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Top 5 NHL Stories That Need to be Told on ESPN’s ’30 for 30′ Series

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By @powerplaywithcj

5 NHL Stories That Would Make Great 30 for 30 Films

Edmonton Oilers v Boston Bruins
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ESPN’s acclaimed “30 for 30” documentary series has shined light on some amazing sports stories. While the “Kings Ransom” on the Gretzky trade and “Big Shot” on disgraced Islanders owner John Spano were great, they took it to new heights with the tale of the Soviet hockey machine in “Of Miracles and Men”. These five stories should be considered for the next round of films.

5. Worst of the Wirtz

Chicago Blackhawks v Columbus Blue Jackets
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5. Worst of the Wirtz

Chicago Blackhawks v Columbus Blue Jackets
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Bill Wirtz was the worst owner in sports when he owned the Blackhawks. In 2007 he passed away and the team changed directions instantly. Led by then rookies Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews the Hawks revival began as they became the talk of the town in Chicago and a recognizable brand worldwide. The team surely wouldn’t have won the 2010 and 2013 Stanley Cups if Wirtz had been calling the shots.

4. Victims of their Own Success

PhilHousley
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4. Victims of their Own Success

PhilHousley
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Four years after the “Miracle on Ice”, the eyes of the world were on the US Olympic hockey team as they took the ice in Sarajevo. With poor coaching and some of the best American players such as Phil Housley and Tom Barrasso in the NHL, the team crashed and burned in the Olympics despite having what many consider to be a more talented team than the Herb Brooks led 1980 squad.

3. Gretzky's Follies

Los Angeles Kings former player Wayne Gretzky
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Gretzky's Follies

Los Angeles Kings former player Wayne Gretzky
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Despite being the NHL’s leader in pretty much every category Gretzky’s greatness never exactly translated off the ice. Being caught up in a gambling controversy as well as putting a dumpster fire of a team together for the Canadians at the 2006 Olympics go hand in hand with his atrocious coaching of the Arizona Coyotes in his four years behind the bench. Seeing Gretzky's shortcomings would be a reminder that we're all human, even the Great One.

2. Captain America

Chris Chelios #24
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2. Captain America

Chris Chelios #24
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Chris Chelios was playing in a rec league in San Diego when a chance encounter had him trying out for a junior team in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The rest as they say is history as Chelios played 25 years in the NHL and retired at the age of 48. "Cheli" also starred for Team USA internationally and wore the red, white, and blue with distinction at countless tournaments.

1. Not So Easy E

Lindros
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1. Not So Easy E

Lindros
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Eric Lindros was one of the most skilled hockey players of all time and was always a lightning rod for controversy from his junior hockey days to being the first overall pick in the draft and refusing to report to the Quebec Nordiques. Lindros’ antics at the 1991 Draft and the package the Nordiques received for the massive forward would be excellent focal points for a piece.

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