Hockey Hall Of Fame Autos - -

Jean Ratelle is a very overlooked HOFer.  Outside of the New York Rangers or Boston Bruins organizations, I really don't hear many hockey fans discuss Ratelle in their conversations about greats.  That's a shame because he should be right up there.

For two decades (1960-1981), Ratelle was one of the most respected players in the league that never had the fortune of playing on a Stanley Cup team. Despite playing on one of the most famous lines in the NHL (the G-A-G line or "Goal A Game) along with Rod Gilbert and Vic Hadfield.  How good were they?  In 1971, not only did Ratelle have 46 goals and 109 points but all three of them finished in the top-five in scoring.  But let's not forget the 1972 Summit Series, where Team Canada defeated the dreaded USSR team.  Ratelle scored four points in six games, earning the respect of not only his teammates, but the opponents as well.

Ratelle was involved in one of the biggest trades to date in NHL history during the 1975-76 season.  Ratelle, as well as Brad Park, were sent from the Rangers to Boston in exchange for Phil Esposito and Carol Vadnais.  Change of scenery, change of coaching style, and change on line mates didn't deter as Ratelle went on to hit at least 70-points in the next five straight years.  He was also a pivotal piece in helping Boston reach the Cup finals in both 1977 and 1978.  

Career line:  21 Seasons, 491 Goals, 1,267 Points (6th All-Time when he retired in 1980-81).

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