Mike writes:
 
"allow me to support my contention by comparing 1987 and 1994."
 
We can't.
 
The 87 group has had 7 additional years of pro hockey to build both
their skills and their reputations.  There is no basis for comparing the
two groups, unless you mean that you are somehow mentally deleting
any post-87 impressions you have built around the early group.  I know
I can't do this.
 
Joe Nieuwendyk is an excellent example.  A this point in 1988, he was
considered a very good college player who had blown away the league
playing for an ECAC (one strike), Ivy League (two strikes) team.  Then
he goes out and becomes the second player in history to score 50+ goals
in his first two years in the NHL.  Hell, maybe Craig Conroy will do that
in two years...
 
Anyway, you're comparing grapes and bottled wine, Mike.  And it
sounds more than a little bit like the local Boston hockey literati grousing
"aah, there aren't ten guys in the NHL today who coulda played with the
original six teams".
 
 
Greg
Malden
Let's Go Red!