In 1972 hockey changed forever. Period.

In Canada, the public was shocked to see that there was actually some competition from European nations, namely the Soviet Union. The sentiment had long been yes, the Soviets had won plenty of international medals, but they didn�t have to play against our best players (correct). We�ll guzzle these guys easily (very incorrect). After this series, there could no longer be any denial of the fact that Canada had very real and tough competition out there for bragging rights to the title of best hockey nation in the world. The Soviets displayed a style of play that viewers of NHL hockey were not used. Cris-crossing attack patterns as well as an emphasis on puck carrying skills not as important since forward passing was introduced.

In the Soviet Union, the public was gratified by the fact that their athletes had proven that they belonged on the world stage, taking Canada to the absolute limit in the 8 game series. The public was also shocked at the sometimes violent style of play employed by certain Canadian players, and were justifiably outraged when Valeri Kharlamov was knocked out of the series by Bobby Clarke. Until the day he died, Kharlamov was utterly convinced that injury was the foremost thought in Clarke�s mind.

The consciousness of hockey had changed, and there was no going back. No longer could we just assume that the Stanley Cup champion was in fact the best club in the world. No longer could we assume that Canada was definitely the top hockey nation on the planet. That assumption had long been held as fact, and would now have to be tested repeatedly against the best talent outside of the National Hockey League.Hence, the Canada Cup, and similar tournaments where each hockey nation send their very best players to contest the championship.

Who was the best offensive player in the history of top-flight international hockey? Who was the most dominant goal scorer, the best playmaker? Using all of the statistics from the top tournaments, I have built a COPS system using international statistics to help answer these questions. (details of the process can be read here)

The players that will qualify were those that took part in tourneys during the period of time when Soviets couldn’t play here due to the politics of the day. We already know how good Mats Sundin and Pavel Bure are. What we want is to have a better idea of where guys that couldn’t play here stand.

Top 10 International Player Ranking (IPR) Leaders

Rank Name NAT IPR
1. Wayne Gretzky, CAN, 1119
2. Sergei Makarov, USSR, 783
3. Mario Lemieux, CAN, 762
4. Mike Bossy, CAN, 751
5. Vladimir Krutov, USSR, 720
6. Phil Esposito, CAN, 677
7. Alexander Yakushev, USSR, 665
8. Bryan Trottier, CAN, 656
9. Gilbert Perreault, CAN, 636
10. Bobby Hull, CAN, 629

Wow, what do you know? Wayne Gretzky leads yet another list of the top scorers.

People that only saw the NHL-version of Sergei Makarov may not understand that he was exceptional, offensively, before he played here. He didn�t come here until he was past 30 years of age, and from the start just couldn�t or wouldn�t get along with people here, and had an intense dislike of the NHL style of play.

Vladimir Krutov played one year in Vancouver, the Canucks hoping for some KLM magic. It didn�t happen. The phenomenally talented Krutov had trouble with western culture and language, let his physical condition slip badly, and was out of hockey after one year. Make no mistake: he was a truly great player.

Alexander Yakushev was an interesting player. Big strong guy that was by all accounts a true gentleman off the ice as well as when he played. He sits on or near the top in just about every important statistic in Russian elite hockey, and the consensus is that he played even better in international matches against Canada. The 72 Series was, in Yakushev�s words �a turning point� in his career. He was already a hell of a player before the series. He came away with more perspective, perhaps more confidence in himself, and became a great player after the series.

Top 10 International Goal Scoring Dominance Leaders

Rank Name NAT IGSD
1. Mike Bossy, CAN, 366
2. Bobby Hull, CAN, 329
3. Alex Yakushev, USSR, 329
4. Sergei Makarov, USSR, 313
5. Phil Esposito, CAN, 299
6. Vladimir Krutov, USSR, 299
7. Wayne Gretzky, CAN, 296
8. Valeri Kamensky, USSR, 285
9. Boris Mikhailov, USSR, 277
10. Mario Lemieux, CAN, 271

For those that like to believe that Bobby Hull scored so many goals in the WHA because it was only a minor league, check out his numbers against the best players in the international scene. Wait, there�s his Jets teammate, Anders Hedberg, in 16th place.

Top 10 International Playmaking Dominance Leaders

Rank Name NAT IPD
1. Wayne Gretzky, CAN, 400
2. Guy Lafleur, CAN, 248
3. Valery Kharlamov, USSR, 210
4. Paul Coffey, CAN, 195
5. Vladimir Petrov, USSR, 195
6. Sergei Makarov, USSR, 192
7. Denis Potvin, CAN, 191
8. Gilbert Perreault, CAN, 191
9. Mario Lemieux, CAN, 191
10. Vladimir Shadrin, USSR, 181

Gretzky, Gretzky, Gretzky. What a player. He scored against everybody, including in the toughest tournaments ever played.

