Best Hockey Defenseman Of All Time
There is no denying that ice hockey is an intense and physical game, and the defensemen are the backbone of any successful team. They are responsible for protecting the goalie and preventing the opposition from scoring goals. Over the years, there have been some outstanding defensemen who have left a lasting impact on the game. In this article, we will take a look at the best hockey defensemen of all time.
Bobby Orr
When it comes to the best hockey defensemen of all time, the first name that comes to mind is Bobby Orr. He was a revolutionary player who changed the way the game was played. Orr was known for his incredible speed, agility, and offensive abilities. He was a two-time Art Ross Trophy winner as the top scorer in the NHL and won the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman in the NHL a record eight times. Orr's most famous moment came when he scored the overtime winner in the 1970 Stanley Cup final, diving through the air in celebration.
Nicklas Lidstrom
Nicklas Lidstrom is widely regarded as one of the best hockey defensemen of all time. He spent his entire career with the Detroit Red Wings, and during that time he won four Stanley Cups and seven Norris Trophies. Lidstrom was a master of positional play and was known for his calmness under pressure. He was also a great team player and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
Ray Bourque
Ray Bourque is another name that deserves to be on this list of the best hockey defensemen of all time. He played 22 seasons in the NHL, spending most of his time with the Boston Bruins. Bourque was a gifted offensive player, scoring 1,579 points in his career, which is the most by a defenseman in NHL history. He was also a solid defensive player and won the Norris Trophy five times. Bourque finally got his hands on the Stanley Cup in 2001, when he won it with the Colorado Avalanche.
Denis Potvin
Denis Potvin is considered one of the best hockey defensemen of all time, and for good reason. He spent his entire career with the New York Islanders, winning four Stanley Cups in a row from 1980-1983. Potvin was an offensive threat, scoring 1,052 points in his career. He was also a great leader and was named team captain in 1979, a position he held until he retired in 1988. Potvin's number 5 was retired by the Islanders in 1992.
Doug Harvey
Doug Harvey is widely regarded as one of the best hockey defensemen of all time. He played in the NHL from 1947-1969, spending most of his time with the Montreal Canadiens. Harvey was a great all-around player, and was known for his exceptional skating ability and his ability to read the game. He won the Norris Trophy seven times and was a key member of the Canadiens team that won six Stanley Cups during his tenure.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the best hockey defensemen of all time. Each player on this list has left a lasting impact on the game and has helped to shape it into what it is today. Who do you think is the best hockey defenseman of all time? Let us know in the comments below.