ClamRussel wrote:Topper wrote:ClamRussel wrote:I'd say that '82 team was tougher than the '94 team. Their toughest players could really play.
LOL, talk about revisionist history.
'82 was a team of low talent plumbers clutching and grabbing their way to success and without the LA upset of Edmonton, they would never have been in the finals.
Gradin was the only player on that team with any real talent. Fraser could hold his own until the ice capades road trip, but at that point fatigue and his undiagnosed diabetes would kick in.
Your LA theory is a moot point and irrelevant.
Sure Gradin was the best pure talent, but Smyl had solid skill for a grinder. They had three 30 goal scorers and would have had 4 had Rota not been injured plus Fraser had 28. I think Ivan Hlinka had a skill or two. Williams could score. They certainly weren't the most skilled group we've ever had, thats not what I said. No Canucks era since has had as many core players as tough as Smyl/Fraser/Williams/Rota who could all play. I stand by it.
We could use players with that kind of heart today.
Their toughest players could really play.
77 pts in an 80 game season is a loosing record.
The LA upset of the Oilers is not moot because the only reason the '82 team is remembered is because of their appearance in the finals.
Remember back then the joke of 16 of 21 teams qualified for the playoffs.
Remember, this was the year Gretzki racked up 212 pts, Bossy, 147, Dave Taylor was 10th in scoring with 106.
The guys may have had heart, but
COULD REALLY PLAY, not a chance. Lunch buckets clutching and grabbing their way to fame.