From Jeff Marek of CBC:
I’ve never hid the fact that Igor Larionov is one of my favourite hockey players to ever lace up a pair of skates.
The talented Russian centred one of the most dominant combos in the history of the game, the dreaded KLM line consisting of himself, Vladimir Krutov and Sergei Makarov. To watch this talented trio play “puck-on-a-string” was to marvel at three players who instinctively knew where each other were at all times. It was easily the dominant line of the 80s and one of the finest ever internationally.
In his prime, there were few who could approach the skill level possessed by the native of Voskresenk, Russia.
Here’s how Wayne Gretzky described Larionov: “He saw the ice the same as me, passing the puck, hockey sense probably as similar to me as any players who has played the game.”
Read more from Marek here.
There is no question in my mind that Igor Larionov belongs in the Hall of Fame. Remember, it is the HOCKEY Hall of Fame, not the NHL Hall of Fame. Larioniov’s accomplishments internationally and in the NHL should be considered as one. Additionally, his accomplishments off the ice (mentioned by Marek in this piece), only add to his resume. If he doesn’t get into the Hall this time around, then something is wrong.