For lists that extend into the Top twenty in each category, go to The Hockey Project

On Thursday night, Alexei Kovalev scored an amazing goal in Russia’s 3-1 win over Team USA. In the words of Ken Daniels, Kovalev made a “Datsyukian Deke.” To see it, click here. Over at Off Wing Opinion, Eric McErlain thinks that it might not have been a goal. I can see where there is some uncertainty, but after watching it in slow motion, my conclusion is that it was a goal.

After being scratched for USA’s 3-1 win over Slovakia on Friday, Brett Hull showed up to Sunday’s practice only to find that he had been assigned the green sweater for scratches. He stormed out of the practice 10 minutes before it ended, and declined interview requests. But before he left the Xcel Energy Center, he said some pretty disturbing stuff in a confrontation with veteran Canadian Press reporter Neil Stevens:

Stevens: “Got a minute to talk to reporters, Brett?”
Brett: “What would I have to talk about?”
Stevens: “Fans want to know how you’re doing.”
Brett: “I don’t give a (deleted) about the fans anymore.”

In response to being scratched against Slovakia, Brett said:

“I couldn’t care less. It’s no fun playing.”

Shortly after Hull said f— the fans, he notified Team USA media relations, saying that he had not intended to be quoted. But that does not explain the comment, only that he wishes it wasn’t out there.

Thanks Brett. We all know you hate hockey (most of all practice) and only play it because you are paid millions, but do you really have the nerve to attack the hand that feeds you? That’s right, hockey fans are the most loyal fans out there, and buy the jerseys, tickets, and memorabilia that give the NHL its modest revenue.

Now I understand that these are words said in frustration, but he still needs to apologize. I’m not one of those people who demands a rebuttal after every politically incorrect comment, but it would be appropriate in this case. With a lockout starting in nine days, barring a miracle, the NHL needs its fans more than ever for what could be a year and a half battle over a new CBA.

And by the way, Brett, If I had the chance for you to ask me to have your autograph, I think I’d have to pass.

A Career in Decline

For a guy who has professed a deeper love for the game of golf, it is sadly typical for Brett Hull to be lashing out at the hockey community during its acclaimed World Cup of Hockey tournament. A veteran member of Team USA (1996 World Cup winner), Hull is frustrated with the position of being benched against Slovakia. He’s no doubt embarrassed that, as a guaranteed future Hall of Famer (741 goals, third all time), he’s being treated like a fourth line, role player. He was turned down a roster spot by the Wings, and now he’s being benched by Team USA.

If you dig up the tapes from the 2004 Stanley Cup playoffs, and want to see Brett, you’ll be looking for a lackadaisical skater gliding to and from the bench. After a six-week (December 8-January 22), 20-game goal drought, the longest of his career, Brett had only 3 goals and 2 assists in 12 playoff games. It wouldn’t have been so damaging to the Wings’ run if other players had been scoring, but the Wings were ousted by the Flames after 1-0 losses in Games 5 and 6.

Brett finished the regular season with 25 goals and 43 assists (thanks to playing with Pavel Datsyuk), which tied Datsyuk for team lead in points. But his play/attitude in the second half of the season was so dramatically worse than the first half that the Wings just couldn’t bring him back. Rather than fighting through his slumps, his attitude was to just go through the motions. While one could attribute Hull’s poor playoffs to a broken toe, revealed after the Wings were eliminated, I don’t buy it. The playoffs are all about playing hurt, and Robert Lang, arguably the best Wing in the playoffs, finished the Calgary series with a broken left hand. I don’t question Hull’s ability to play hockey at a high level, rather, I question his drive and attitude, which are the primary reasons for his decline.

Hull blamed Coach Dave Lewis for his lack of production, with a sorry excuse that he wasn’t getting enough playing time: “They just took the ice time away. Pavel (Datsyuk) and I were playing 12 and 13 minutes. That’s fine if you want to do that to me, but you’ve got one of the top five players in the league, play him until he dies.” As Matt noted, Brett’s argument wasn’t very factual as he averaged 16:53 ice time during the regular season and 15:15 over two rounds of the playoffs. He played in the 11-, 12-, or 13-minute range seven times in 81 games played.

Hull’s signing with the Phoenix Coyotes was a gimmick from the beginning. The Jets/Coyotes organization unretired his father, Bobby Hull’s number and gave it to Brett. This is something that stirs up the press and brings excitement to an organization on the outs. Coyotes General Manager Mike Barnett on Hull’s entertainment value:

“Brett Hull is one of the most talented goal scorers in NHL history. He is a dynamic player who creates excitement every time he enters the offensive zone. He has contributed significantly to winning Stanley Cups in both Detroit and Dallas. We not only look forward to the experience and passion he will bring to his teammates here in Phoenix, but also to the pure entertainment he will provide to our fans.”

