>>>>>>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.
>>>>>
>>>>>Stunts maybe ... but the old man was still pretty good!!
>>>>
>>>>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.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>~~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.
>>
>>
>>I almost saw Mikita get his 500th goal. He was at 499 and the old Chicago Stadium was packed. He hit the post on a wrist shot. The next sound, after the puck bonging off metal, was 18,000 people groaning at once.
>
>Though Bobby Hull was my idol, I'd put Stan Makita ahead of him great-wise.
>Got me thinking about the teamm I rooted for so hard (in Montreal no less)...
>Glenn Hall
>Pierre Pilot
>Moose Vasko
>Kenny Warrem(sp?)
>Eric Nesterenko
>Stan Makita
>Bobby Hull
>... are the only names that6 still come to mind.

For my money, Stan Mikita was the best face-off man I ever saw - to date!