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Matthews vs. Laine: Evoking memories of the Frank Mahovlich – Bobby Hull rivalry of the late 1950s

Related Topics: Bobby Hull, Frank Mahovlich

In thinking today about two of the NHL’s most dynamic rookies—Toronto’s Auston Matthews and Winnipeg’s Patrik Laine (who match up in Toronto on Tuesday night)—I won’t be “comparing” them as such, but rather harkening back to why their talent and impact remind me a bit of the circumstances around two old-time NHL greats, Frank Mahovlich and Bobby Hull. My point of reference has to do with what Matthews and Laine are doing for their clubs and what Hull and Mahovlich did for theirs in turning those franchises around years ago.

Photo: NHLI via Getty Images

Everyone knows Matthews and Laine were selected one-two in the most recent NHL entry draft.