Vernon is HOF bound. Ahead of Ozzy and Hank. Wha?

[kipwinger 8,754]

The Datsyuk number retirement opinions around here are weird in light of the Vernon/Osgood Hall of Fame debate. Amongst Red Wings players Datsyuk is not top 5 in points, goals, or assists. Zetterberg, for example, is better than Datsyuk in all three categories. Plus he was the Captain, and a Conn Smythe winner, and he didn't bail on the team (and stick them with his cap hit) a year early to go play professionally in another league. He's more deserving in more or less every respect. Except one. Datsyuk was showier, and therefore more popular. Yet it seems like many fans think Dats is a no-brainer while Zetterberg is an after thought.

[bIueadams 776]

1 hour ago, kipwinger said:

The Datsyuk number retirement opinions around here are weird in light of the Vernon/Osgood Hall of Fame debate. Amongst Red Wings players Datsyuk is not top 5 in points, goals, or assists. Zetterberg, for example, is better than Datsyuk in all three categories. Plus he was the Captain, and a Conn Smythe winner, and he didn't bail on the team (and stick them with his cap hit) a year early to go play professionally in another league. He's more deserving in more or less every respect. Except one. Datsyuk was showier, and therefore more popular. Yet it seems like many fans think Dats is a no-brainer while Zetterberg is an after thought.

If I had to build a team around either Dats or Z, I choose Dats everytime.

[kipwinger 8,754]

1 minute ago, bIueadams said:

If I had to build a team around either Dats or Z, I choose Dats everytime.

I imagine most people would agree with you, I definitely would. But retiring a number is a different thing than building a team retroactively. Retirement is about honoring a player whose career has already concluded. Zetterberg was a better Red Wing. Zetterberg lived and breathed Red Wing hockey AND had more points, assists, and goals. He was also a MASSIVELY important part of a Cup run. And he was the Captain. Those are the types of guys you honor, not guys who just had more skill.

[bIueadams 776]

1 minute ago, kipwinger said:

I imagine most people would agree with you, I definitely would. But retiring a number is a different thing than building a team retroactively. Retirement is about honoring a player whose career has already concluded. Zetterberg was a better Red Wing. Zetterberg lived and breathed Red Wing hockey AND had more points, assists, and goals. He was also a MASSIVELY important part of a Cup run. And he was the Captain. Those are the types of guys you honor, not guys who just had more skill.

I agree with you. 40 goes up. 13 and 91 will never.

[kipwinger 8,754]

1 minute ago, bIueadams said:

I agree with you. 40 goes up. 13 and 91 will never.

Yep. If Dats had just retired I'd be more sympathetic. But he bailed on his team and then played five more years overseas. Screw that guy. Fedorov too.

 

[Scott R Lucidi 675]

https://www.nhl.com/news/pavel-datsyuk-latest-red-wings-player-elected-to-hockey-hall-of-fame

Congrats, Pasha.  I missed out on Howe, Delvecchio, Lindsay, and Kelly.  But I'm glad I got to watch Yzerman, Fedorov, Datsyuk, and Lidstrom.  They were truly masters of their craft.

I might show up for this ceremony just so I can meet the guy without having to go to Siberia.

[Motor City Mullets 303]

1 hour ago, Scott R Lucidi said:

https://www.nhl.com/news/pavel-datsyuk-latest-red-wings-player-elected-to-hockey-hall-of-fame

Congrats, Pasha.  I missed out on Howe, Delvecchio, Lindsay, and Kelly.  But I'm glad I got to watch Yzerman, Fedorov, Datsyuk, and Lidstrom.  They were truly masters of their craft.

I might show up for this ceremony just so I can meet the guy without having to go to Siberia.

You just know there'll be a Dats Night at the LCA this October.

[Euro_Twins 4,485]

On 6/22/2023 at 12:39 PM, bIueadams said:

I want Ozzy to get in as much as the next guy... but Howard could have replicated what Ozzy did under the same circumstances.

If you wouldnt HOF Howie you shouldnt HOF Ozzy. And thats why its about the hardware.

Computer... simulate goalie flame war circa 2007. And computer, turn all foul language prohibitors... off

Howard was borderline elite for 5 or 6 seasons on a worse team. He most definitely should've had a better team in front. He deserved it