Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Best Playmakers, Voracek, Quick Hits

I never saw Clarke play so please keep that in mind. Eric Lindros has to be the most gifted offensive player in the history of the Flyers. He would without a doubt be the leading all time scorer for the Flyers if it were not for his injuries.

Bobby Clarke is the greatest Flyer but Lindros is the most talented Flyer.

Bill, do you think Giroux can beat the all time single season record of 123 points at some point in his career?

Bill, do you think Giroux can beat the all time single season record of 123 points at some point in his career?
- mickel25

I would say not a chance.

I would say not a chance.
- aightwebang17

Not even w/ Bobby Ryab on his wing?

I would say not a chance.
- aightwebang17

It will be tough. Nobody has scored 120 since Crosby did it in 06-07.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Best Playmakers, Voracek, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

I'd have Giroux and Barber a bit higher and Linseman a bit lower, but all in all a very good list!

I never saw Clarke play so please keep that in mind. Eric Lindros has to be the most gifted offensive player in the history of the Flyers. He would without a doubt be the leading all time scorer for the Flyers if it were not for his injuries.

Bobby Clarke is the greatest Flyer but Lindros is the most talented Flyer.

Bill, do you think Giroux can beat the all time single season record of 123 points at some point in his career?
- mickel25

Unless some crazy surge in league scoring occurs, no. He might top 100 points, but when Recchi did that, he was 10th in league scoring.

Bill, do you think Giroux can beat the all time single season record of 123 points at some point in his career?
- mickel25

Not unless the style of play opens up considerably leaguewide.

I'd have Giroux and Barber a bit higher and Linseman a bit lower, but all in all a very good list!

- BiggE

Great list. I would have Giroux at 3 possible 2. Lindros was simply dominant in all aspects of game but I would like to see G play with 2 wingers who can finish and skate.
When it comes to pure goal scoring. Tim Kerr would be on the top of my list for the Flyers.

Great list. I would have Giroux at 3 possible 2. Lindros was simply dominant in all aspects of game but I would like to see G play with 2 wingers who can finish and skate.
When it comes to pure goal scoring. Tim Kerr would be on the top of my list for the Flyers.
- 3flyerkids

Yup when it comes to goals, Kerr and Leach are 1 & 2 on my list.

I never saw Clarke play so please keep that in mind. Eric Lindros has to be the most gifted offensive player in the history of the Flyers. He would without a doubt be the leading all time scorer for the Flyers if it were not for his injuries.

Bobby Clarke is the greatest Flyer but Lindros is the most talented Flyer.

Bill, do you think Giroux can beat the all time single season record of 123 points at some point in his career?
- mickel25

I watched Clarke and Lindros play every game at home and watched most away games on TV and Clarke is #1 and Lindros is #2

I watched Clarke and Lindros play every game at home and watched most away games on TV and Clarke is #1 and Lindros is #2
- vejim

Lindros was probably the most dominant player I've ever seen (when healthy), but I didn't start watching hockey until he was in the league. I think Lindros commanded a shift better than anyone I've ever seen. There were times when he had the puck, and he was either going to score a goal or get a few fantastic chances (and barrel someone over) and there was nothing the other team could do about it. That's why he was the best player I've ever seen. I've never watched much of Clarke, but I don't think he possessed the tools, hard work be damned, to create chances the way Lindros could. I could be wrong though.

Lindros was probably the most dominant player I've ever seen (when healthy), but I didn't start watching hockey until he was in the league. I think Lindros commanded a shift better than anyone I've ever seen. There were times when he had the puck, and he was either going to score a goal or get a few fantastic chances (and barrel someone over) and there was nothing the other team could do about it. That's why he was the best player I've ever seen. I've never watched much of Clarke, but I don't think he possessed the tools, hard work be damned, to create chances the way Lindros could. I could be wrong though.
- jmatchett383

Clarke had incredible ice vision and an amazing passing touch. He was a playmaker first and foremost. His assists-per-game were right there with Lindros'.

Regarding Linseman's placement on the list, 0.68 assists per game is mighty impressive, especially in light of the fact that he only centered the top line his last couple seasons in Philly before the Howe trade.

