I have identified the 5 greatest hockey players of all time by employing algorithms, spreadsheets, statistics, and slide rules. Kidding! Even the term “algorithm” is foreign to me. I do, however, play hockey well.
Therefore, I have compiled a highly subjective list of the top 5 hockey players solely on the basis of my strongly held opinions.
5. Maurice Richard
The record book was rewritten by Maurice Richard, “The Rocket.”The right winger became the first player to score 500 goals and 50 goals in a single season. Maurice Richard won eight Stanley Cups during his 18 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens (1944, 1946, 1953, 1956–60).
He was also well-known for his violent behavior and aggressive play. His suspension in 1955 for fighting, which made him a hero among French Canadians, led to riots among fans in Montreal.
4. Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux was very quick and agile for a man who stood 6 feet 4 inches (1.9 meters) tall. He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins for 17 years, winning two Stanley Cups (1991–92) and scoring 690 goals in his career despite missing several seasons after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.”
The Magnificent One” retired in 1997, and two years later, after becoming the majority owner of the Penguins, he helped the team emerge from bankruptcy.
Before his most recent retirement in 2006, he played again for a number of seasons. Lemieux became the first person to win the Stanley Cup as a player and an owner three years later when Pittsburgh won the second one.
3. Bobby Orr
Bobby Orr is widely considered to be the best defenseman in the game, as evidenced by his eight James Norris Memorial Trophy wins (from 1968 to 1975), which set a record.
He became the first defenseman to lead the NHL in scoring while playing for the Boston Bruins in 1970, and he was named league MVP three times—from 1970 to 1972. Additionally, he won two Stanley Cups—in 1970 and 1972.
2. Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky “The Great One” revolutionized hockey with his finesse and speed.In particular, Wayne Gretzky broke records by scoring an unprecedented 894 goals. He likewise acquired four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers (1984-85, 1987-88) and was named the NHL’s MVP nine (!)times (1980–87, 1989).
He helped popularize ice hockey in the United States after being traded to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, paving the way for the game’s expansion.
1. Gordie Howe
Gordie Howe To you, that is “Mr. Hockey.”Gordie Howe won four Stanley Cups as a member of the Red Wings’ “Production Line” (1950, 1952, 1954–55), and his total of 801 career goals set an NHL record at the time.” Mr. Elbows” was known for more than just scoring goals; he was also known for his rough play.
In contrast to some players (cough, Gretzky, cough), Howe did not require an enforcer to fight his battles—not that I condone fighting. He was the inspiration behind the “Gordie Howe hat trick,” which was a fight, a goal, and an assist all in one game.
Howe also played until he was 100 years old. Actually, he was 52, which is equivalent to 100 hockey years.