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Larionov Not HHOF Worthy
by Paul on 11/11/07 at 10:48 AM ET
Comments (2)
from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,
Why do so many mainstream hockey people assume Igor Larionov is a slam-dunk Hall of Fame player. He played the final 14 years of his career in the NHL, most of it as a second-, third- or fourth-line centre. Based on those years alone, he shouldn’t even be a candidate. And yes, he was brilliant in Russia before that. But he was no more brilliant than linemate Vladimir Krutov—and no one is arguing Krutov for the Hall. Nor should they.
more hockey talk…
Steve, it is the Hockey Hall of Fame, not the NHL hall of fame!
Filed in: NHL Teams, NHL Talk | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: hhof, hockey+hall+of+fame, Igor+Larionov,
Comments
Igor won three Cups and posted more points as an NHL’er than many HOF’ers have--644 points in 921 games--while both playing in the “trap” era and starting his NHL career at 29. Then there were the Olympic and World Championship medals while playing professionally since 1977.
Posted by George James Malik from South Lyon, MI on 11/11/07 at 05:56 PM ET
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You know, its a shame that Toronto writers get so much exposure. All too often they shoot their mouths off trying to sell more newspapers rather than show the depth of knowledge and access that they supposedly possess.
Yes, Larionov and Krutov both had spectacular international careers. Then Larionov came to the NHL, played over 900 games and - as a ‘second, third or fourth liner’ - racked up three Stanley Cups and 100 points in 150 playoff games. Krutov came to the NHL, played less than one season and racked up 100s of hot dogs. Larionov was one of the most respected players in the league and a catalyst for the Wings attack. Yes, without the international play he would be on the line for the Hall - but add to it a NHL career that few players can match and you have a “slam-dunk Hall of Fame player.”
Someone should slap some sense into Simmons, or better yet, stop buying his newspaper.
Posted by Scotty Hockey on 11/11/07 at 01:42 PM ET