Best Hockey Players Of The 80s
If you are a fan of hockey, you know that the 80s were an important era for the sport. During this decade, the NHL saw some of the best players in hockey history, and their impact on the game is still felt today. In this article, we will explore some of the best hockey players of the 80s, along with their achievements and contributions to the sport.
Wayne Gretzky
When it comes to hockey in the 80s, there is no player more synonymous with the decade than Wayne Gretzky. Often referred to as "The Great One," Gretzky dominated the sport during the 80s like no other player before or after him. He won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's MVP eight times during the decade and led the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup championships. Gretzky set numerous records during his career, including most career goals, most career assists, and most career points. He retired in 1999 as the NHL's all-time leading scorer, a record that still stands today.
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux burst onto the scene in the 80s and quickly established himself as one of the best players in the NHL. He won the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in 1985 and went on to win two Hart Trophies as the NHL's MVP in the decade. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Lemieux still managed to put up impressive numbers, including a 199-point season in 1988-89. He led the Pittsburgh Penguins to two Stanley Cup championships and retired in 1997 with 690 goals and 1,033 assists in his career.
Mark Messier
Mark Messier was a dominant force in the NHL during the 80s, both on and off the ice. He won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's MVP in 1990 and led the Edmonton Oilers to five Stanley Cup championships during the decade. Messier was known for his physical play and leadership, and he was often called upon to lift his team when they needed it most. He retired in 2004 with 694 goals and 1,193 assists in his career and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.
Denis Savard
Denis Savard was a skilled forward who made his mark in the NHL during the 80s. He was known for his speed, agility, and ability to score goals. Savard was a seven-time All-Star during the decade and won the Masterton Trophy in 1988 for his dedication to the sport. He played for the Chicago Blackhawks and was the team's captain during the 1988-89 season. Savard retired in 1997 with 473 goals and 865 assists in his career and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000.
Mike Bossy
Mike Bossy was a prolific scorer who played for the New York Islanders during the 80s. He won the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in 1978 and went on to have an incredible career. Bossy scored 50 goals in nine consecutive seasons, a record that still stands today. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP in 1982 and helped lead the Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cup championships. Bossy retired in 1987 with 573 goals and 553 assists in his career and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991.
Conclusion
The 80s were a truly unforgettable decade for hockey, and these players helped to make it that way. Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, Denis Savard, and Mike Bossy were just a few of the players who dominated the sport during this era. Their contributions to the game are still felt today, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of hockey players for years to come.
