Quote:
Originally Posted by howard38
Ahh...that's the non-hall of famer Butch meant. Better offensive player than the other two & on par defensively but like my guy, Tkaczuk, Ramsey never won a Stanley Cup. Strangely, while Gainey was elevated by his teammates, Ramsey seemed to be overshadowed by his (the French Connection line of Martin, Perrault & Robert).
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French Connection was all about flash. They would rack up points against the lesser teams. Rammer Luce and Gare went up against opponents top line and never saw any power play time. Ramsay was a plus player every season he was in the league which was amazing considering his defensive responsibilities. He won the Selke his final season. Not bad for a man who could barely walk due to chronic back problems.
The highlight of Tkaczuk's career was the 1972 Cup finals. He dominated Phil Esposito. Kept him goalless for the entire series which was a major accomplishment. Tkaczuk would have won his Cup had Jean Ratelle not suffered a fractured ankle.
Tkaczuk's play declined (along with the ranger team as a whole) starting in 74-75. He was the subject of trade rumors but he had a hefty salary that couldn't be moved. His career was revived in the late 1970's and had several more solid seasons.
Canadiens of the 1970's are like Lombardi's Green Bay Packers. Just put the time in and you will eventually get into the Hall of Fame.