>>>Gordie Howe had gone through my head, but I didn't like how he held on too long to do the stunts with his son(s?). But he would be my next but for that.
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>>Stunts maybe ... but the old man was still pretty good!!
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>Yea, he was indeed. OK, put my personal gripes aside and add him to the list.
>But I do think there's a gap after him.
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>>~~Bonnie

See, the problem is that there aren't enough of us around to remember the greats from the six team league. That was a time when the top 150 players in the world were spread out over only six teams. If a player stood out in that sort of standard, he had to be great - especially compared to what we call great now. Journeymen like Bobby Pulford, were he playing today would likely be considered a top player.

I mean, think about it. Consider revising the current league to six teams. Take the top 150 players today, and then consider the names that would end up being cut. A lot of them are considered very strong players for many teams.

I can think of a few more - Bathgate, Belliveau, Dickie Moore, Allan Stanley, Stan Mikita... there are lots who, if they were playing today would really stand out. Let's face it, there are a lot of players around now who are considered excellent, but who would have to be considered 2nd or 3rd class players in a six team league.