Datsyuk - Bergeron - Hossa vs Kariya - Kopitar - Guy Lafleur

[wetcoast]

A lot of people disagreed with this at the time and even more disagree with it in hindsight. The window of time where this was even an argument lasted all of 2 seasons and coincided perfectly with the window where the Wings were a fully loaded powerhouse.

Maybe not on par but he wasn't that far off with back to back 97 point seasons an elite defensive play in seasons where the Art Ross winner had 112 and 113 points

Two seasons. One of those seasons he finished 3rd for the Hart… behind Ovechkin and Malkin. Fifteen years later someone’s saying this meant he could outplay Crosby/Ovechkin/Malkin “if he wanted to”.

Hart voting isn't the best metric here either as the criteria is vague and a moving target and often hurts players who also have elite team mates right?

As soon as Hossa left and Lidstrom hit 40, *poof* no more arguments about Datsyuk being anything close to Crosby or Ovechkin or Malkin. Funny how that worked.

Datsyuk was 31 and then injuries started setting in and most of the production drop aside from a natural aging curve was PP related.

Either way the thread is about a 7 game series and we have to assume players at their peak and datsyuk at his peak was an absolute monster even among the players here.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Maybe not on par but he wasn't that far off

I get that, but it’s not the same as the claim I’m responding to.

 

[wetcoast]

I get that, but it’s not the same as the claim I’m responding to.

Fair enough but even as much as some might pump up Datsyuk too much, kind of like Foppa at his peak he was one of the best players in the league and some in this thread are overlooking that.

that being said this thread is so subjective to be almost useless in reality and there was a reason I had stayed away from it and I probably will going forward as well.

 

[Tupu]

As soon as Hossa left and Lidstrom hit 40, *poof* no more arguments about Datsyuk being anything close to Crosby or Ovechkin or Malkin. Funny how that worked.

Whats funny also that he did his best without 40 years old Lidström or anyone. Being at his absolute best he could ride away with AHL level wingers making them almost like first liners lol. He needed no Lids or anyone, maybe watch him more xD

 

[tarheelhockey]

Whats funny also that he did his best without 40 years old Lidström or anyone. Being at his absolute best he could ride away with AHL level wingers making them almost like first liners lol. He needed no Lids or anyone, maybe watch him more xD

Datsyuk absolutely was not at his best after 2012, I don’t know what you think you’re pulling here.

 

[Crow]

Is this the greatest poll ever?

 

[Dutronc]

I mean Guy Lafleur.

The only guy who can rock balding like a superstar.

He was the real deal for 10 years.

Insane result.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Whats funny also that he did his best without 40 years old Lidström or anyone. Being at his absolute best he could ride away with AHL level wingers making them almost like first liners lol. He needed no Lids or anyone, maybe watch him more xD

That actually sounds more like kopitar, you could put anything next to him and get the same offensive results

70 points with Kyle Calder
70 points with Justin Williams
70 points with dead Marian Gabork
70 points with Andre Loktionov (yes)
and on and on

 

[authentic]

Whats funny also that he did his best without 40 years old Lidström or anyone. Being at his absolute best he could ride away with AHL level wingers making them almost like first liners lol. He needed no Lids or anyone, maybe watch him more xD

His 36 year old season always gets written off for whatever reason. Better advanced stats than Bergeron and 6th in points per game with Helm and Abdelkader as his main linemates, played with a wonky ankle at that point as well.

Datsyuk was absolutely phenomenal and nearly as elite as ever right up to 2015 when relatively healthy. Seems people forget even the top one way offensive producers were barely above a point per game in the 2012-16 period.