Bleacher Report’s Adam Gretz compiled a list of his “20 greatest nicknames in hockey history,” and four notable Red Wings made his list–but the Perfect Human did not:
Mr. Hockey
There was nothing on the ice that Gordie Howe could not do. Score, defend, fight, play physical … it was all there. His all-around abilities helped earn him the moniker “Mr. Hockey,” a nickname that was actually trademarked by him and his wife, who was nicknamed “Mrs. Hockey.”
The Dominator
It is perhaps one of the most fitting nicknames because it was so representative of the way Dominik Hasek played. He was, simply, one of the most dominant players in NHL history and could change the fortunes of a team in a way few other players could. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Hasek played at a level that was pretty much unmatched by any goalie in any era. He was the reason some of those Buffalo Sabres teams went as far as they did in the playoffs, including the 1998 Stanley Cup Final team.
The Professor
Part of the Detroit Red Wings‘ famed Russian Five, an awesome nickname in its own right, Igor Larionov was dubbed “The Professor” for his cerebral approach to the game. Hall of Fame coach Scotty Bowman called him a “real brainy player,” and Sergei Fedorov said he was one of the smartest players he played with. Larionov was also one of the players who was instrumental in Russian stars defecting to the NHL.
Continued (does “Cujo” count as a legendary Red Wing? Methinks not); I’m not sure how Nicklas Lidstrom misses out on the list, but that’s just me.
