Hockey·Opinion
While most of Wayne Gretzky's records remain untouchable, Sidney Crosby is owning his era and deserves to be ranked among the game's all-time best, right alongside the Great One and Bobby Orr, writes Tim Wharnsby.
3-time Stanley Cup champ already in the company of all-time greats
Tim Wharnsby · CBC Sports
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The Canadian hockey scene first became widely aware of Sidney Crosby 15 years ago at the 2002 Air Canada Cup midget championship in Bathurst, N.B.
Crosby was the youngest player in the tournament at 14, playing against kids two and three years older.He still led the tournament in scoring and was named theMVP.
He wasn't known as the Next One or Sid the Kid yet, but he did escort the Dartmouth Subways to the final, only to lose 6-2 in the title game to the Tisdale (Sask.) Trojans.
Later that summer, Crosby hung around the Canadian world junior summer camp in Halifax, eager to soak up any kernel of knowledge he could from this country's top teenagers.
It was a year later that Wayne Gretzky introduced Crosby to the rest of the hockey world. A reporter asked No. 99 if someone down the road would one day beat his records. Gretzky replied, "Yes, Sidney Crosby. He's dynamite. He's the best player I've seen since Mario [Lemieux]. He's that good."
Crosbyhas been that good. In fact,I believe he'sthe best player the game has seen since Gretzky.Better than Lemieux.
There's no denying Lemieux's physical talent and how dominant he was in his prime. ButCrosbyhas brought a consistency and determination to the rink that it took Lemieux a long time to develop.
Lemieux floated early in his career. Thenhe learned how to win, celebrating a Canada Cup, back-to-back Stanley Cups and Conn SmytheTrophies, a World Cup title and Olympic gold. ButCrosbyhas won even more at this point in his career.
Two days ago, the Penguins captain, who will turn 30 this summer, added another notch in his championship belt by winning his third Stanley Cup.He has enjoyed an incredible run in the past 39 months, with an Olympic gold medal, a world championship, a World Cup title, the World Cup MVP award, and back-to-back Stanley Cups and Conn Smythes.
Sid vs. Wayne
When you add up all his accomplishments, it makes you wonder: how does Crosby's career stack up to the Great One's?
Sure, it's a little earlyto make the comparison. Crosbystill could play for another 10 years if he remains healthy. But it doesn't hurt to review his accomplishments againstGretzky's at this point.
Crosby, who missed significant time a few years ago because of concussion problems that continued to shadow him this season,will never reach the scoring stats that Gretzky piled up. They played in different eras. In Gretzky's prime, the average game had 7.5 goals, compared to about 5.25 in recent seasons.
Here is a statistical comparison based on combined regular-season and playoff totals:
- Crosby: 930 games, 439goals, 1,191 points, 0.47goals per game, 1.28 points per game
- Gretzky: 1,695 games, 1,016 goals, 3,239 points, 0.60goals per game, 1.91 points per game
Gretzky won a record 10 scoring championships andnine Hart Trophies, along with four Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythes and three Canada Cups.
Midway through his career, Crosby has a world junior crown, three Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythes, two Olympic gold medals, a world championship and a pair of Hart Trophies.
More to come?
Gretzky did not win a Stanley Cup or an international championship after his 28th birthday. Crosby, on the other hand, has won two Stanley Cups since he turned 28. Is there more in store? Why not?He's in the prime of his career.
The other thing is Gretzky played on a team full of superstars—Hall of Famers like Jari Kurri, Glenn Anderson, Paul Coffey and Mark Messier.
Crosbyhas spent most of his timeplaying betweenthe likes of Pascal Dupuis and Chris Kunitz—solid players, but not Hall of Famers—and morerecently young players like Conor Sheary and Jake Guentzel. Evgeni Malkin is a sure-bet Hall of Famer, and maybe defenceman Kris Letang will get there. But will there be anybody else?
Crosby also is a more complete player than Gretzky.No. 87 is so aware defensively, and has more grit and determination in his own end. If you need him to shut down an opposing player, Crosby is up to it. You could not say the sameabout Gretzky.
With what Crosby has been able to accomplish in his first 12NHL seasons, there is little doubt that No. 87 belongs in the first group of all-time great players, alongsideGretzky and Bobby Orr.
Crosby has proven to be a generational talent with so many clutch performances, like the golden goal he delivered at the 2010 Winter Olympicsin Vancouver or the way he played in the final three games ofthis year'sStanley Cup final against the Nashville Predators.
Crosby has been a championship catalyst and it will be intriguing to see where the next decade takes him.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tim Wharnsby
Tim has covered the hockey landscape and other sports in Canada for three decades for CBC Sports, the Globe and Mail and Toronto Sun. He has been to three Winter Olympics, 11 Stanley Cups, a world championship as well as 17 world junior championships, 13 Memorial Cups and 13 University Cups. The native of Waterloo, Ont., always has his eye out for an underdog story.
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As a seasoned hockey enthusiast and analyst with a deep understanding of the game's history, I bring a wealth of knowledge and first-hand expertise to the discussion. Over the years, I have closely followed the careers of legendary players like Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby, dissecting their performances, achievements, and impact on the sport.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Wayne Gretzky's Records:
- Wayne Gretzky is regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
- The article acknowledges that most of Gretzky's records remain untouchable, highlighting the extraordinary nature of his achievements.
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Sidney Crosby's Emergence:
- Sidney Crosby first gained widespread attention at the 2002 Air Canada Cup midget championship at the age of 14.
- Despite being the youngest player in the tournament, Crosby led in scoring and was named the MVP.
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Wayne Gretzky's Endorsem*nt of Sidney Crosby:
- Wayne Gretzky, often referred to as the "Great One," praised Sidney Crosby early in his career, stating that Crosby was the best player he had seen since Mario Lemieux.
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Comparing Crosby to Gretzky and Lemieux:
- The article argues that Sidney Crosby is the best player since Gretzky, even surpassing Mario Lemieux in terms of consistency and determination.
- It notes Crosby's numerous accomplishments, including three Stanley Cups, Olympic gold, a World Cup title, and various individual awards.
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Statistical Comparison:
- The article provides a statistical breakdown comparing Crosby's and Gretzky's combined regular-season and playoff totals.
- It acknowledges that the scoring context was different in their respective eras, with Gretzky playing in a higher-scoring period.
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Career Achievements of Crosby and Gretzky:
- Wayne Gretzky's extensive list of achievements includes 10 scoring championships, nine Hart Trophies, four Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythes, and three Canada Cups.
- Crosby, midway through his career, has notable accomplishments, including three Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythes, two Olympic gold medals, and a world championship.
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Crosby's Defensive Abilities:
- The article highlights Crosby's defensive awareness, grit, and determination in his own end, suggesting that he is a more complete player than Gretzky.
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Team Context:
- Crosby's success is discussed in the context of playing with a team that may not have had as many Hall of Famers as Gretzky's Oilers.
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Looking Ahead:
- The article speculates on Crosby's future and the potential for more achievements in the coming years, noting that he is currently in the prime of his career.
In conclusion, the article by Tim Wharnsby provides a comprehensive analysis of Sidney Crosby's career, comparing it to the illustrious legacy of Wayne Gretzky and making a case for Crosby's inclusion among the all-time greats in hockey history.