First of all, what passion? He’s been lifeless lately. Entertainment, yes. A new home in Phoenix allows Mr Brett I Like Golf Better to play golf year-round in the retirement villas of Phoenix/Scottsdale. But will he make significant contributions to the Coyotes? No, unless he gets his mind straightened out.

Everyone should respect Brett’s First Amendment right to be a jerk, but words come with responsibility. While you could say this is Brett being Brett, I’m simply tired of his big mouth. I’ve never liked Brett for anything but his play, and this display was just too much to let go.

The proper and mature response to being benched is how Draper took it when scratched on Team Canada:

“I got traded for a dollar, you know, and here I am sitting in Team Canada’s locker room at the World Cup. I’ve been healthy scratches before under Scotty Bowman. You never want to not be in the lineup. But I’m not going to get caught up in the whole situation.”

Sure, there is a difference in where Draper and Hull are in their careers: Draper’s career is on the upswing, with a career season and Selke win, while Brett’s is sputtering. I’m not saying Brett is done, but he needs to decide whether he wants to play hockey anymore. If so, he should fight through this slump and I have full confidence that he’ll make it. But if not, I see his signing in Phoenix as merely a stop to find some great golf courses and maybe build a vacation home. He’s in the process of building a retirement home in the Dallas area. Part of me thinks that Hull could quit hockey before he ever plays for the Coyotes:

“I’d rather play golf than hockey. I just love the game. I love the challenge. It’s my favorite sport.”

Part of the reason Hull goes on is that he wants to pass Gordie Howe at 801 goals and become second all time only to Wayne Gretzky (894). Hull (741) will need two full seasons to score 61 goals, and a lockout this season could hurt his chances of even getting close. Hull turned 40 on August 9. Bobby Hull on passing Gordie:

“Before I went to the WHA, folks asked me what I’m going to do when I approach Gordie. I said that I’m going to score one less goal than Howe, then retire. I don’t think I could have gone by the great old man.”

Quotes on Hull

Team USA Doug Weight on Hull’s insanity:

“He shouldn’t be happy about it and he’s not. But you don’t want a teammate who doesn’t give two cares about being in the lineup or not, and he cares and he’s upset about it. If he doesn’t want to talk to (reporters) about it, that’s part of it. It’s part of our job, I agree. But it’s (Hull’s) right (not to do interviews), I guess. He’s always given (reporters) plenty to write. He’s done a great job performing that part of his job. If something is bothering him or if he doesn’t feel like talking for a couple of days, I don’t think that should, in a 20-year career, be something that’s held against him…He has done nothing to affect our chemistry in a bad way. He has been fine. When he gets out there again, he’ll still be the most dangerous player on the ice.”

Team USA Captain Chris Chelios also had words to say about his ex-Wing teammate:

“We’re a close group. Brett and I are honoured, at our ages, to be part of this team. If I have to sit out or Brett has to sit out and if it’s for the better of the team, so be it. We know Brett’s going to be there for us if he’s called on. Hopefully, we’ve got three more games and he’ll be a part of it and get the opportunity to win a game for us.”

Wings/Team USA assistant coach, Barry Smith:

“He’s hot. He should be. He’s a Hall of Fame player who’s not getting a chance to play…He has not been a detriment to the team in any way. He has not been a problem for the coaching staff. I give him a lot of respect for the way he’s handled the situation. He’s being a team guy.”

Insert Foot in Mouth

It runs in the Hull family. Nearly 6 years ago today, Bobby Hull was quoted in the Moscow Times as saying “Hitler, for example had some good ideas. He just went a little bit too far.” He also went on to say that the black population of the United States was growing too quickly, the Canadian government was too left wing, and that genetic breeding was a good idea. Bobby Hull denied he made the statement in the Canadian Jewish News.

UPDATE

Obviously the Phoenix Coyotes and their fans have an interest in what Hull said, so the Arizona Republic looked for a clarification of his profane statement. Hull offered an explanation that the quote was taken out of context/misunderstood (which is entirely possible), but fell short of apologizing (which would be taking responsibility for his words):

“I really believe I did nothing wrong. They had no idea what I was saying and what I meant by it and ran with it. It wasn’t a slam against fans, and I think everybody who knows me knows what was written is not really who I am…It wasn’t even an interview. They asked me if I was talking, and I said no. It’s completely unfair…Of course I care about the fans. They pay my salary, and it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up when they go crazy, and it’s great to silence a vocal crowd when you’re on the road.”

