Quote:
Originally Posted by dissentowner
Nope. Orr was the best offensive D man , argument from me there. Lidstrom however was better defensively, better with his stick, and played at a high level for much longer. It is hard to compare the two because they played in different era's and who knows how many points Lidstrom could have racked up in Orr's era or how little Orr would be able to put up in Lidstrom's era. I just think Lidstrom overall was the best of the best.
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Unfortunately Orr's career was cut short through injuries. He was done by 27. His accomplishments prior to that though were:
2 Stanley Cups
2 Conn Smythe Trophies
3 Hart Memorial Trophies
1 Lester B. Pearson/Ted Lindsay Award
2 Art Ross Trophies
8 Norris Trophies
1 Calder Memorial Trophy
8 First Team All Star Selection
1 Second Team All Star Selection
At the same age, Lidstrom's trophy case contained:
1 Stanley Cup
Obviously Lidstrom would fill that case up over the next decade but I feel like it's often overlooked that Orr, quite arguably the best defender ever, was just about to enter his prime when he retired due to injuries not leaving it.
For the debate between the two, if you favour longevity over peak there's some room. But anyone arguing that would need to take Howe over Gretzky (or anyone else) for their forward.
In the end, I see it this way. At Lidstrom's absolute peak he was a point-per-game defender who was the best defender in his own zone. Orr had surpassed that after his sophomore season and was fighting for the Art Ross.
And why do you assume Orr would put up less points? The guy broke records, won the Art Ross against some very talented players. Comparing eras will be difficult but I question some of your arguments. Especially saying Lidstrom was better defensively. Orr was undoubtedly the best defender in his era, they didn't even have defenders who were anything but until Orr pretty much. Orr's offensive power is second to his speed which made him just as amazing in his own end.
If the argument is Lidstrom is better based on overall talent now, training conditions, equipment upgrades, medical research, again some room for that. As is the case when comparing any athletes over half a century. But Orr>>>>>>>anyone else in his era. Lidstrom is arguably not even the best of his era.
