Ed Giacomin may not have won a Stanley Cup during his career, but for a five year period he was one of the top Goaltenders in the National Hockey League. For five consecutive seasons, he was either a First or Second Team All Star and a major reason that the New York Rangers were a top contender. He won the Vezina Trophy in 1971 and three times led the NHL in wins. Giacomin’s playoff performances were always good, so he could not be blamed for not getting the Blueshirts over the hump. His best seasons also took place at the time of behemoth squads from Boston and Montreal which made hockey’s Holy Grail significantly harder to come by. The failure to win a Cup is likely why he waited a bit to get in the Hall of Fame where by Gerry Cheevers (who won twice in Boston, but had inferior statistics) got in quickly. Make no mistake how important winning a Cup is for HOF induction.

A severe diabetic, many thought for certain that Bobby Clarke would not have much of a career in the National Hockey League. Clarke won the Bill Masteron Trophy in 1972 for his perseverance in becoming a star for the Philadelphia Flyers. Often though, the awarding of the Masterton Trophy usually caps a career; for Bobby Clarke it was just the beginning.

An integral part of the Montreal Canadians defensive squad of the 1970’s, Serge Savard brought a blended and intelligent game to the Habs’ blue line. Savard did not have the same offensive skills as his team mate, Larry Robinson, but his methodical hardnosed style of play was a perfect complement to the rest of Montreal’s stars. Savard was part of seven Stanley Cup victories (and was the GM for two more in Montreal) and he won the Conn Smythe in 1969. Perhaps his greatest individual accolade was the winning of the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1979 which is given annually to the player who represents perseverance, sportsmanship and an overall dedication to the sport. Sounds like an award meant for Serge Savard.

Over a nineteen year career, Leo Boivin was known throughout the National Hockey League for his toughness. He was a traditional stay at home Defenceman who may have had significant offensive prowess, but rarely allowed attackers to get the best of him. Three times, Boivin would play in the All Star Game in the early 1960’s. His best seasons were with the Boston Bruins, of which he would be their captain for four seasons.   Boivin was a very good player, but he may be an example of the criticism that the Hall often gets for inducting too many Original Six players, as his overall resume just does not seem to be Hall worthy.