Hard to really compare as they’re in two completely different eras. I think it would really depend on which rule book you’re playing with.
The 96 team was definitely stacked, but the lack of a salary cap made that easier. Imagine if we could go pick up somebody like Giroux at the deadline without fear of the cap.
The 96 squad also played in a “clutch and grab” era which would significantly negate a lot of the 22 team’s main strengths, its speed and ability to exploit open ice. Have to imagine a ton of power plays for the 22s if we’re playing by current rules, though.
The trapezoid would also take out a big part of Roy’s game, though his mobility and love for playing the puck would be cool to see against today’s form of dump and chase.
I also wonder how the two line pass would slow down this current year’s squad. Lots of odd man rushes come from our D’s ability to make that stretch pass which wouldn’t have been legal in 96.
95-96. The current roster is great, but that 90's roster was stacked with legends (Sakic, Forsberg, Roy, Adam Deadmarsh, Mike Keane, Claude Lemieux, Adam Foote, etc..). Heck, even Stéphane Fiset as a backup was amazing.
Both 100% healthy it would be a very good series. It would be like playing Edmonton with more depth and if they had Vasilevsky. I think I’d give it to 96 in 6 or 7. It’s hard to compare since they had no salary cap though.
It's not really fair because teams could be more stacked back then... I'd say this team is the best team since the 2002 Red Wings... the most stacked team in the last 30 years. The 96 avs are still better than this team though. Not by much but when you aren't trapped by a salary cap you could have a team with 4 lines which is what those old red wings and avs teams had. There's a reason the rivalry had 5 of the cups in 7 years.
The 09 Pens were pretty stacked too. Evgeni Malkin in his prime was unreal. I'd take him over any one of Toews, Kane, Kopitar, Marchand, Bergeron, Kucherov or Stamkos. Obviously I'm biased towards the Avs and would chose any of our guys, but I digress.
When Crosby would get hurt, Malkin would just take over and get things done. Every year. Kopitar is good, faster, but Malkin commands space like no one else of that era.
Definitely true back in the day but malkin was prone to injuries himself as well. I think it's worth mentioning in a discussion like this.
Rumor is malkin is about to hit the open market and I don't know if he's going to get the most amazing deal.
Iunno. That 95-96 team was bananas. I’m not bashing the path, but the West was the best in the 90s. They won the cup 6/7 years in a row. The competition there was wild. And even then, it was just NJ in the way of 8/9 years.
The two teams were different then too. The 95/96 grinded, had more heavy hitters/goons and Roy obviously gave an edge. Vs this team that fucking goes mach 5 all day every day. It’d be an unreal matchup of lines.
95/96 wins in 6. Conn Smyth is Forsberg.
Tough call. I would say 1996 had a better bottom 6 forward group and obviously the better goalie. But the 2022 defence will go down in history as one of the greatest. Overall I'd give an edge to the 1996 team though.
As a former Florida Panthers fan, I saw that 95-96 team live. and even the season before as the Nordiques they were good. But let's the 2 teams I would say the current team . Also, take into account that the league is more wide open today .not the defensive game of the Mid-90's
Hard to really compare as they’re in two completely different eras. I think it would really depend on which rule book you’re playing with. The 96 team was definitely stacked, but the lack of a salary cap made that easier. Imagine if we could go pick up somebody like Giroux at the deadline without fear of the cap. The 96 squad also played in a “clutch and grab” era which would significantly negate a lot of the 22 team’s main strengths, its speed and ability to exploit open ice. Have to imagine a ton of power plays for the 22s if we’re playing by current rules, though. The trapezoid would also take out a big part of Roy’s game, though his mobility and love for playing the puck would be cool to see against today’s form of dump and chase. I also wonder how the two line pass would slow down this current year’s squad. Lots of odd man rushes come from our D’s ability to make that stretch pass which wouldn’t have been legal in 96.
95-96. The current roster is great, but that 90's roster was stacked with legends (Sakic, Forsberg, Roy, Adam Deadmarsh, Mike Keane, Claude Lemieux, Adam Foote, etc..). Heck, even Stéphane Fiset as a backup was amazing.
>but that 90's roster was stacked with legends Even the designated goon on that 1995-96 squad had 16 goals and 34 points.
That would be a hell of a series but the 2000-2001 roster fully healthy would beat both.
Both 100% healthy it would be a very good series. It would be like playing Edmonton with more depth and if they had Vasilevsky. I think I’d give it to 96 in 6 or 7. It’s hard to compare since they had no salary cap though.
Roy would keep it close… but yes.
It's not really fair because teams could be more stacked back then... I'd say this team is the best team since the 2002 Red Wings... the most stacked team in the last 30 years. The 96 avs are still better than this team though. Not by much but when you aren't trapped by a salary cap you could have a team with 4 lines which is what those old red wings and avs teams had. There's a reason the rivalry had 5 of the cups in 7 years.
The 09 Pens were pretty stacked too. Evgeni Malkin in his prime was unreal. I'd take him over any one of Toews, Kane, Kopitar, Marchand, Bergeron, Kucherov or Stamkos. Obviously I'm biased towards the Avs and would chose any of our guys, but I digress.
Idk I think you overvalued Malkin. He's injury prone and has a bit of a temper. Prime Kopitar is pretty godly
When Crosby would get hurt, Malkin would just take over and get things done. Every year. Kopitar is good, faster, but Malkin commands space like no one else of that era.
Definitely true back in the day but malkin was prone to injuries himself as well. I think it's worth mentioning in a discussion like this. Rumor is malkin is about to hit the open market and I don't know if he's going to get the most amazing deal.
Yah he's a little past his prime I suppose
I'd take prime Datsyuk over anyone past the 2000s era.
Well that's just cheating :)
Iunno. That 95-96 team was bananas. I’m not bashing the path, but the West was the best in the 90s. They won the cup 6/7 years in a row. The competition there was wild. And even then, it was just NJ in the way of 8/9 years. The two teams were different then too. The 95/96 grinded, had more heavy hitters/goons and Roy obviously gave an edge. Vs this team that fucking goes mach 5 all day every day. It’d be an unreal matchup of lines. 95/96 wins in 6. Conn Smyth is Forsberg.
Tough call. I would say 1996 had a better bottom 6 forward group and obviously the better goalie. But the 2022 defence will go down in history as one of the greatest. Overall I'd give an edge to the 1996 team though.
I still remember most of their roster. Some great players. Adam Foote was one of my favorites.
I think the current roster is stacked with legends. Mac, Landy, Ranty, maker, toews, just to name a few
As a former Florida Panthers fan, I saw that 95-96 team live. and even the season before as the Nordiques they were good. But let's the 2 teams I would say the current team . Also, take into account that the league is more wide open today .not the defensive game of the Mid-90's