Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman are the two best players in Detroit Red Wings history and there's no arguing that. Both put up legendary numbers with the Wings and they helped fuel some of the most memorable teams and eras in franchise history.
When you look at the Red Wings career records, Howe and Yzerman pace everyone in most major categories, and that includes hat tricks. They're one of just four players in team history to record double-digit hatties while wearing the Winged Wheel, but they more than outpace the rest of the team leaders.
Howe edged out Yzerman on the list, with 19 hat tricks to Yzerman's 18. But when you look down the rankings, Norm Ullman clocks in at No. 3 with 11, and Brendan Shanahan took fourth with 10. You could argue that Shanahan would hold the ultimate edge here since he only played nine seasons with the Wings, but he finished his borderline journeyman career with 19 hatties.
So, at most, we can only leave it to speculation. Either way, it's yet another stat line Howe and Yzerman just dominate, as the duo also finished 1-2 in goals scored, assists, and points, driving home what makes these Hall of Famers both Red Wings and NHL legends.
Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman dominate the Detroit Red Wings in more than career hat tricks
Here are some other awesome tidbits about Howe and Yzerman: They're the only two playes in team history to hit four figures in career assists, two of just four to snag four figures in points, and the only two to hit 500-plus goals.
It's remarkable, considering how many great teams the Red Wings had. It wasn't like Yzerman and Howe carried these teams during their playing days, even if they both played greater roles than arguably anyone else.
It's why their legacies go beyond Hockeytown. Ask any hockey fan which players defined their respective eras, and they'll mention Howe and Yzerman, among others. Probably without hesitation.
Telling any new fan about the Red Wings rich history, and you'll bring up Howe and Yzerman before anyone else. And I can go on and on about how many minor records they also sit 1-2 in, like with even strength goals, goals created, power play goals, you get it.
Then there are some more remarkable numbers, like hat tricks, where these two flat-out dominate. And that's why it was worth bringing up when discussing the great history of this franchise.
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