The Five Toughest NHL Players Of All Time

Gordie Howe

Howe’s style of play paved the way for future players. Howe showed that you can play tough but you can also contribute in other ways. The late sixties bought the expansion. Howe continued to play his game and would go down as one of the games greatest players.

Jim Schoenfeld

In his time, Jim Schoenfeld was one of the game’s most antagonizing players. A true example of a stay at home defenseman. For eleven year’s Schoenfeld made a living in the penalty box. Mostly a Buffalo Sabre Schoenfeld finished his career with a total of 1,035 penalty minutes. Only 45 goals, Schoenfeld was an excellent puck handler. When the game was on the line Schoenfeld was the player you wanted on the ice. In 11 year’s Schenfeld enjoyed stops in Boston, Detroit, and Toronto.

Terry O’Reilly

Starting with O’Reilly, fans view him as an NHL tough guy. But what fans do not realize is attributes as a scorer. In the span of 14 years, O’Reilly totaled 204 career goals as a Bruin. O’Reilly spent all 14 seasons for the Boston Bruins. Fans loved it when he dropped the gloves. Especially against team’ likee Montreal And the New York Rangers.

When O’Reilly retired after the 1985 season, he had a grand total of 2,095 Penalty minutes. O’Reilly’s physical play will never be forgotten by Bruins fans.

Robert Gordon Orr

Bobby Orr is responsible for revolutionizing the defensive position. Known for his powerful rushes from end to end Orr had skill sets like no other. His famous goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup victory over St. Louis will be remembered for generations.

Bobby Orr finished up his career s a Chicago Black Hawk. During an illustrious 10 year career, he finished up with 264 career goals and 924 penalty minutes. His last two years as a Black Hawk in 1976/1977 were hampered by injuries. He will be remembered as hockey’s first offensive-minded defenceman.

Eddie Shack

This player is debatable, I personally saw this player several times in the sixties and seventies. Eddie Shack was one of the most rugged players of his era. A left_ winger Shack was a prolific goalscorer. In his six_ year career Shack finished with 239 goals and 1431 penalty minutes. In his six-year careers mostly as a Penguin, he also spent time in Toronto, Boston, and Detroit. He will be remembered as an excellent two-way player and teammate.

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