Bondra was a force in the league, winning the goal scoring title twice. He was on pace for a monster year (close to 60 goals) during the strike-shortened season, and hit the magic 500-goal plateau, playing almost exclusively in the dead puck era. He was one of the fastest players in the league, winning the fastest skater competition twice. It's hard for me to judge him, since he was my favorite player growing up. Does he have a shot?
Kolzig won the Vezina, has 300 wins, and was regularly near the top of the league in games played and shots faced. He kept the Caps competitive most nights, and was the face of the franchise for many years. His numbers don't really compare to the greats at that time, though (Roy, Brodeur, Hasek, etc). Does he have a shot?
Gonchar was always near or at the top of the league in goals scored by a defenseman. The criticisms of him were similar to those of Mike Green, but he has really matured as a defenseman in recent years, while still being an excellent puck-moving defenseman and power-play quarterback. Never even came close to winning a Norris, but was a great player for many years. Does he have a shot?
I doubt any other players that are primarily identified as a Capital from that era has a chance, but if you disagree then also comment on that. Thanks!
I think Kolzig was four wins away from consideration....
If Kolzig wins a Cup I think there's definitely a chance...but as it stands he's not going to beat guys like Tom Barrasso, who has two rings and a Vezina and barely has a shot. Maybe way down the line in a weak year, but otherwise he's a guy who just doesn't have enough going for him.
Gonchar actually did come somewhat close to getting a Norris, he was fourth in voting in 2007-08 (and should have finished higher than Phaneuf)...I adore the guy and he was one of those Caps that actually was good against the Penguins too, but he is a longshot right now...if he can regain his 2007-08 form and add a couple rings to his hand then he definitely has a chance, but his HoF credentials right now aren't enough to merit consideration.
Bondra should be in, however. Maybe not first ballot HoFer, but he deserves to be there without much doubt in my eyes.
If Kolzig wins a Cup I think there's definitely a chance...but as it stands he's not going to beat guys like Tom Barrasso, who has two rings and a Vezina and barely has a shot. Maybe way down the line in a weak year, but otherwise he's a guy who just doesn't have enough going for him.
Gonchar actually did come somewhat close to getting a Norris, he was fourth in voting in 2007-08 (and should have finished higher than Phaneuf)...I adore the guy and he was one of those Caps that actually was good against the Penguins too, but he is a longshot right now...if he can regain his 2007-08 form and add a couple rings to his hand then he definitely has a chance, but his HoF credentials right now aren't enough to merit consideration.
Bondra should be in, however. Maybe not first ballot HoFer, but he deserves to be there without much doubt in my eyes.
Threadjacked by utter retardation. An all too common occurance on the internet.
So, what are other people's thoughts on Bondra? He's clearly behind the Jagrs, Bures, Oates, Hulls, Sakics, etc. from that era. I would tend to think that he has a chance to get in, but when you take a look at all the people in line ahead of him, is it really going to happen?
Bondra should not be in. He's a forward who was never top 10 in points, never in consideration for any award and was not really the top guy on what was a middling team.
Bondra should not be in. He's a forward who was never top 10 in points, never in consideration for any award and was not really the top guy on what was a middling team.
He was the guy on one of the better teams of the 90s...just because they didn't win anything of any relevance doesn't take away from the fact they were a damn good team for most of the decade.
Agreed, Oates is a lock. I wouldn't really call him a Capital though, which is odd considering he played more games for Washington than any other team and was on their Stanley Cup Finals team. I guess maybe I should.
Threadjacked by utter retardation. An all too common occurance on the internet.
So, what are other people's thoughts on Bondra? He's clearly behind the Jagrs, Bures, Oates, Hulls, Sakics, etc. from that era. I would tend to think that he has a chance to get in, but when you take a look at all the people in line ahead of him, is it really going to happen?
If the NHL used the same criteria for goalies as they do for forwards, Kolzig would have a shot. But it's much harder to get in for goalies, so he doesn't.
Bondra was a one-trick pony, and that trick went away for the most part in the playoffs. No shot.
Gonchar is borderline now. If he wins another Cup as a #1 dman, he'll probably get in.
Agreed, Oates is a lock. I wouldn't really call him a Capital though, which is odd considering he played more games for Washington than any other team and was on their Stanley Cup Finals team. I guess maybe I should.
Yeah, Oates played parts of 6 seasons for the Washington Capitals He's pretty much the only guy who played any significant time for the Capitals as a purely 90's players who is going to the Hall of Fame. As it stands, Bondra, Kolzig, and Gonchar are all probably going to end up in the Hall of Very Good.
If it wasn't for his cheapshot on Turgeon and some questionable behavoir off ice, you'd have to figure Dale Hunter would have a least at shot at the Hall. But I don't think he'll ever get on the ballot, rightly or wrongly.
