Orr vs Bourque

[Isles4life]

Originally Posted by Plateworker

I think you just answered the question about Lidstrom in a very good way. He is what he is a very good Dman at both ends on the ice but nothing spectacular in either regard. Just by the way he is not nearly as good as Stevens defensive wise or Langway for that matter(who won 2 norris's 83-84in a time of great, great dman with pratically no points scored-33 and 26 points, thats how good a defensive-dman he was, something I don't think that has happened before or after Langway)-and this from a Ranger fan. Like you said all those guys could change a game on a dime. As a goalie you see Leetchie rushing the puck down the ice your first though is Oh S*it, you see Mac wind up on top of the circle your saying this is gonna hurt. If your a forward you know damn well going over the blueline you better have your head up if Stevens is on the ice or you wont have one. Meaning all those guys, teams have something to say or plan about when it comes to playing them. Not so with Lidstrom. Great he is, there is no denying that better than those guys....not in my opinion. I would think if you polled players that have played against just those four mentioned. The consensus would be that Lidstrom is the guy you worry about the least. So in my opinion you cant be considered the 2nd greatest dman ever if no one is worried about playing against you. All those guys I mentioned before brought something to the game Lidstrom just doesn't have, that Little extra something to go along with all their points and other achievements. That is what makes you truly special as a player. He is great but not special.

Really good response, you make some great points. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on Lidstrom's all-time ranking.

[Flyer_Frank]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

While he might not have Scott Stevens' physical presence, Brian Leetch's offensive skills, or Al MacInnis's epic slapshot, I think when you look at his overall game he's a better defenseman than all three of those guys, who were all incredible players.

I think Al MacInnis is one of the more underrated great defensemen in the game's history. That slapper got so much attention that it took attention away from his very complete game.

[bastard24]

I would take Orr over Bourque in any situation for any length of time.

Bobby Orr is the greatest player of all time never mind best d-man.

[NJDevils17]

Bobby Orr easily. Orr is also the greatest defenseman in the history of the sport.

Also, Ray Bourque got undressed by Brad May.