I would think that its more a matter of a canadian market versus an american one. I think Howe is higher rated in most places outside Quebec. More "Important" is somewhat subjective though. But what one can say with certainty is that even Richards much stronger canadian legacy has still only put him at about equal with Howe in terms of legend, which says a lot about how Howe actually on the the ice was considerably better. Richard is not even only overvalued compared to Howe, but against other lesser players of his day. The dude never even won an Art Ross.
As players Howe was better.
Legend is a big thing however. Do not diminish Richard's. Richard held the all-time records for both goals AND points. He was the oldest player in the league near the end and managed some great playoffs as the oldest player in the league. But that is his on ice legacy.
Off-ice legacies... Are huge. Gordie Howe became Mr. Hockey. Owned every record until Gretzky came around. Played with his sons. Greatest hockey only legacy ever except perhaps Gretzky.
Then we have Beliveau. The Captain, the gentleman. The face of the Montreal Canadiens for life.
But Rocket's legacy, for whatever reason, is still greater them either of those men. From the hockey sweater book, to the Richard riots... Richard was the underdog, they oppressed Quebec frenchman. The biggest icon of a political movement. Not by his choice, but he was chosen. He was the symbol of the Quebecois becoming in charge of their province or nation. He was everyman suffering under "The Man"... And punching him in the face.
And I write this as a proud Canadian, who does not want Quebec to separate. Who lived in Hull for 5 years not a 10 minute walk from the statue of Rocket Richard.
But also I know history. I know Quebec before the quiet revolution was neo-facsist. Run by the catholic church, the mob, and big English businesses. I don't think it is as simple as the English. The Quebecois were oppressed by their religion, their own leaders, the people that owned most all the businesses, of either language.
For whatever reason Rocket was the hero. Of the entire nation of Quebecois, and his brashness and sheer will, helped the entire nation find their soul and helped end the oppression of the people. They got rid of the church, their corrupt leaders, the lack of awknowledgement of their language.
I mean as an aside. In the 40's and early 50's maps printed by gas companies in Quebec were mostly in only English, despite the vast majority of people being French. That is unimportant.
Rocket was a hero, despite being apolitical, and never even saying much about anything... He was still the hero of a huge social revolution in North America that brought modernity to a province that was decades behind the progress of other provinces.
And Rocket helped do this. By just being himself. Not even trying. Not even taking part politically. Would it have happened without him? Eventually, maybe he didn't matter that much. But I think he did. The Richard Riot was so instramental to what change was happening and what would come.
Because not just when he punched the linesman, or argued with management or the press or Clarence Campbell. Rocket took **** from no one. Ever. He didn't back down. Ever. And he was great. And quiet and he was not going to take being oppressed, or punched or anything. Whether it was the perfect timing, the perfect temperament. Whatever. Rocket was bigger then sports. Bigger then life.
And as an aside... The Forum literally had a cage between the cheap seats and the good ones. At the time. A wired fence inside to keep the rich and the poor. The unwashed masses, from those of a better class. It superceded language. It was about more. And Rocket was always the hero of the unhundled masses. For whatever reason. I don't think he sought it. He just was. And of any man, in any sport, in North America... The only more important historical figure and hero to a huge group of people as an athlete is Jackie Robinson. And even he might not of been quite as big a hero to his people as Rocket was to his people.
