Quote:
Originally Posted by Inglewood Jack
just a minor personal gear grinder, I don't like when goals/points/wins/whatever per game are used as a measuring stick in any sport, because longevity (which is an important aspect of overall greatness) inevitably hurts "per game" type stats. if Gretzky quits hockey right after his time in Edmonton, then his ppg and similar numbers are probably totally unassailable, but then he never gets to accumulate the gaudy career totals which to me are vastly more important as a comparative against other players.
when Ovie retires we can evaluate him firstly on his final numbers, and his dominance during his prime...but I'm betting if he plays into his late 30's he'll drop below a lot of those other hall of famers he's ahead of in gpg.
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True, but I think context is important. Gretzky scored his 92 goals in the era of 9-7 victories, and there were 50 goal scorers galore. I think Ovie still ends up probably top 5 in goals when all is said and done, and I believe that to be a bigger accomplishment than the hard numbers suggest. Goalies have vastly improved over the last 15 years. Remember, Grant Fuhr played for us not too long ago...
That's why this year I believe he should get the Hart because scoring 50 is such a huge accomplishment. In my mind, him scoring 65 was comparable to an 80 goal year from the 80's.
Couple the inevitable 50 goals this year with leading the league in overall points and it adds to the scales in his favor.
I don't like giving the Hart to goalies anyway.