Tag Archives: best Islanders players

H2H 108: Paul Coffey vs. Denis Potvin – Who was Better?

In the late 1970s and during the 1980s, the NHL saw the rise of two new dynasties in the New York Islanders and Edmonton Oilers – both teams were blessed with a plethora of Hall of Fame forwards (e.g. Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy for the Islanders, Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri for the Oilers, just to name a few), star goalies (Billy Smith in New York, Grant Fuhr/Andy Moog in Edmonton), and on the blue line, offensively gifted defensemen in Denis Potvin (Islanders) and Paul Coffey (Oilers).  With multiple Norris Trophies and over 1,000 career points apiece, these two Hall of Fame blueliners are among the greatest defensemen in league history – from their jaw-dropping statistics to individual accolades to team successes, it is only natural to compare the pair and ask:

Who was better – Paul Coffey or Denis Potvin?

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H2H 89: Pat LaFontaine vs. Mike Modano – Who was Better?

While the United States has always been a bit of a little brother to Canada when it comes to hockey talent, the Stars and Stripes have nevertheless produced a number of outstanding NHL players over the years.  Though Patrick Kane has likely assumed the unofficial mantle of best American-born player ever, two of the long-time contenders for the distinction were Pat LaFontaine and Mike Modano, both of whom came of age during one of Team USA’s golden eras in the 1980s alongside the likes of Brett Hull (born in Canada with dual citizenship), Brian Leetch, Jeremy Roenick, Keith Tkachuk, etc.  Between these two Hall of Famers, one holds the American record for highest per-game scoring average and the other is the all-time career leader in goals and points, thus raising the question:

Who was better – Pat LaFontaine or Mike Modano?

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H2H 84: Mike Bossy vs. Pavel Bure – Who was Better?

Like a supernova, the brightest stars do not always shine the longest – such was the case with Mike Bossy and Pavel Bure, two of the most lethal goal scorers the NHL has ever seen.  At their respective peaks, each winger could consistently net 50-60 goals a season, but injuries eventually took their toll and forced both of them to retire in their early 30s.  Despite the premature retirements, each player left an indelible mark on the game of hockey and is top-five all-time in terms of per-game scoring – with both legends taking their rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame, let us look back on their scintillating goal-scoring careers and ask the question:

Who was better – Mike Bossy or Pavel Bure?

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