Detroit Red Wings: Top 10 toughest players of all-time
By Tyler Samson
3. Ted Lindsay
When anybody looks up the word “tough” in the dictionary, there should be a picture of Ted Lindsay next to the word. As a member of the “Production Line” that consisted of Sid Abel and Gordie Howe, it was hard for him not to find success. In 862 games with the Red Wings, Lindsay had 335 goals, 393 assists and 1,423 penalty minutes.
As the fifth-highest leader for penalty minutes for the Detroit Red Wings, there is no questioning Lindsay’s toughness. In fact, his toughness and skill irritated many opposing fans to the point one Toronto Maple Leafs fan threatened to shoot him during Game 3 of the 1952 Stanley Cup final.
After the Wings dismantled the Leafs for numerous years, Toronto fans hit a tipping point. In an attempt to throw Lindsay and Howe (the Red Wings best players at the time) off their games, a Leafs fan threatened to shoot them in game 3 of the 1952 Stanley Cup final. Well, that threat backfired because both Howe and Lindsay scored, ultimately leading to a Red Wings win.
After Lindsay heard about the death threat from the Leaf fan, he did not get scared. Rather he got very angry. And in return, Lindsay put on an impressive performance, which led to a Wings win, and he also got his revenge on the person who threatened him leading up to the game. Without question, this shows the grit of “Terrible” Ted Lindsay.
In an era where players did not wear helmets, Lindsay embodied what it meant to be tough. His Hall of Fame career is one of great stories and moments.