Lindros was probably the most dominant player I've ever seen (when healthy), but I didn't start watching hockey until he was in the league. I think Lindros commanded a shift better than anyone I've ever seen. There were times when he had the puck, and he was either going to score a goal or get a few fantastic chances (and barrel someone over) and there was nothing the other team could do about it. That's why he was the best player I've ever seen. I've never watched much of Clarke, but I don't think he possessed the tools, hard work be damned, to create chances the way Lindros could. I could be wrong though.
- jmatchett383

I always say my favorite players were Clarke, Lindros and Hexy

Clarke had incredible ice vision and an amazing passing touch. He was a playmaker first and foremost. His assists-per-game were right there with Lindros'.

Regarding Linseman's placement on the list, 0.68 assists per game is mighty impressive, especially in light of the fact that he only centered the top line his last couple seasons in Philly before the Howe trade.
- bmeltzer

Like I said, I never got to see him play (aside from some clips and the Alumni game), but I guess I just hold Lindros in a different light.

I never saw Clarke play so please keep that in mind. Eric Lindros has to be the most gifted offensive player in the history of the Flyers. He would without a doubt be the leading all time scorer for the Flyers if it were not for his injuries.

- mickel25

I'm in the same boat as you, and I couldn't agree more. I loved Lindros when he was on his game. The dude was a monster on the ice. I know people say he took shifts/games off, and maybe he did (i'm jaded since i was just a teenager when he played in philly) but damn his on switch was scary.

Like I said, I never got to see him play (aside from some clips and the Alumni game), but I guess I just hold Lindros in a different light.
- jmatchett383

you would have loved Clarke

Unless some crazy surge in league scoring occurs, no. He might top 100 points, but when Recchi did that, he was 10th in league scoring.
- jmatchett383

With all the rule changed to allow more offense, its amazing they don't look at the 80's era and just go back to those rules. It's like watching them play on a rink double in size, and yet guys can just waltz into the zone.

DAmn the trap, its ruined everything.

Lindros was probably the most dominant player I've ever seen (when healthy), but I didn't start watching hockey until he was in the league. I think Lindros commanded a shift better than anyone I've ever seen. There were times when he had the puck, and he was either going to score a goal or get a few fantastic chances (and barrel someone over) and there was nothing the other team could do about it. That's why he was the best player I've ever seen. I've never watched much of Clarke, but I don't think he possessed the tools, hard work be damned, to create chances the way Lindros could. I could be wrong though.
- jmatchett383

Lindros was obviously stronger and had more all around skill, but Clarke was the better pure playmaker. Every opponent knew that when Clarke had the puck on his stick in the O zone, he was looking to pass and yet he still put the puck right in his teammates tape!

I'm in the same boat as you, and I couldn't agree more. I loved Lindros when he was on his game. The dude was a monster on the ice. I know people say he took shifts/games off, and maybe he did (i'm jaded since i was just a teenager when he played in philly) but damn his on switch was scary.
- the deaninator

I think it's just impossible to play every second of every shift in that high emotional dominating gear over the course of an entire season.

Not unless the style of play opens up considerably leaguewide.
- bmeltzer

Or they make powerplays last 3 minutes long, and they don't end when a goal is scored.

I think it's just impossible to play every second of every shift in that high emotional dominating gear over the course of an entire season.
- MJL

Clarke did, more than anything else his unreal work ethic is what made him such a great player.

With all the rule changed to allow more offense, its amazing they don't look at the 80's era and just go back to those rules. It's like watching them play on a rink double in size, and yet guys can just waltz into the zone.

DAmn the trap, its ruined everything.
- the deaninator

The y never can go back. It's impossible. They've tried. They got rid of the red line, they don't let the goalie play the puck in the corners, they give more PPs, eliminated a large portion of obstruction, the now have composite sticks. The thing is that defensive schemes are better and goalie styles/pads are much better.

Or they make powerplays last 3 minutes long, and they don't end when a goal is scored.
- Feanor

You can thank Le Habs for that.

Lindros in his prime was the purest combination of size, raw power and skill. Because people tend to focus on the power aspects of his game it is often overlooked that he was a magnificent skater and incredibly reliable in coming back on the play. Saw a lot of Forsberg from his Nordiques/Avs days. Do not think Flyer fans ever really saw close to the real deal.

But, the choice for me is between Clarke and Giroux. Nobody has have played the game with more intensity than Clarke. His anticipation and reactions were cat like.
Giroux is my favorite player, followed him since juniors. But, I vote Clarke.