 Cup Final; defensive stalwart.
- No Cups; never considered among the best blueliners in the league.
Harry Howell
+ Played more games in a Blueshirt than anyone; defensive stalwart; 1966-67 Norris Trophy.
- No Cups; named the Rangers' MVP just once over his entire tenure.
Brian Leetch
+ All-time leading scorer among Ranger defensemen; two Norris Trophies; 1994 Stanley Cup; '94 Conn Smythe; Calder Trophy.
- Horrible as team captain; stupid injuries robbed him of some prime time.
Henrik Lundqvist
+ Three-time Vezina finalist; 177 wins in 338 regular season games; collected 30 or more wins each of his five NHL seasons.
- No Cups yet; no awards; biggest successes came overseas.
Mark Messier
+ Messiah; the Guarantee; The Captain; 1994 Stanley Cup.
- Everything was downhill after 94; went after Vancouver's money; second-stint nothing less than horrible.
Lester Patrick
+ One of Hockey's Royal Family; took over for Conn Smythe and built the Blueshirts; coach, GM and VP over a 24 year career; Lester Patrick Trophy; Patrick Division; one game as goaltender a puck legend.
- Walk around the Garden now and 90% of the people will have no idea who he was.
Mike Richter
+ All-time Ranger win leader with 301 victories over 666 appearances; stopped Pavel Bure on perhaps the most famous penalty shot in hockey history; 1994 Stanley Cup.
- Only two seasons with 30 or more wins; variety of injury woes; never considered among the best goaltenders in the business.
Neil Smith
+ Built the 1994 Rangers including trading for Messier and Graves and drafting Sergei Nemchinov, Alexei Kovalev, Doug Weight, and Sergei Zubov.
- Played a big part in steering the NHL towards the lockout with outrageous salaries.
Others deserving of a moment's consideration: Bill Gadsby, Buddy O'Connor, Jaromir Jagr, Chuck Rayner, Lynn Patrick, Phil Esposito, Dean Prentice, Rod Seiling, Walt Tkaczuk, Jim Neilson, John Vanbiesbrouck, Steve Vickers, Ratelle and Hadfield.
I'm sorry for any confusion, but the Atlanta Thrashers are no longer an active NHL franchise. They relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 2011 and became the Winnipeg Jets. Therefore, there is no current roster or upcoming season to preview for the Atlanta Thrashers.
If you have any other NHL team or topic you'd like me to write about, please feel free to ask, and I'd be happy to assist you.
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Making Their Cases For The Mount: A Journey to NHL Hall of Fame
The NHL Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, Ontario, stands as a hallowed shrine to hockey excellence. It is a place where legends of the game are forever immortalized, where their achievements and contributions are celebrated. For any professional hockey player, induction into the Hall of Fame represents the pinnacle of their career—a recognition of their greatness on the ice. In this article, we will explore what it takes to make a compelling case for entry into the NHL Hall of Fame and highlight some players who are on the path to hockey immortality.
The Hall of Fame Selection Process
Before diving into specific players, it's essential to understand the rigorous selection process that determines who gets a coveted spot in the NHL Hall of Fame:
Eligibility: Players are typically eligible for Hall of Fame induction after they have been retired from professional play for three full seasons.
Nomination: A player becomes eligible for nomination through a vote from the Hall of Fame Selection Committee. This committee consists of distinguished hockey personnel, including media members, Hall of Fame members, and league executives.
Selection Committee: The Selection Committee reviews the nominations and conducts thorough evaluations of each candidate's career. They assess a player's statistics, accomplishments, impact on the game, and character.
Induction: To gain entry, a player must receive at least 75% of the votes from the Selection Committee.
Now, let's delve into some players who are currently making strong cases for induction into the NHL Hall of Fame:
1. Alexander Ovechkin
Case for Induction: Alexander Ovechkin, often referred to as "Ovi," is one of the most prolific goal scorers in NHL history. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Ovechkin had already amassed over 730 career goals and was climbing the all-time goal-scoring leaderboard. He has won multiple Rocket Richard Trophies (awarded to the NHL's leading goal scorer), a Hart Trophy (NHL MVP), and has been selected to numerous All-Star Games. Ovechkin's impact on the game and his consistent scoring ability make him a strong candidate for Hall of Fame induction.
2. Henrik Lundqvist
Case for Induction: Henrik Lundqvist, affectionately known as "The King," has been one of the NHL's premier goaltenders for over a decade. He has a Vezina Trophy (awarded to the best goaltender) to his name and has consistently been among the league leaders in wins and save percentage. Lundqvist's skill, poise, and leadership in the net have made him a beloved figure in the hockey world, and his longevity and success with the New York Rangers further bolster his Hall of Fame credentials.
3. Duncan Keith
Case for Induction: Duncan Keith has been a cornerstone of the Chicago Blackhawks' blue line for years. He has won multiple Norris Trophies (awarded to the NHL's best defenseman) and has been a key contributor to three Stanley Cup championships with the Blackhawks. Keith's combination of offensive skill and defensive reliability has earned him a reputation as one of the best defensemen of his generation, making him a strong Hall of Fame candidate.
4. Zdeno Chara
Case for Induction: Zdeno Chara, often considered one of the most intimidating defensemen in NHL history, boasts an impressive career. He has a Norris Trophy to his name and has consistently been among the league leaders in time on ice. Chara's leadership, shot-blocking, and penalty-killing prowess have been instrumental in his team's success. Additionally, he was the captain of the Boston Bruins when they won the Stanley Cup in 2011, solidifying his place in NHL history and his case for Hall of Fame induction.
5. Patrick Kane
Case for Induction: Patrick Kane, known for his dazzling stickhandling and playmaking abilities, has been a consistent offensive force for the Chicago Blackhawks. He has won multiple scoring titles, including the Art Ross Trophy, and was a key player in three Stanley Cup championships with the Blackhawks. Kane's skill, creativity, and ability to perform in clutch moments make him a compelling candidate for the Hall of Fame.
FAQs:
1. How many players are inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame each year?
The number of inductees varies from year to year, but it typically includes a mix of players, builders, and referees/linesmen. There is no strict quota for the number of inductees.
2. Are there any specific statistical milestones that guarantee Hall of Fame induction?
While certain statistical milestones are impressive and can bolster a player's case, they are not the sole criteria for induction. The Selection Committee considers a player's entire body of work, impact on the game, and character.
*3. Can international players be inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame?
Yes, international players who have made significant contributions to the NHL can be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame celebrates excellence in the sport of hockey, regardless of a player's nationality.
*4. Are there any female players in the NHL Hall of Fame?
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there were no female players in the NHL Hall of Fame. However, the Hall of Fame does recognize and celebrate the achievements of female players through the Women's Hockey Hall of Fame, which operates separately.
*5. Can players be inducted into the Hall of Fame while they are still active?
No, players are typically eligible for Hall of Fame induction after they have been retired from professional play for three full seasons.
The journey to the NHL Hall of Fame is a remarkable one, marked by years of dedication, skill, and contributions to the sport of hockey. Players like Alexander Ovechkin, Henrik Lundqvist, Duncan Keith, Zdeno Chara, and Patrick Kane are currently making strong cases for their eventual induction, and their careers continue to captivate fans and inspire future generations of hockey players. As we look ahead to the next class of Hall of Fame inductees, we celebrate the incredible athletes who have left an indelible mark on the game we love.
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