The problem with Hull’s thinking is that he throws a terse, off-color comment out there and expects people to know what he meant by it (other than in the literal sense). I don’t know if I buy that saying “I don’t give a f—about the fans anymore” means something other than a slam on the fans (if that’s what he really said). And I don’t know how something like that could be taken out of context. Hull was walking out of the arena and said a few one-liners. What, did he say: “I’m just joking…I don’t give a f— about the fans anymore…again, I’m joking”? Not likely. But maybe it was in sick humor, and it means he’s frustrated and doesn’t want to talk about hockey. I didn’t get the joke.

The problem I have with this situation is that I don’t exactly trust the media, who could have easily fabricated/taken the quote out of context to make headlines. I also don’t read minds, and Brett must believe that I take his comments as a compliment. I also don’t buy into the fact that the comments shouldn’t be printed just because it wasn’t a formal interview. If Brett didn’t want to talk, he should’ve just walked out of the arena with his mouth duct-taped shut. Nobody forced him to say anything (although the comments were provoked). It’ll be interesting where this story goes. But I still stand by my feelings on Hull, that his career is in a decline and he should retire. Hull is an immature whiner who can’t take a taste of reality that he’s done. He loves attention and has a big mouth to back it up. I’ll post any other updates as the story progresses.

UPDATE 2

Brett Hull will be scratched again tonight for Team USA’s quarterfinal game against Russia (7 pm, in St Paul). Coach Ron Wilson:

“We’ve put a lineup together we think is balanced and can best do what we want
in terms of forechecking and defensive responsibilities, and who’s on top of
their game.”

With the CBA expiring on September 15, the Wings still haven’t signed team MVP Pavel Datsyuk, and word is that the sides are still “miles apart” after GM Ken Holland reportedly made a “huge offer.” We’ve heard this kind of rhetoric all summer long about the Wings’ contract negotiations with Pavel Datsyuk, but it’s still troubling that there is seemingly no progress. Datsyuk had a breakout season of 30 goals and 38 assists last season, making the Western Conference All Star Team and shocking the league with his famous Turco breakaway goal.

In mid-July, Pavel, 26, waved his right to arbitration as a restricted free agent, hopeful that further negotiations would lead to a deal. His agent, Gary Greenstein, explains:

“I explained to him how arbitration works. He doesn’t want to go through the process. He believes he’ll get a good deal because he’s proven everything to the Detroit Red Wings organization. We have to make a deal by Sept. 16.”

I almost would’ve preferred that Datsyuk had filed for arbitration, as the salary rewarded for a young player like Pavel with a breakout season wouldn’t be much relative to the average NHL salary. But what does Holland mean by “huge offer?” With fiscal responsibility running rampant in the league, it’s likely that Holland is just being cautious with throwing Illitch’s money around. I imagine “huge” is in the ballpark of 3 years, $2.25 million per season.

Datsyuk signed to play for Moscow Dynamo this fall, with an escape clause that allows him to return to Detroit once the NHL season begins. The contract is triggered once the CBA expires. But there is a heap of confusion as to whether Datsyuk will play the whole season in Moscow even if a new CBA is born. Greenstein has said that Datsyuk will play the whole season in Moscow, whether or not a new CBA is hashed out, if he isn’t inked with the Wings by September 15 (“We have to make a deal by Sept. 16″). But Datsyuk has given conflicting reports that he could sign with the Wings after September 15 and still come back.

Greenstein explains the Dynamo deal:

“It’s something to protect Pavel in case there is a lockout. Pavel wants to play hockey somewhere. Dynamo has good coaches, good trainers, it’s going to be a very good team.”

The way Greenstein says that, it’s an insurance policy for next season, not set in stone.

Datsyuk earned $1.5 million last season, and is looking for a more-than-significant raise. Holland plans to speak with Greenstein further, but cannot report any progress: “We’ll see where it goes.”

What keeps me hopeful of Pavs donning the Winged-Wheel in years to come is what his agent says of his desire to stay here: “He loves Detroit, he loves playing for the Red Wings, and doesn’t want to play anywhere else.” He would be deserving of a raise after his success last season. The problem is that he slowed down considerably in the second half of the season, after every NHL player and his brother had seen the Turco goal. Not wanting to be faked out of their own jockstraps, teams started to double-team Pavel, and he just doesn’t have the physical strength to beat that, yet. During the Calgary series, I think I saw Datsyuk flat on his back every shift he took. If Pavel wants to become a perennial NHL All Star, he needs to figure out ways of shaking double-teams, because that’s just what comes with the territory of being a top tier player.