Quote:
Originally Posted by Zil
In Rangers history that is correct, but in hockey history that is incorrect. If Ratelle hadn't been hurt and they had won in 72, then it would be Park all the way. Presumably, the Espo trade never happens in this scenario.
It's funny. Those early 70s teams played decades before I was born, but the Espo trade and the fact that those teams never won a cup still make me really angry. That was a homegrown Rangers team featuring four HoF members plus Hadfield and might have had eternal greatness in Ranger lore if not for Ratelle's injury. Of course, if the officiating was a bit tighter in the 70s, then maybe they beat the bullies in 74.
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Sorry but, Leetch > Park.
Leetch is:
#70 all time NHL scoring.
# 8 all time NHL defensemen scoring.
#2 all time American NHL defenseman scoring.
17 seasons as a Ranger player
Most assists Rangers history
Most playoff points Rangers history
2nd all time points Rangers history
Calder
Norris x 2
Conn Smythe
Stanley Cup
Captain
Hall of Fame
US Hall of Fame
And these are just his NHL achievements.
There are no ifs or buts in these discussions. They're cut and dry. Black and white.
Park wasn't here long enough. He didn't accomplish enough as a Ranger. Whereas Leetch accomplished just about as much as you possibly could. Only place he fell shy was passing Gilbert for all time Ranger leader in points and winning a league MVP.