Friday, January 9, 2009

Only One Hunter

I was on Kuklas Korner, and I came across this post that basically puts Dale Hunter into a league literally of his own. He is the only player to have 1,000 points and 3,000 PIMs in his career. Impressive to say the least.

The closest player to that is Chris Chelios, but he doesn't have 1,000 points nor 3,000 PIMs. He's a bit shy of both. Other players near the ball park were Owen Nolan, Gary Roberts, and Keith Tkachuk. When put into perspective, Dale Hunter comes off as even more of a badass. The thing is I don't see anyone today that has both the ability to ruin somebody's weekend while still scoring 70 + points in one season. I certainly don't see any on the Thrashers. It raises a question: why isn't Hunter in the Hall of Fame? It is absurd.

Also, why aren't there anymore power forwards like this anymore? The closest young player I can think of that is hard hitting and scores is Milan Lucic of Boston. The NHL is a different game than it was: it emphasizes skill rather than force. But why can't there be both? Everybody knows that Scott Stevens could change a game not with a goal but with a hit. In the end though, it seems even more apparent that Dale Hunter was pretty amazing, and nobody can match up right now.

9 comments:

Big Shooter said...

How can you post this and not mention Dale Hunter is Big Shooter's favorite player of all time?

Shame.

jamestobrien said...

It's hard not to think of his late hit on Pierre Turgeon, though. That's probably going to cloud any HOF voter's judgment when thinking of Hunter.

Just like Todd Bertuzzi and Marty McSorley, many associate Hunter with his moment of infamy more than anything he brought to his team. It's a shame, but let's face it: that hit was over the line.

Big Shooter said...

Yes, it was. But that happens. Still should be in the HOF,

Tiffany said...

there was also the incident in washington that could provide some tarnish on the otherwise ....sterling... reputation. but give it time. look at what he's done with london and how many players he's put into the nhl. he'll get in. it took neely forever too.

also, i think every team should have a milan lucic. if not 2. but at least one. he is the prototype of a perfect power forward. AND HE'S ONLY 20!!!!!

robbie dee said...

yeah, i'll never forgive the turgeon hit.

Mortimer Peacock said...

Milan Lucic is a beast with a sword, and he'll only get better.

Mortimer Peacock said...

Also, Monsieur-

You're wrong about Milan Lucic being the only player who can murder people and score these days.

Exhbits A-D:
Jarome Iginla
Alex Ovechkin
Shane Doan
Ryane Clowe

Tiffany said...

morty, none of them are 20. luc is 20. TWENTY. imagine the future.

FrenchCatalogues said...

I mean yeah Iggy and Ovy are tough, but they aren't going to be getting that amount of PIMs probably.